Natural Cold Remedies

Winter is here and along with the chill in the air, the magical white blanket of fresh snow, and the sparkling lights on homes comes the dark horse of the winter season: the runny noses and scratchy throats!

For a number of years, I have been on the search for natural remedies for natures attacks like the cold, and I have decided to include a few recipes for others who might be looking for a Nyquill-free way to cure themselves of the simple cold.

Please remember, however, that holistic medicine is not safer, by any means, than over-the-counter medication. Herbs and oils chemically react with your body and can cause allergic reactions or can even interact with medication that you already take. Some herbs also cannot be taken with each other because of their reaction together. Just because it grows naturally does not mean that it is fair game. Please, before trying any of these recipes, carefully look at each ingredient and make sure that you have no allergies to any of them, and if you are taking any medication, make sure that the herb in the recipe does not interact negatively with your medication. Pregnant woman should ALWAYS consult a doctor before ever taking herbal medications as well. Treat holistic medicine the same way you would treat other medication.

Ginger Tea

Ingredients:
1 Bulb of ginger
1-2 Litres of water
4 tbsp of sugar

The above is the basic starting point: you can adjust quantities accordingly.

Equipment:
1 Hob/Stove
1 Large saucepan
1 Bowl
1 Grater
1 Tablespoon
1 Mug of personal choice

1. Put water into the saucepan and bring to the boil.
2. Wash the ginger and grate it over the bowl.
3. Add the grated ginger and the yellow 'water' from the ginger to the boiling water.
4. Leave to boil until the water turns yellow.
5. Turn off the heat and leave the ginger to settle at the bottom of the saucepan.
6. After 10-20 minutes, carefully pour the water into the mug. The ginger should not leave the bottom of the saucepan.
7. Making sure that the water is cool enough to drink, taste to find out the strength of the ginger. Water it down as required.
8. To make the drink more syrupy, add sugar. Add lemon if desired.

Herbs that boost your immune system:

-freeze dried nettle supplements- They can be find at most natural food stores in the pharmacy section. I take 1 to 3 nettle tablets when I am starting to feel the beginnings of a cold and it usually knocks it right out before it hits. Nettles are my best friend during this season.

-milk thistle- milk thistle naturally cleanses the liver of toxins but it can also cause some serious stomach cramps (and gas) if taken in access. Do not buy milk thistle and steep in a tea since that is bound for disaster (I speak from experience!) Your best bet with milk thistle is to buy it in tablets and take as a pill.

No More Vicks

A good way to clear out the sinuses is to take a pot of boiling water and put a few drops of essential eucalyptus oil in it, throw a towel over your head and lean over the pot. Breathe in the steam and let it flow through your lungs and sinuses. Eucalyptus is the same minty ingredient that is in a cough drop.

The Most Important Ingredient

Water. Whenever you are starting to feel sick, water is the best cure possible. Drink plenty of water and flush the cold right out of your body before it even takes hold. Your kidneys filter toxins out of your blood and lets the toxins out as waste through urine so drinking water really does help!