Ten Natural Remedies to Treat the Common Cold

Last week I had to shut down and am still recovering this week. Sunday morning started with a trip to urgent care with BabyCake. She had a fever and I could hear her breathing heavily. I wasn’t worried about the fever, as I know that’s the bodies response to viruses and it means it’s doing it’s job. What I was concerned about was her breathing. She received her first ever breathing treatment and a diagnosis of bronchitis. She is not asthmatic, but I am. Following I came down with the same illness, and both of the boys. I thought I could keep the sickness contained to just one kid, but that wasn’t the case. The weather in Atlanta hadn’t been helping either! It’s rained almost daily, and we just got a break with sunshine this past weekend.

When my family comes down with a cold, I only give medication for high fevers or prescribed meds ordered by the doctor. I go the completely natural route in hopes of cutting the duration of the cold in half. Over the counter medications only mask the cold symptoms. It’s not an actual treatment. I rather boost everyone’s immune system and hopefully we’ll dodge getting sick again any time soon. 

Here is a list of my go to natural remedies for when my family catches a cold:

• Ginger – Ginger has antibacterial properties and helps to fight off infections. It’s not only great for colds, but works well when you’re experiencing digestive issues too. When everyone is sick, I prepare ginger tea by thinly slicing fresh ginger and boiling it for about 10 minutes. I then strain the liquid and serve with lemon and honey. Ginger can get really spicy, so you may have to dial back the boiling time if you’re serving it to children. My kids don’t mind the flavor and they enjoy it.
• Garlic – Yes, fresh garlic has a potent smell but I love it. It’s rich in vitamins A, B, C, Calcium and Zinc. Garlic assists in treating respiratory problems, digestive issues, and fatigue. 
• Vitamin C – Vitamin C has the ability to shorten the duration of your cold. I like to get my Vitamin C via oranges, lemons, and orange juice. On occasion I will purchase Emergen-C. 
• Zinc – Zinc is a mineral that also has the ability to shorten the length of your cold. It works better if you take it in your multivitamin all the time to prevent the cold from starting in the first place. Hint….Take your vitamins! 
• Raw Honey – Raw honey is one of my favorite supplements. It’s anti-viral, anti-bacterial and an antioxidant. It works great as a cough suppressant and soothes upset stomach as well as sore throat. When purchasing honey, make sure it’s from a local source and it says that it’s raw. That means it hasn’t been heated or processed in any way and retains all of it’s health benefits.  
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar has a wide range of benefits. It aids in detoxification, clears sinuses, soothes sore throat, works as a digestive aid, and boosts energy. I usually take one tablespoon at a time and chase it with raw honey. 
• Tea Tree Oil –Tea Tree Oil is an essential oil used for multiple purposes. When my family has a cold, I like to add a few drops of tea tree oil to a humidifier. I also add a few drops in a steamy shower and have the kids sit in the bathroom for a few minutes. It helps to clear the sinuses and works as a decongestant.
• Elderberry Syrup – Elderberries also have a wide range of uses. Elderberry syrup can be made at home for cheap if you can find the berries in your area at a health food store or farmers market, or you can order it online. It’s rich in vitamins A, B, C, and boosts the immune system as well as treat upper respiratory infections. 
• Echinacea – Echinacea is an herb made from a medicinal plant. The herb has also been shown to reduce the duration of a cold and boost the immune system. It works for colds, flu, sore throat, cough, fever, and to fight off infection. I typically purchase echinacea in the form of a tea, but you can find the supplement in pill form as well.
• Saline Nasal Spray – Irrigating your nasal passages with saline nasal spray can help nasal congestion and remove bacteria from your nose. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of warm water. You can use a neti-pot to rinse or a baby nasal bulb, like the ones newborns receive in the hospital after birth.

Hopefully your family can dodge catching a cold or the flu this season! Don’t forget proper hand washing is also a great way to prevent illnesses before they happen. My children are all better this week, and I’m still working on myself. 

What are some other ways you like to treat colds naturally? 

Ashley