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Health & Wellness

Natural ways to fight colds and flu

There are many natural ways to relieve the symptoms of colds and flu. Here are some of them:

Alternative treatments for colds and flu

  • Rest. Your body needs all the energy it can muster to fight the virus.
  • Half fill a basin with hot water and 3 – 4 drops Tea Tree essential oil and inhale the vapours.
    • Tea Tree has excellent anti-bacterial, anti-viral and antiseptic properties.
    • It will also help to put 1 drop of Tea Tree into a half glass of water and gargle with it.
  • Use a humidifier in the room to moisten the air. This will help keep nasal passages from getting too dry. A drop of Eucalyptus in the humidifier might be helpful.
  • Chamomile tea will help relax the mind and the body while recovering from colds and flu.
  • If you're restless, take a soothing bath with a few drops of Chamomile or Lavender essential oil (in the evening), or a few drops of Rosemary essential oil in the morning.
  • Add fresh garlic and onions to your meals – they both have strong anti-viral properties and strengthen the immune system. If you don't like the taste of garlic, you could take garlic capsules or tablets instead.
  • Echinacea is helpful in reducing the symptoms of colds and flu, and helps the recovery process as it boosts the immune system.
  • Increase your intake of Vitamin C to between 2 – 3 grams per day until the cold is alleviated. Berries (strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, etc) are very high in Vitamin C and antioxidants.
  • Avoid heavy meals, rather replacing them with light meals and plenty of liquids – water, fresh fruit juices and light soups. Heavy meals use lots of energy to digest; the energy which your body needs to fight the infections.
  • Drinking plenty of fluids will help your body get rid of the toxins and waste products in your system.

Echinacea flowers
Echinacea flowers