We’ve all been there—suffering with cold or flu symptoms that make us desperate for something to relieve them. Experiencing the common cold or flu can be frustrating, and sometimes it’s difficult to find something that brings you relief. There are medicines you can buy over-the-counter or can be prescribed by a licensed physician to relieve the symptoms. However, some people wish to go a more natural and holistic route due to things like existing medical conditions, interactions with other medications, and certain lifestyle beliefs. Natural medicine can not only relieve some cold and flu symptoms, but it can also increase your overall health and wellness. These are 9 holistic ways to relieve your symptoms.
1) Honey
Honey has been known to help soothe a sore throat. This is because it has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties which help soothe inflammation as well. Putting honey in hot tea can help soothe a sore throat, and the steam coming off of the tea can help open up the nasal passages to relieve congestion. This is a common, natural way to relieve most throat discomfort.
2) Garlic
Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which is shown to have antimicrobial properties, like honey. Eating garlic or taking a garlic supplement can reduce the intensity of your cold or flu symptoms. There is some research that also supports that garlic may prevent sickness in general, although there is not enough evidence to prove that this is true.
3) Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another popular natural vitamin that is known to increase overall health and wellness.Vitamin C can be found in foods like oranges, limes, leafy greens and lemons. Receiving high doses of Vitamin C intravenously is another way to support your immune system. CITM offers sessions where you can receive infusions of high dose Vitamin C which goes directly into the venous system bypassing the gastric system. Vitamin C can then effectively be absorbed by the cells of the body providing what the body needs to reduce symptoms, shorten the length and severity of the cold or flu and help with a quicker recovery. IV nutrients can also be a way to increase immunity and prevent illness.
4) Warm Baths
Adding therapeutic grade essential oils to the bath, such as eucalyptus,tea tree oil, lavender or chamomile can help break up congestion and create ease. Steam from warm or hot water acts as a natural decongestant, as it cuts through the inflammation or mucus that is causing a stuffy nose.
5) Soup
Soup helps decongestion the same way that tea and a warm bath does, except the ingredients in the soup can add some extra benefits as well. Chicken soup with vegetables adds in some extra vitamins and nutrients that are beneficial to the body that aid in boosting immunity. Soup acts as a natural medicine in the way that it affects the white blood cells to fix the parts of the body that are affected by the cold or flu.
6) Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is important for treating the whole body. Your body uses water in all its cells, organs, and tissues to help regulate temperature and maintain other bodily functions. Because your body loses water through breathing, sweating, and digestion, it’s important to rehydrate by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water.
7) Sunlight
Sunlight contains Vitamin D, which is important for good overall health and strong and healthy bones. It’s also an important factor in making sure your muscles, heart, lungs and brain work well and that your body can fight infection.
8) Salt Water
Gargling with salt water is an old holistic health trick that many people might not be aware of. Gargling with salt in warm water breaks up mucus in the throat and nasal passages, and rinses out certain bacterias.
9)Echinacea
Echinacea is a plant that is native to the U.S. and has been known as a natural medicine for centuries. This plant is known to lessen symptoms and shorten a cold or flu. This is most popularly used in a liquid form which can be purchased in most health food stores. Taking 3 tablespoons a day is shown to improve symptoms and prevent future sickness as well.
At the Center For Integrative & Traditional Medicine we treat the whole person, not just symptoms. You can count on our holistic doctors for the best alternative medical care you can receive. At CITM you know you can count on us for your diagnosis & treatment!
