It’s that time of year again…right? I don’t have kids, and I’m not in school anymore, but still…school is back in session and we all have to be careful! I don’t think anyone enjoys having a cold right?  Just think how you would feel if you beat the cold before it takes over your body. That’s right, tell that cold who is boss!

Now I’m not a medical doctor nor do I work in the healthcare field, I just have a lot of caregiving people (which include nurses and natural holistic healing fairies) in my family, and have learned what works and what doesn’t with home remedies.

So today I’m sharing with you what I do when I feel a cold coming on!

1st sign of a cold…Zicam!!!!! This little diddy is my go-to stuff (thank you Aunt Gina). If you start to get that little tickle/scratch in your throat, or even are feeling a little meh, start taking Zicam! I prefer the oral mist, but they have other versions of it. If you don’t know, the active ingredient is Zinc! You spray this every 3 hours. This stuff works…and if the cold is unavoidable…I promise it cuts the cold in half. Drink LOTS of water though (duh).

Oil pulling. It’s not for everyone but put a few drops of thieves oil onto a spoonful of raw coconut oil, and swish in your mouth for 15-20mins – make sure to spit it out in the trashcan so it doesn’t clog your drain!

“Oil pulling, or oil swishing is an ancient Ayurvedic technique, touted by yogis as a natural way to strengthen the immune system by killing toxic yeast that makes its way from your stomach to mouth while you sleep. The science seems to stand sound: our mouths can determine non-oral health issues and unsurprisingly, dentists can diagnose acid reflux, diabetes and heart disease just by symptoms seen during normal check-ups” -(http://thechalkboardmag.com/would-you-or-wouldnt-you-gargle-with-coconut-oil).

This will help get rid of that sore throat too! Thieves oil is probably one of my favorite oils…it’s a combination of clove, lemon, eucalyptus, cinnamon, and rosemary. You can ingest it to increase immunity. I like paring it with the oil pulling, or gargling it with water and drinking it (only a few drops). You can even put it in a diffuser! 

Counter Attack! It’s my new favorite stuff (thanks to my neighbor Brittany). A natural remedy product. You can find it at health food stores, or online.  It might even replace my Zicam…So I also will take this at first sign of a cold. It has the following ingredients: Vitamin C, Zinc, Oregano Oil, Berberine, Elderberry, Andrographis, Shrubby Sophora, Isatis, Yerba Santa, Xanthium extract, Polygala root, Echinacea, coptis, horehound, Mullein, Chinese Lovage, Chinese Licorice, Peppermint oil.

Tea tea tea! Lemon and fresh ginger root. There’s ginger lemon tea too, but fresh is what you want. The virus lives in your gut, and the ginger aids in digestion health…so drink up! I love a good spoonful of honey as well. Honey kills bacteria! I like to put some in my tea, as well as just gulping down a spoonful.

This one you gotta be brave for, or really love vinegar. Make sure to get this brand/a brand that is organic, raw, and says “with the mother”. That is the good stuff that floats around in the bottom of the bottle, the stuff your gut needs! I have a mixture that makes it more bearable…cause it’s not a good idea to drink this by itself. Magic concoction: 1tsp honey, 1tsp lemon, 3 tbs apple cider vinegar, and mix warm water in to dilute.

Oil of oregano to help fight infections!

Antioxidants! Garlic is your best friend, it also keeps the vampires away! Mix it with spicy foods that will break up mucus and open up your sinuses. I love some gluten free pasta with arrabiata sauce and extra garlic! Phở soup is also one of my go-to’s when I feel sick. Lots of leafy greens too. Flush out your system with healthy goodness! 

Make sure to stock up so you’re ready to fight the good fight!