Natural Remedies for Cold & Flu

Only halfway through the winter months still leaves us in the thick of cold & flu season. And if you live in Michigan or anywhere like it the weather is not helping. We are experiencing negative twenty degrees one day, then swing to forties and rain, to ice storms, then back to more snow. These extreme swings in the weather aren't helping matters any, for sure. Despite what may or may not be happening with the weather or your surroundings, we all can be susceptible. To battle this we have some great natural remedies that can help boost the body's amazing natural immune system. Even once an illness has started there are things you can do to get your wellness back on track, help shorten the duration and get you feeling better faster.

SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES WITH THINGS YOU PROBABLY HAVE ON HAND

Sick and/or Sore Throat - Mix 2 tablespoons of honey (raw local honey is best), 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (I prefer Bragg's. Whichever you choose, purchase organic with the mother in it), 2 tablespoons of fresh squeezed lemon, and a dash of cinnamon. Mix with hot water and drink as a tea.

Sore Throat Salt Gargle - 1 tsp of salt (I prefer Pink Himalayan), grated ginger, 1 tsp of honey mixed in 1 cup of warm water.

Strep Throat - 4 cloves of garlic minced, 1-4 tablespoons of honey (raw local is best), and 1/8-1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper. Stir ingredients together in a small bowl. Take about 1/2 teaspoon every half hour or as desired. Be sure to let mixture sit on the back of the throat for a few minuets, do not wash down with liquid.

Cough - 2 thick slices of fresh pineapple with peel removed, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1/2 teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper (omit or reduce for children), about 1/2 inch piece of ginger peeled and chopped, and the juice of 1 lemon. Blend everything in a blender or food processor until smooth. Keep in the refrigerator and take as needed.

GREAT PRODUCTS TO HAVE ON HAND DURING COLD & FLU SEASON

Fire Cider is amazing for boosting your inner fire and warding off seasonal chills. I would highly recommend taking daily as a preventative during the cold & flu season. This fire cider recipe contains raw ACV (apple cider vinegar) infused with powerful immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and decongestant movers. It does take about a month to mature so I recommend starting a batch at the end of summer so you are ready in the fall when cold and flu season usually begins.

I recommend taking 1-2 tablespoons throughout fall and winter as a preventative measure, or every 3 to 4 hours if symptoms are present.

Recipe:

1/2 cup freshly peeled, diced or grated ginger root

1/2 cup peeled and grated horseradish root

1/4 cup garlic chopped

1/2 cup white onion chopped

1/2 cup peeled and diced turmeric

2 to 4 cayenne peppers

zest and juice from 2 lemons

ACV (apple cider vinegar). Enough to cover all ingredients by at least 2 inches honey to taste. I prefer