Kicking Colds Naturally

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Natural Cold Remedies, Food is Medicine, Vitamin D, Ginger, Wellness

The end of summer signals the start of the back to school season aka cold season! It seems like 9 of 10 kids that walk by during the fall and winter months have runny noses. Staying healthy as a family can be tough once one member comes down with something, it tends to spread like wildfire. Let me start out by saying there isn’t a 100% proven remedy or medicine for curing a cold. But, there are a few things we do to stay healthy during this time of year, and a few things we take to help kick a cold as fast as possible if we feel one coming on.

The most important thing you can do to stay healthy is to get good rest, stay hydrated, maintain a healthy plant-based diet, limit consumption of overly processed foods and high sugary foods and stay active! But even when we do all of those things, we can still catch a cold. Below are my go-to sources for kicking colds naturally

(Please note- not all of these remedies are kid friendly, some are just for adults!)

[ Don’t forget to scroll down to see 2 of my go-to cold fighting recipes below]

Ginger- Bring on that internal heat! Ginger is a naturally warming food, that creates heat and energy within your body, while increasing blood flow and improving overall body functions. It is one of the oldest medicinal foods and naturally helps our body fight infection, nausea, inflammation, improve digestion and even lower cholesterol.

How to consume it- Peel and add to sauces, salad dressings, both hot and iced tea, stir fry dishes, tonics, smoothies or consume it in pill form. See below for two drink recipes

Vitamin D- Stay active, and get outdoors. Keeping your Vitamin D levels up can do a world of good for your health. If you feel a cold coming on you can add some extra Vitamin D3 into your diet by taking some supplements. I also love this post by Darin Olien of “Superlife” that dives into the benefits of exposing ourselves to sunlight– and touches on when we should or shouldn’t be applying sunscreen.

How to consume it- Naturally via the sun, liquid drops, vitamins.

*Kid friendly

ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar)- Is a powerful and alkalinizing food that helps combat the acidic state our bodies go into when a cold virus sneaks in. It helps curb symptoms and helps fight the virus itself.

How to use/consume it- You can take a few teaspoons straight, gargle with some water, add to a small glass of water or incorporate it in a wellness “shot” or tonic (see recipes below). Repeat 2-3 times daily until you feel symptoms dissipate.

Essential Oils- Eucalyptus, Peppermint/ Oil of Oregeno- These oils are a combination of natural antiviral, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. They also work together to prohibit the virus from keeping a hold on the body and help open nasal passages for relief of stuffiness. * It is not advised for those with liver disease to use Eucalyptus oil.

How to use it-You can massage a few drops of each into your feet with barrier oil, (I use coconut oil). Breathe in via oil diffuser by adding a few drops of each to your oil diffuser(s) and keep it going around the house- daytime and while you sleep! You can also use the oils to do a steam in the bathroom, over a bowl of hot water or add to a warm bath for the little ones. Shower method- add a few drops of oils to the tub of the shower or add to a bowl and cover your head with a fowl and breath in steam deeply for about 10 minutes.

*Kid friendly

Garlic- Contains compounds that help fight off viruses and boost your immune system. Specifically alliin and allicin that have been shown to boost the disease-fighting response of some types of white blood cells in the body when they encounter viruses, such as the viruses that cause the common cold or flu. It is best to consume uncooked garlic when looking to reap the benefits from these compounds because when it is cooked it these nutrients begin to deactivate.

How to consume it- I take small clove, lightly crush and swallow whole with some water. You can do this 1-2 times a day when you feel a cold coming on.

Vitamin C- is one of the most well known vitamin for fighting off colds. It is a powerful antioxidant and a great immune system booster! When I feel a cold coming on I try to incorporate as many forms of raw Vitamin C as possible and even keep these on hand for some extra help.

How to consume it- Eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies, make a green smoothie, a Wellness Shot or my Tangy Orange & Ginger Smoothie. Or you can grab my favorite RAW Vitamin C capsules.

*Kid friendly

Tangy Orange & Ginger Smoothie

1 cup water

Handful of ice (about 6-8 cubes)

1 medium hunk of fresh ginger- peeled

1 Tablespoon ground turmeric

1 lemon- juice

1 large orange- peeled ( I used a Cara Cara orange)

option to top with Cayenne Pepper

Directions:

Place all ingredients in high powered blender and blend on the highest setting for about 60 seconds. You want to make sure the ginger is completely broken down!
*Please note: This smoothie recipe has a very bold flavor, it’s bright, sparky and refreshing, but if you’re not familiar with these ingredients, it might take a few sips to get used to!

Ginger Wellness Shot

Large chunk peeled ginger

Juice of 1 lemon

1/2 teaspoon ACV

Add ingredients to small handheld high powered blender and blend on high until ginger is broken down. Strain and add in a few dashes of turmeric and a pinch of cayenne, mix until dissolved –> Shoot! #bottomsup

Disclaimer- These are just the personal suggestions from a mom, who has used them to help fight colds in my house. I am not a doctor and do not recommend using the above as a replacement for medical advice! If you are concerned about your health and wellness, you should contact your medical professional.

[Sources: Healthline.com-How Garlic Fights Colds and The Flu | Wellness Mama- Natural Remedies for Illness | Natural News- 10 easy, natural remedies for conquering the common cold | Superlife.com- When You Should Wear Sunscreen]

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Cuckoo Kitch'n

Delicious, nutritious food for the whole family.

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