Cold And Flu Natural Remedies

We know that maintaining a healthy body isn’t about never catching a cold or experiencing a sniffle. In fact, colds and other minor illnesses are signs that your body is working as it should - mobilising its defences to protect you. Symptoms like fever, coughs, and mucus are the body’s natural mechanisms for fighting off pathogens. For example, your body increases mucus production to transport white blood cells to areas that need them most.

While these symptoms are part of the healing process, there’s a lot we can do to support our bodies. By equipping ourselves with holistic remedies, we can enhance our body’s natural defences and recover more effectively. That’s why we recommend stocking your “medications” drawer with a few key items all year round. Preparation is key, being ready with these essentials ensures you’re not scrambling when illness strikes.

1. Fast to Conserve Energy

When symptoms like a blocked nose, sore throat, or cough appear, consider fasting as a tool to support your recovery. Roughly 20% of the body’s energy is devoted to digestion, meaning a temporary pause on eating can free up resources for the immune system.

During this period, focus on staying hydrated. Herbal teas such as ginger, chamomile, or peppermint are excellent choices, as they provide warmth and soothing properties without taxing the digestive system. If hunger strikes, stick to easily digestible meals like a light vegetable soup.

Fasting doesn’t mean deprivation, it’s about giving your body a break to focus on healing.

However, it’s important to approach fasting with care, especially for women, as improper fasting practices can impact hormones. Learn more about how to fast correctly and the potential effects on hormones by reading this blog.

2. Take a Warm Bath to Mimic a Fever

When you develop a fever, it’s your body’s way of raising its temperature to kill off viruses. Mimicking this process with a warm bath can be incredibly beneficial.

Soaking in a hot bath for 30 minutes not only increases your body temperature but also soothes achy muscles and clears nasal passages. To enhance the experience, add a few drops of eucalyptus or lavender essential oil. These oils can help open up your airways and promote relaxation.

Be sure to follow the bath with warm, comfortable clothes and rest to allow your body to continue its recovery work.

3. Harness the Power of Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is a true treasure from nature and has been used in Ayurveda for centuries. Its unique properties make it an outstanding ally against colds and flu.

Manuka honey is:

Anti-bacterial: Helps prevent secondary infections.
Anti-viral: Assists in fighting off viruses directly.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces swelling and irritation in the throat.
Rich in antioxidants: Supports overall immune health.

A spoonful of high-quality Manuka honey in warm water, herbal tea, or even straight off the spoon can work wonders for sore throats and general immune support. To learn more about manuka honey, listen to episode 178: Nature's Golden Elixir in Health and Wellness here.

4. Increase Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc Intake

When illness strikes, your body’s demand for certain nutrients skyrockets. Among the most important are vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc, each playing a crucial role in immune defence.

Vitamin C: Known for its antioxidant properties, vitamin C boosts white blood cell production and shortens the duration of colds. Include foods like oranges, bell peppers, and broccoli in your diet, or consider a high-quality supplement. Our Daily Essential Formula provides 500mg of vitamin C—an amount rarely found in any multivitamin—to ensure optimal immune support.
Vitamin D: Essential for immune modulation, vitamin D helps the body respond effectively to infections. As sunlight is the best natural source, consider a supplement during darker winter months. For a high-quality option, check out our Beam & Balance, designed to support immune health and overall well-being.
Zinc: This mineral helps reduce the severity and duration of colds by interfering with the replication of viruses. Foods like pumpkin seeds, lentils, and chickpeas are great sources, or use a supplement during illness. Our Daily Essential Formula provides the recommended 15mg of zinc picolinate alongside other vital nutrients for comprehensive immune support, ensuring your body stays resilient and strong.

A balanced approach combining diet and supplementation is often the most effective way to meet these nutritional needs.

5. Use Oregano Oil as a Natural Antibiotic

Oregano oil is one of nature’s most potent remedies for combating viruses and bacteria. This powerful oil contains healing compounds such as carvacrol, thymol, and terpinene, which work together to fight infections.

To use oregano oil:

Dilute a few drops in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and apply it to your chest for respiratory relief.
Add a drop to a glass of water and sip carefully (it’s very strong, so moderation is key).

Oregano oil is highly concentrated, so always follow the recommended guidelines to avoid irritation.

6. Take Elderberry for an Extra Boost

Elderberry is a must-have in your natural medicine cabinet. This herb has been extensively studied for its ability to reduce the length and severity of flu symptoms.

The active compounds in elderberries block viral proteins responsible for entering cells, effectively stopping viruses in their tracks. Opt for syrups, lozenges, or teas, ensuring they’re free of added sugars, thickeners, fillers, or other additives, to maximize its benefits.

For best results, begin taking elderberry at the first sign of illness and continue for a few days after symptoms subside.

Why Continue Remedies Beyond Recovery?

Even when symptoms fade, your body is still repairing and fortifying itself against future illnesses. By continuing these remedies for a couple of days after you feel better, you ensure full recovery and strengthen your immune system for the long term.

Stock Up and Stay Prepared

The key to effective holistic health is preparation. Keep your “medications” drawer stocked with these essentials so you can act quickly at the first sign of illness. With these remedies at your fingertips, you’ll be ready to support your body’s natural healing process and recover faster.

By integrating these tips into your routine, you’re not just managing symptoms but empowering your body to thrive. Remember, a healthy body doesn’t mean never falling ill - it means being resilient and equipped to recover swiftly and naturally.

Start building your natural health toolkit today. Your body will thank you!