Natural ways to fight off the common cold
As we are coming into the warmer months, it's time to get healthy and eliminate those nasty sniffles that took a hold of us in the winter time.
Listed below is some of mindbodygreen's favourite cold-busting remedies.
1. Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper is not the first thing that comes to mind to help fight off a cold. However, capsacin, a key ingredient in cayenne pepper, increases the temperature of your body and increases circulation (that's why you often sweat while eating something spicy). An increased body temperature will help you fight off lingering bacteria, while increased circulation can help to loosen and get rid of mucus.
2. Cloves
Cloves are a powerful antimicrobial (perfect for squashing that sickness) that have been used for thousands of years in ancient remedies. The spice also has potent antioxidant properties to stabilize and eliminate free radicals in your body, which can build up from everyday things like exposure to pollution, stress, and secondhand smoke.
3. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a common ingredient in many common OTC cold and cough treatments. It's an incredibly soothing way to fall asleep when you're under the weather. Try diffusing some eucalyptus essential oil in the room while you sleep or put a few drops in the tub during a hot shower.
4. Buckwheat honey
Although it sounds like a grain, buckwheat is actually a seed—and it's gluten-free! Buckwheat honey has been shown to help with cough symptoms and improve quality of sleep. Honey also has natural antimicrobial properties to fight whatever bug is making you feel less than great.
5. Probiotics
Did you know that most of your immune system is in your gut? It's true! Taking care of our digestion and GI health is an integral part of keeping our overall health in check. We can accomplish this by eating gut-friendly foods like kimchi and yogurt and taking a daily probiotic supplement.
Finally, it's important to remember that the typical cold lasts seven to ten days, which can seem like a lifetime when you are dealing with a sore throat and cough on top of work, family, social obligations, and other responsibilities. Remember to be patient with yourself, get lots of rest, drink a ton of fluids, and rely on food as medicine. We've a range of probiotics available on our website. Using products like Dr Ohhira's OM-X Probiotics Professional will help support your immune system, especially when it's vital in those colder months.
Comments (1)
Great article
24 August 2017...