In an effort to bring content that my readers can learn and grow from I’m starting a new series that I’m adding to monthly. I want to encourage all of you reading to at least attempt to try healing yourself without the aid of chemicals. I am not a health practitioner, and life threatening conditions should still be consulted with your physicians. What I hope to do, is introduce tangible and realistic ways to adopt nature into your home and hearts. So read below to discover 5 all natural ways to cure the common cold.

Apple Cider Vinegar (AVC)

Apple Cider Vinegar is a staple in my home from everything to cleaning and tenderizing food all the way to creating homemade face mask. This stuff is gold in a bottle. Two tablespoons of AVC in your water or tea in the morning creates a barrier that blocks mucus causing bacteria. Mucus build up is the cornerstone of the cold virus. If you already have a cold, taking a shot of AVC will give you some instant relief. Jam packed with proteins, enzymes, amino acids, and antioxidants, it’s no wonder this stuff can feel like a miracle in a bottle. While AVC alone is not a cure all, it is a great weapon to have when trying to overcome a sore throat and a stuffy nose. Be mindful that this stuff smells and taste very strong. It is best to take alongside or in your water.

Ginger/Lemon/Cayenne/Honey Tea

This remedy gives you four tips for the price of one. This combination is a personal favorite of mine when trying to ditch a cold. Lemon is known for its vitamin C and is an effective way to fight off all the yucky germs of having a cold. Ginger is also packed with antioxidants that can boost your immune system, coupled with the cayenne pepper, this trio will build your immune system, boost your metabolism, and increase blood circulation. All three functions will help your body recover faster and flush out all the bacteria that are causing your sickness. Keep in mind you only need a pinch of cayenne, it’s very strong. Since this remedy can taste a little bitter, adding honey will make it easier to take down, but don’t underestimate the healing powers of the honeybee. Honey can serve as both a cough suppressant and a sleep aid.

Water

Often times when we are sick we use the phrase “Drink plenty of fluids.” Many of us go out and purchase Gatorade, Orange Juice, or anything marketed to replace electrolytes. Both are full of sugar and can exasperate a cold. Drinking plenty of water during a cold aids the removal of bacteria from your system. Adding a little sea salt to warm water will flush impurities from your body. It may also send you running to the bathroom so beware. Steam (water in gas form) can assist in clearing stuffy sinuses. A hot shower or boiling a pot of water and then using a towel to create a steam box for your face will relieve some of the pressure sinus inflammation may cause.

NO Sugar

As noted in the paragraph above sugar is not your friend when you’re sick with a cold. Particularly white sugar. Sugar feeds the mucus membrane that causes the common cold (the thick yellowish green stuff we cough up sometimes). Dairy products can also cause mucus build up, so be mindful to avoid these products as well.

Sweat it Out

Sweating is an optimal way to remove toxins from your body and skin. While working out or sitting in a sauna may be best, muscle fatigue caused during a cold will often leave us too tired to do anything. There are two ways I help myself sweat during a cold. First, make a bath as hot as your skin will allow and sit in it for as for as long as you can. Adding two cups of Epsom salt will aid in drawing out toxins and give you baby soft skin. My second method involves dressing in 2-3 layers of clothing, cranking up the heat, and staying wrapped in your blankets. If you use this method, I would suggest removing and washing your sweaty clothes, as well as taking a luke-warm shower to rinse off any residue left on your skin. If you can tolerate it, a cold shower is best because it will snap your pores shut and keep the remaining bacteria from seeping back in.

Things to Consider

Be mindful of food allergies before preparing any of these remedies for a loved one. Honey is not recommended for children under one year's old, as stated before, you should always consult a medical physician in the event your symptoms are too severe. These tips are provided as an alternative to chemically filled medicines we are used to taking. Results may vary from person to person.

Peace & Blessings,