Saturday, March 7, 2015

6 Ways to Prevent Colds and Flus Naturally



We’ve been surrounded by sickness over the past few weeks. If you’re seeing people drop like flies around your area, you may want to apply some of these 6 natural cold remedies that are known to help kick a cold before it starts and even help alleviate an existing one.

Gargle

Gargling can moisten a sore throat and bring temporary relief. Gargle with half a teaspoon of salt dissolved in 8 ounces warm water, four times daily. To reduce the tickle in your throat, try an astringent gargle -- such as tea that contains tannin -- to tighten the membranes. Or use a thick, viscous gargle made with honey or honey and apple cider vinegar.

Coconut Oil

This incredible oil is rich in antioxidants and contains lauric acid. Both contain anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Coconut oil can be used to help prevent colds by boosting the immune system. Once the cold is set in, coconut oil can help reduce the length of sickness and can be therapeutic when added to warm honey-lemon water or tea.

Treat That Stuffy Nose With Warm Salt Water
Salt-water rinsing helps break nasal congestion, while also removing virus particles and bacteria from your nose. Here's a popular recipe:

Mix 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda in 8 ounces of warm water. Use a bulb syringe or nasal irrigation kit to squirt water into the nose. Hold one nostril closed by applying light finger pressure while squirting the salt mixture into the other nostril. Let it drain. Repeat two to three times, then treat the other nostril.

Raw Honey

Honey has powerful anti-viral and anti-microbial properties. In clinical studies honey has shown to be just as effective in alleviating coughs as over-the-counter cough medicine. Honey is also known to help alleviate allergies. According to this article, taking a few teaspoons of local raw honey a day prior to pollen season can be very effective in boosting your immunity to pollen.

Garlic

Garlic is naturally anti-fungal and antibacterial. Taken raw, this potent super-food can help kick any cold to the curb! Plug your nose and swallow 1-2 cloves the moment you feel a cold coming on.

Elderberry Syrup

Elderberries have been used in traditional folk medicine for generations. Elderberries are high in antioxidants which help stimulate the immune system. A compound in in elderberry, anthocyanins have also been found to have an anti-inflammatory effect making it an effective medicine for aches and pains.

 

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