Natural remedies for combating colds

With cold weather, fatigue, stress and lack of sleep, colds take advantage of weakened immune systems. Here's a look at natural remedies to help you bounce back.

Unblock noses with essential oils

Place two drops of antibacterial niaouli essential oil and three drops of decongestant eucalyptus radiata essential oil onto a handkerchief and inhale.

Boost the immune system's natural defenses with Vitamin C

Tuck into citrus fruit like mandarines, lemons, oranges and kiwis, rich in vitamin C, which has antiviral properties. Try to favor whole, fresh fruit. Take up to 1000mg of vitamin C per day. Between seasons, dietary intake can be boosted with a supplement of 500mg per day. Try a course of grapefruit seed extract as soon as symptoms appear.

Keep microbes at bay with herbal infusions

While thyme has antibacterial properties, echinacea can also be consumed in herbal teas to relieve the symptoms congestion, runny noses, sore throats and headaches.

PHOTO: ISTOCK