The cold and flu season is almost here and if you’re hoping to make it through the winter without catching a virus then check out these 5 natural remedies that might help prevent or reduce the time you spent having a cold.
1. Nucleotides
They are the building blocks from which RNA and DNA are made. They boost the immunity, heal damaged cell tissue, promote the growth of new cells, and improve circulation. If you’re lucky enough to take them as soon as you feel a tickle in your throat, you might actually have a chance of avoiding the cold or flu altogether. But if a cold has had a chance to become full-blown, you may need something more.
2. Vitamin C
Making sure to include plenty of foods rich in Vitamin C in your diet will increase the body’s production of white blood cells and antibodies needed to defend the body against invading viral infections. Foods high in Vitamin C are tangerines, oranges, mangos, kiwis, papayas, and goji berries. Also, amla berries contain twenty times more Vitamin C per pound than oranges. In Ayurvedic tradition, amla is often taken in powdered form.
3. Vitamin D
A deficiency in our body’s immunity is often related to a lack of Vitamin D. Sunshine, the ultimate source of Vitamin D, is crucial for our existence, and for all life on our planet. So even if you’re feeling under the weather, try to get some exposure to the sun. People who have more Vitamin D stored up in their bodies tend to not get as sick as people who are Vitamin D deficient. When you’re sick, it is always good to cut out dairy, especially if you’re producing a lot of mucus. Dairy enhances the production of mucus.
4. Tulsi Tea
One winter, many years ago, I came down with a really bad cold. I was sick for 2-3 weeks, and I was unable to kick it. It was turning into bronchitis. Coincidentally, I had a Panchakarma (an Ayurvedic detoxifying and rejuvenation treatment that consists of five therapies) scheduled. I figured the Panchakarma would definitely help me to get rid of my cold. I arrived early, and had to wait for my appointment to begin. I rested in a room and was given Tulsi tea to drink. After a couple hours of being in the room and drinking Tulsi tea, I felt way better than I had in weeks—at least 50% better.
5. Panchakarma
As mentioned earlier, Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic detoxifying and rejuvenation treatment that consists of five therapies. Panchakarma is known to alleviate many ailments: allergies, skin disorders, rheumatitis, high blood pressure, diabetes, back pain, arthritis, headaches, depression, the cold and flu, and more. As panchakarma helps to detox the body and its various organs, the body becomes stronger and healthier. When we are healthy, our immunity is stronger and we are less likely to become ill. Panchakarma helps us to get rid of viral infections by making our bodies strong enough to fight off colds and other infections. Just remember, Panchakarma can be a bit pricey (although it’s much less expensive in India), so if it’s beyond your price limit, you can always stick to the other remedies.
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If you know of any other natural remedies for preventing or relieving cold and flu symptoms then share them with us in the comments section below.