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NOURISH: 3 Natural Ways To Beat A Cold!

2.24-RSG-Blog-3 Natural Ways to Beat A Cold.jpg

NOURISH:  3 Natural Ways To Beat A Cold!

 

Well, despite the fact that I was running from it as fast as I could, I caught the dreaded cold that everyone has or had...some people I know are actually on their third round.

 

You know what I’m talking about…it first starts as the sniffles (I knew I shouldn’t have done yoga with the cat….) and then the headache, stuffiness and crankiness.

 

“WHY are you breathing so loud?”

 

No respectful words can describe the look I give to my partner.

 

Then comes the full on runny nose and congestion.  This is truly my version of hell.  Not only is it embarrassing to walk around with Kleenex up my sleeve but I’m basically Patient O.

 

“Mom, please don’t sit there…I’ll bring you some hot tea when you GO BACK TO YOUR OWN ROOM!”

 

Are you feeling the love in my house?...

 

I’ve found that using over-the-counter cold medicine’s side effects are usually worse than the cold itself.  Any alcohol-based or antihistamines drugs usually cause my digestive systems to revolt and I hate waking up several days later not knowing where or who I am.

 

And, let’s face it…most of us don’t have time to be down…even for a day!    After all, it’s not like I have the “Man-Flu!  (For those of you who live with males, you know exactly what I’m referring to…)

 

So, this last time, armed with new knowledge of natural remedies, I attacked this nasty bug with everything I learned.  I instantly started to feel better and was able to learn how to put my first Newsletter together.  (Stay tuned…)

 

I got back on track within two days!  Here are my three natural weapons to attack a cold:

 

#Weapon 1 - Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

 

So much has been written about this miracle natural remedy.  It’s anti-glycemic and can help with blood sugar and diabetes control.  It’s also known to be full of probiotics and other beneficial bacteria, which will support your immune function. 

 

But the most important feature, especially, when you’re all stuffed up, is that ACV contains potassium (this thins the mucus) and acetic acid. (This prevents germ growth which is most likely contributing to your nasal congestion.)  Boil some water and put a teaspoon of ACV in and drink it like a tea. 

 

ACV also helps with that sore throat.  Most germs can’t survive in the acidic environment it creates.  Mix ¼ cup of ACV with ¼ cup of warm water, gargle every hour and you’ll notice results right away.  

 

For the dreaded cough, you can make your own natural cough syrup by mixing ground ginger, cayenne pepper, and honey with ACV.  This will also clear congestion as well as reduce your cough naturally.

 

Make sure that you use the unfiltered kind…here’s what I use - http://bragg.com/products/bragg-organic-apple-cider-vinegar.html.  I order mine from Amazon and you can easily find unfiltered ACV in most grocery stores.

 

#Weapon 2 – Essential Oils

 

Last year, I was introduced to Doterra (www.doterra.com).   I’ve always heard about essential oils but never really used them except in my bath.  Now, I take them internally or put a couple of drops in a diffuser.  I never realized that this natural remedy could be so effective, especially when I’m not feeling good. 

 

Here’s what I used:  

 

Breathe - Breathe is a Doterra blend of essential oils including Laurel Leaf, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca (aka Tree Tea), Lemon, Cardamom, Ravintsara, and Ravensara.  I put a drop or two on my hands, rub then together and cup my hands to cover my nasal passages…then, I take a deep breathe in.   I also rub a little bit on my nostrils as well as on the side of my nose, just for good measure.  If you’re really congested, you can also rub it on your neck and chest.  This works fast and clears you up almost instantly!  You can also use Breathe in the bath or diffuser.  If your skin is sensitive, be sure to dilute the oil with a carrier oil/lotion. 

 

On Guard – is also a Doterra blend of essential oils consisting of Wild Orange Peel, Clove Bud, Cinnamon Bark/Leaf, Eucalyptus Leaf, and Rosemary Leaf/Flower.   These oils are known for their positive effects on the immune system.  I take this internally with a glass of water and I feel my body getting stronger by the minute.

 

Oregano - is one of the most potent and powerful essential oils and has been used for centuries in traditional health practices for its cleansing and immune-boosting properties.  Caution should be taken when inhaling or diffusing Oregano; only one to two drops is needed.  I put a drop in a glass of water along with my OnGuard.

 

Of course, you don’t have to use this brand exclusively.  You can very easily go to the health store that sells these essential oils and actually mix up a custom blend of your own.  Just make sure to ask the expert on staff…sometimes, oils may not blend as well together or if you have certain allergies, they may be able to suggest some alternatives for you. 

 

One important thing to remember is to make sure that the oils you use are pure 100% essential oils, especially if you’re taking them internally.  I used to buy my oils thru Amazon.   I did some Internet research and I learned that many manufacturers put in unnatural fillers!    Yuck!  Doterra (https://doterra.com/US/en) and Young Living (https://www.youngliving.com) are the most reputable pure Essential Oil sources

 

 

 

#Weapon 3 – Bone Broth

 

Ok…hopefully, you’re now less congested and your throat is less sore.  Now, let’s work on getting rid of this nasty bug and make it stay away. 

 

When I’m sick, I usually will sip as much Bone Broth as I can and again, I usually start feeling better by the afternoon.  I’ve added this to my daily routine just to build up my immune system.

 

Bone broths have been known to promote healing in several ways, mainly by fighting off infections from viruses that cause the flu and colds.   There’s scientific support that chicken soup can help you with the common cold.  Chicken contains a natural amino acid called cysteine, which can thin the mucus in your lungs and make it less sticky so you can expel it more easily.  Bone broth is also a highly nutrient-dense food.  It is rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

 

Bone broths are extremely inexpensive and easy to prepare.  They can be made from the bones of healthy animals such as beef, bison, lamb, poultry or fish.   Many ethnic food stores will sell the bones alone for very cheaply.  There are some really great recipes to make your own…just plug in “Bone Broth Recipes” in your search engine and several recipes will come up. 

 

Now I wish I could tell you that I am a domestic goddess and I make a batch every week.  But, I don’t.  Sometimes, I juggle so much, I forget what I’m juggling…but that’s another blog post.   For those of you in my shoes, you can also buy really good Bone Broth.  Any health food store will have them or you can also order online.  I use the brand, Osso Good (https://www.ossogoodbones.com).

 

For me, bone broth is an acquired taste.  If you’re just starting, try diluting ½ cup with hot water.  Pretty soon, you’ll get used to the taste and then you’ll start to crave it.

 

My partner recently got my cold.  I quickly gave him these three natural remedies. 

 

“Hey, I feel much better now.  I must have had just a normal cold instead of my “Man Flu…”

 

Between you and me, I think this would work for the Man Flu too.  I hope you feel better soon…let me know how this works for you!

 

If you liked this article and want more, I’d love to include you in my Email List.  I promise not to bombard you.  I send out monthly newsletters with helpful articles & invites that may help alleviate your frustrations with Health, Life Balance, Career, Purposes & Relationships.   I think this information would be useful and valuable and it's at no cost to you!  Sign up here… http://ready-set-go.me 

 

 


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