Are you suffering from colds or cough or are you feeling under the weather? Instead of taking antibiotics right away, you may want to try natural remedies for cold and fever first to see if they make you feel any better.
An ounce of prevention is definitely better than a pound of cure, but catch our fair share of nasty viruses is oftentimes inevitable, especially during flu season. Some of us have higher tolerance to disease-causing microorganisms and have stronger immune systems than others, but not all of us are as lucky. A bout of colds or cough, no matter how light, can still disrupt your everyday routine.
Medicine is a good way to get rid of the symptoms of colds and fever, but it’s even better when you discover new remedies that are all-natural, fast and effective. Here are some natural remedies that you may want to try when you catch a cold or develop a fever.
Supplements You Can Take
Antioxidants and other nutrients in the form of supplements can be very helpful in making you feel better. While they do not directly destroy viruses that cause your illness, they do improve the way your body reacts to the virus. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and reduce cellular damage, making it easier for you to bounce back from feeling unwell. Some supplements you can try include:
#1 Fermented Cod Liver Oil
Abbreviated and often called FCLO, Fermented cod liver oil is a powerful immune boosting supplement, but is often overlooked. Taking a double or triple dose can help keep your body strong especially when you need extra support, since the omega 3, vitamin A and D work well to improve overall health.
#2 Vitamin C
Vitamin C is touted as an antioxidant powerhouse. Ask anybody and they’ll recommend a glass of orange or orange juice to help you feel better. If not, you can take vitamin C in supplement form. It’s good to get the vitamin from real food, because you also get co-factors that make the vitamin more effective. For synthetic vitamin C, it’s good to take it in the form of sodium ascorbate instead of ascorbic acid since it is easier to absorb by the body. You can also get your Vitamin C from a natural source such as elderberry or acerola.
#3 Vitamin D
Vitamin D has been shown to reduce the symptoms of flu or stomach problems. If you take FCLO, then you probably don’t need to take a separate Vitamin D3 supplement on a daily basis. However, it’s good to keep a bottle of 2000 IU Vit D3 on hand whenever you start feeling a fever or sore throat coming on.
Food In Your Kitchen
Aside from taking supplements, you can also turn to food in your kitchen to help you feel better. Here are some of the best foods that you can use from your kitchen:
#1 Garlic
Garlic is highly effective in fighting colds and fever because it contains natural anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and antibiotic properties. In order to get the best effects from garlic, you can grab two cloves of garlic and mince it finely. Drop it in a glass of water and drink it up. Eat foods with cooked garlic as well. You will definitely feel better in no time.
#2 Ginger
Drinking ginger tea, eating ginger or ingesting capsule supplements will help you counter the symptoms of colds, fever, headache and the flu. Ginger contains the compound gingerols, which relaxes the pathways of your lungs making you cough less. Ginger also helps fight off the stuffiness of the nose, so you will feel less uncomfortable as you go through the healing process. You can make ginger tea by grating the vegetable and boiling it with water. Add a little lemon and honey if you do not like the taste of the drink. If you are feeling brave, take a slice of peeled ginger and chew it slightly. Keep it in your mouth for ten minutes or more.
#3 Hot Liquids
Sipping or drinking hot liquids – especially herbal teas or even chicken noodle soup – helps you fight off some symptoms like stuffy nose and dry throat. Drinking hot herbal teas coupled with some lemon the moment you feel that you’re coming down with a cold enables your body to heal faster, especially if you have mixed herbs such as oregano. Get a bowl of chicken noodle soup and sprinkle it generously with garlic in order to combine comfort food with germ-fighting ingredients.
Honey
Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and can soothe a sore throat. Add it to your tea, or take it straight.
Saltwater gargle
Gargling with salt water can soothe a sore throat and help to reduce inflammation. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds.
Echinacea
Echinacea is an herb that is believed to boost the immune system and reduce the severity of cold symptoms. Take echinacea supplements or drink echinacea tea.
What Else To Do
If your nose is feeling extra stuffy when you’re trying to rest, place an extra pillow under your head as you lie down. This will help your nasal passages drain, so that your airways won’t get clogged and stuffy. Be sure to place the pillows in such a position that it slopes gradually in order to make sure that your neck won’t ache.
You can also use a nasal irrigator or neti pot with a filtered salt solution to flush excess mucous from the inside of your nose.
Most importantly, be sure to rest and drink lots of fluids. Fever is the best indication that your body is dealing with the infection, so drink lots of fluids and gets plenty of rest in order for you to recuperate faster. Which natural remedies for cold and fever would you recommend?
Add Comment