Natural Cold Remedies

See that pretty girl with the tissues in the picture above? That’s just not reality in my house when I’m sick. I don’t do sick “pretty” over here. My sick “style” is more like no makeup, greasy bed-head hair, red, stuffy nose and days-old pajamas starting to wreak of B.O. Sorry for the vivid description, but I’m just being real, folks.

Natural remedies can be very soothing during cold and flu season. Whether you’re looking to boost your immune system, lessen the duration or intensity of a cold, or relieve the symptoms, natural remedies can be very helpful.

Some of my go-to remedies when sore throats and stuffy noses start at my house are homemade bone broth, homemade elderberry syrup, umcka, zinc lozenges (with food or after eating), Vitamin C, oregano oil (I use capsule form), and hot, soothing teas .

Another favorite remedy of mine is using peppermint essential oil. I make a roll-on with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and about 20-30 drops of peppermint. I use it under the nose and on the neck to open up a stuffy nose. I also make a steam bath by putting a few drops of peppermint EO in a pot of water on the stove, bring it to a simmer, then breathe in the vapors with a towel over my head. It’s great for opening up congested sinuses.

Here’s a great article by Chris Kresser called How to Prevent Colds and Flus Naturally and another helpful article by Dr. Josh Axe called Natural Head Cold Remedies for FAST Relief.

As ALWAYS, this post is for informational purposes and not intended to diagnose, treat, or substitute the advice of a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or healthcare provider before trying ANY remedy, especially if you are pregnant or nursing. You are responsible for your own health and any remedies, treatments, or medications you use at home.

• Instant Pot Cough Syrup {with fresh thyme, ginger, & lemon} (Traditional Cooking School by GNOWFGLINS)

• Lemon, Ginger & Honey (Simple Green Smoothies)

• Soothing Elixir to Boost Immunity (The Paleo Mama – I would use organic herbal tea in place of recommended tea.)

• Homemade Cough and Cold Syrup (Primally Inspired)

• Homemade Elderberry Syrup (Wellness Mama)

• Immune-Boosting Elderberry Herbal Tea (Wellness Mama)

• Homemade Herbal Cough Syrup (Wellness Mama)

• Homemade Cough Drops (The Frugal Farm Wife)

• Nature’s Flu Shot (Yuri Elkaim)

• Throat-Soothing Chamomile Ginger Popsicles with Lemon and Honey (Port and Fin)

• Miracle Slushie Sore Throat Remedy (The Kitchen Girl)

• Honey-Infused Garlic (Don’t Waste the Crumbs)

• Homemade Vapor Rub (Live Simply – not suitable for children)

• Homemade Peppermint Throat Soothers (The Frugal Farm Wife)

• Instant Pot Cough Syrup (Traditional Cooking School  by Gnowfglins)