http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/16/health/antibiotic-resistant-infections-cdc/
Everything we have mass produced has derived one time or another from what we have grown or cultivated from the ground. These are all my "go-to's" when I am feeling a cold come on. You can find all these ingredients in your kitchen or at least your local grocery stores/ farmer's markets.
1. Lemons: Lemons are great to soothe sore throats, cleanse your blood and loosen mucus in the sinuses or throat. I have found that fresh squeezed lemon juice plus the rind, some honey or if you prefer maple syrup (about a teaspoon) and a cup of warm or hot water (depends on your preference) will help your throat and sinuses. If you want to add some spice to your life....... sprinkle Cayenne pepper for an added cleansing effect.
2. Chicken Soup: I have grown up hearing the long time wives tale that Chicken broth has some healing properties in it. I would suggest Organic chicken broth or a whole natural organic chicken can be used to create a healing broth. This has been recommended since the 12 century when a Jewish physician first recommended it to treat colds and flu.
3. Mustard: A very interesting concept taking mustard packs and placing them on the chest to reduce fevers and helps heal mucous membranes in the lungs and chest. (make sure you unwrap them though)
4. Ginger: Ginger is my ALL time favorite root to cook with, cut up if I'm feeling sick and just to eat. I grew up loving this amazing root with some terrific healing properties. It's antifungal, antibacterial, anti-vomiting, helps relieve the gastrointestinal. Basically it KILLS germs!
Ginger-root tea, simmer 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger (chopped or grated) mixed into two cups of water. Simmer for 15 minutes, then remove from the heat and let it steep for ten minutes. You can drink this as often as you need too. Some days I make several cups of tea.
5. Garlic: This is known as a "cure for all" in the natural medicine community and is also the common household treatment for the common cold and flu and can also be used to prevent their occurrence. Raw garlic has antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Research has shown that garlic could help speed up the healing process from the flu and also increase immunity. **Taking too much garlic can cause bleeding, so those taking medications for blood thinning, such as aspirin, should take care when increasing the amount of garlic in their diets.**
6. Aloe Vera: Like ginger, aloe vera possesses an incredible ability to ease nausea, improve digestion, cleanse the colon and digestive tract, and maintain healthy elimination and bowel function. Consuming aloe vera can also help ease inflammation and improve oxygenation of blood, which are two benefits that can increase the quality of life for us.
7. Basil: Basil is a powerful herb that helps elevate mood and spirits while calming the mind. Like ginseng and licorice root, basil is said to enhance the mind-body-spirit connection by addressing the underlying health conditions affecting each of these important human systems. Basil helps relieve stress and boosts the immune system, fights chronic inflammation, boost energy levels, improves digestion, and promotes clarity of mind.
8. Tea Tree oil: (You can find this at your local health food store or online) Tea tree has some great active constituents such as: antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, curative, bactericidal, fungicidal, insecticidal, and sudorific herb capable of treating many different physical and mental ailments.
Adding a few drops to a diffuser, or if you don't have a diffuser a pot of boiling water with a few drops added to the water and inhaling the steam can help clear the lungs and airways of harmful buildup.
I hope this helps each of you during this cold and flu season. I will be posting my website for my business I just started for natural remedies. Thank you and I hope you Enjoy the read!
