NATURAL REMEDIES TO HALT A COLD
Echinacea root, elderberry and olive leaf are household names for a good reason — wonderful for easing symptoms of a common cold and available as tinctures, teas or powdered supplements. Here are some more specific prescriptions.
• For a head cold: Relieve pain and congestion with a steam inhalation. Add fresh thyme, rosemary, lemon myrtle, eucalyptus and peppermint to four cups of boiling water. Steep for five minutes. You can also use two drops each of their essential oils, or a tablespoon of the dried herbs. Pour the mixture into a large bowl, cover your head with a towel and, while keeping eyes closed, hold it 30cm above. Take long, deep breaths for two minutes. • For a fever: Make a cooling, hydrating drink with peppermint and elderflower tea. Steep two teaspoons of each in one litre of boiled water for up to five minutes. Strain and cool in the fridge. Drink up to one litre per day. • For a wet cough and mucous: A hot infusion of ginger root and cinnamon bark helps break up mucous, reduce inflammation and address infection. Steep one teaspoon of fresh or dried ginger root and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder per cup of boiled water for three to five minutes. Strain and drink hot up to three times per day. A mug of chicken broth with fresh turmeric, garlic, ginger and lemon juice also relieves symptoms. • For a dry, irritated cough: A spoonful of Manuka honey in a cup of thyme and marshmallow or licorice root infusion with freshly squeezed lemon soothes and relieves symptoms. Make a herbal infusion by steeping one teaspoon each of dried thyme leaf and marshmallow or licorice root per cup of boiled water for three to five minutes. Drink up to three cups per day. (Choose Manuka honey with a ‘Unique Manuka Factor’ of 10+ or more.) • For rapid recovery: Vitamin C in plasma and white blood cells declines during infections, such as the common cold. Supplements can shorten the duration and improve symptoms. Kakadu plum is rich in Vitamin C as are teas with citrus, elderberry and rosehip. Ovvio Organics C Strength Citrus Tea is a strong blend.