Natural Cold Remedies

 


Over the past month my family have “shared” a cold from one member to the next. Thankfully nothing severe, just a bit of a runny nose here and a little cough there, but enough to feel the need for some natural remedy to help recover.

I tend to avoid medication if possible, instead treating symptoms with natural remedies. I thought I’d share a few of my go to natural cold remedies.

Lemon, Honey and Ginger Tea

Yes you can simply get yourself a box of Herbal Tea in Lemon, Honey and Ginger flavor – but it’s just as easy to make yourself. I found that a cup of this miracle tea cleared my coldy head in an instant and soothed my sore throat.

Simply combine together in your favorite mug – a quarter of a lemon, chopped, two thirds of a teaspoon of honey (preferably organic) and a pinch of ginger – how big a pinch is up to you, at the peak of my cold I could cope with a generous pinch, but when my tastes were a little more sensitive it was a tiny pinch that was best. Pour over boiling water and allow to “brew” for 5 minutes, then remove the lemon slices and sip slowly, enjoying the invigorating sensation.

Peppers (Capsicum)

It may come as a surprise to you – Peppers have one of the highest Vitamin C Content of any fruit/vegetable. Yes, much, much higher than the most recognized Vitamin C Source – Oranges. Of course you can enjoy oranges too for vitamin C content, but if it’s Vitamin C quantity you’re after, then Peppers is a perfect solution.

We love red peppers in our house, so I simply sliced up a red pepper and served it with a little plain natural yoghurt for dipping. Which brings me to my next Natural Cold Remedy…

Plain Natural Yoghurt

Dairy is usually a no-go food when you’re suffering from the common cold, because it can be phlegm producing. Plain Natural Yoghurt is packed with healthy bacteria, just what your body needs when it’s fighting infection. I like to sweeten my Plain Natural Yoghurt with some chopped fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup – the rest of the family loves it this way too.

For a little bit of fun, sometimes I like to serve the kids their plain natural yoghurt in a Muffin Tin Meal. Below I served it with some Kiwi Fruit (another high Vitamin C food), Red Pepper and Strawberries. They love to dip their fruit in the yoghurt.

Chicken Soup
 
I believe a bowl of homemade Chicken Soup is a miracle cure for colds, and most illness at that. It’s simply nourishing food with amazing healing properties, it’s not a wonder Chicken Soup is known as “Jewish Penicillin”! A bowl of Homemade Chicken Soup is soothing, nourishing and comforting when you need it most.
 
I find it difficult to share the “perfect” Chicken Soup recipe because I cook it different every time! I always use homemade stock, (which I always have on hand in the freezer) carrots and onions – the rest just depends on what I have available – sometimes I use chicken wings, sometimes thighs, sometimes I add a little coconut milk if I’m after something a little bit different. I don’t believe there’s a right or wrong way to make chicken soup – all comes down to taste. (and what ingredients you have on hand!)

Those are my tried and tested Natural Cold Remedies that help my family. I’d love to hear from you – please share your natural cold remedies. 

Disclaimer – this post should not be treated as medical advice. It is meant for informational purposes only – please consult with your health professional if you have any concerns for the health of you or your family. Thank you. 

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