Colds are caused by viruses and the symptoms we experience are the body's way of trying to rid itself of the virus. Natural remedies for colds support the body's efforts, rather than suppress them.
Elderberry is one of the best natural remedies for colds. It's been used for ages to treat the flu and all cold symptoms. It will reduce the severity and the duration of colds. For instructions on making a syrup, click here.
Ingredients:
Elderberry Syrup
Directions:
Take one tablespoon of the syrup three times a day for relief from cold symptoms.
Echinacea is among the greatest natural remedies for colds. It boosts your immunity and helps speed healing. It's a great preventative as well as treatment for colds and the flu.
Ingredients:
1/2 teaspoon echinacea extract
Directions:
Take the extract three times per day for up to ten days, during a cold or as a preventative.
If your cold symptoms persist for more than a week, consult a health care professional. Only take echinacea extract for ten days to boost immunity.
You can also take chinacea in capsule form if you don't like the extract. You can buy them in capsule form or buy the powder and make your own capsules.
Echinacea, used in this way, is still one of the best natural remedies for colds. Take 300 milligrams three times per day to boost the immunity, for no longer than ten days.
A chest and back massage with essential oils is one of the best natural remedies for colds. It will relieve congestion and open the sinuses.
Ingredients:
4 ounces almond oil
20 drops each eucalyptus and lavender essential oils
5 drops pepperming essential oil
Directions:
Mix ingredients in a glass bottle and cap tightly. Shake well and apply one teaspoon to the chest and back and massage into the skin.
Ginger is another of the best natural remedies for colds. It will loosen congestion, ease a sore throat and relieve chills. Plus, it tastes great when it's warm.
Ingredients:
3 teaspoons grated ginger root
2 cups boiling water
2 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
Directions:
Pour the boiling water over the ginger root. Cover and allow the mixture to steep for twenty minutes.
Strain the mixture and add the lemon juice and honey.
This is one of the natural remedies for colds that can be consumed freely. Take it as often as you wish during a cold or w to treat the flu.
This gargle made with raspberry leaves and honey will soothe the sore throat that accompanies a cold.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon dried raspberry leaves
2 cups boiling water
1 teaspoon honey
Directions:
Pour the boiling water over the raspberry leaves. Allow the mixture to steep for 15 minutes. Strain and cool to room temperature. Add honey and gargle as needed.
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