At this time of year, many people are more susceptible to colds and similar minor ailments. I’ve tried many different natural healing remedies and found some that work well and others that don’t work as well. Here are 
some that I found most effective, and they use ingredients right in your own home. Of course, the best way to combat any disease is to avoid it in the first place.
Got a cough? Try a honey elixir with powerful immune boosting ingredients. If you have a cough, you most likely have a cold or the flu. By adding ingredients like raw apple cider vinegar, Celtic sea salt, cayenne pepper and cinnamon, you increase your body’s ability to fight off the cold or flu. The acid in raw apple cider vinegar is anti-microbial, much like the acid in our stomachs. Celtic sea salt is filled with trace minerals and is a natural detoxifier. Cayenne pepper increases circulation which helps to distribute fresh nutrient rich blood to all parts of the body. And finally, cinnamon promotes healthy breathing.
Here is another old folk remedy to cure a cough or chest cold. Chop a raw garlic clove into little pieces and 
combine it with coconut oil. Let the mixture sit for a half an hour and then rub it into the bottoms of your feet and cover with socks. The coconut oil quickly gets absorbed by your skin and brings the natural, infection fighting garlic with it.
Another remedy to try if you have a cold or flu is the artificial fever. Just draw a hot bath and make a cup of hot tea. Sit in the bath for at least 20 minutes and drink your tea. Then get up very carefully, you may feel a bit lightheaded, and wrap a sheet around your body. Don’t even dry yourself off. Get under some heavy covers and relax there for at least 20 minutes. Let your body sweat it out. I use a sleeping bag so I don’t ruin my bed. You may not feel very good while you are under the covers, but by following these simple steps, it surprisingly shortens the duration of the cold or flu by killing off the infection. Think about it: a fever is your body’s natural response to an infection. Your body will increase its temperature to fight the infection. The artificial fever just helps it along more quickly. Of course if your fever is already high, above 102 degrees, then you do not need to do this. You can also put a cool compress on your forehead to keep your head cooler during the process.
So next time you find yourself a bit under the weather, try one of these simple treatments. You will not only see how capable you are of fighting off infection, you won’t have to worry about any side effects that could sideline you even longer.
Carolyn Harrington is a certified holistic health practitioner and creator of Maty’s Healthy Products, a line of all-natural remedies enriched with immune supportive ingredients.
Top photo courtesy the Italian Voice; garlic photo courtesy Kevin Havan
