Holistic Remedies for the Common Cold

Your Best Natural Cold Remedies

When we asked readers on the Fresh Living blog for their best remedies to fight off a cold, the responses poured in. From neti pots to vitamin C to ginger, garlic, and a surprising technique involving the soles of your feet, here are our top 10 natural cold remedies that will get you out of bed and back to life in no time.

Prevent, Prevent, Prevent

"To prevent or cut colds short, I take a garlic/parsley tablet and a Vitamin C tablet every morning from Oct. 1 through April 1. This has worked for me for 25 years."

--Merriel

Nip It in the Bud with Vitamin C

"When ever I feel a cold coming on I take two chewables of 500mg Vitamin C in the morning and again two more before going to bed with a glass of OJ, and I am "good to go." I've been doing this for almost 10 years, and it still does the trick for me."

Sip Tea with Local Honey

"Tea is good for LOTS of things, so that's a definite.

If you add honey, make sure the honey is produced locally in order to be effective on your immune system. The pollens it is produced from come from local flowers, and are much more effective on things you are exposed to in your area."

--Donna

Flush Out with a Neti Pot

"For myself, a former twice-a-year sinus infection sufferer, I began to use a neti pot daily (more often if feeling congested ) I simply use a very small amount of kosher salt in warm water to wash out my sinuses. The salt kills bacteria and the warm water flushes out the germ-filled mucus.

It takes a little getting used to for some, my advice is just relax while using it and if you feel the water going down your throat, just press your tongue up against the roof of your mouth and it will stop."

--Terri

Put a Sock in Your Cough

"I was told by an Amish friend to put Vicks rub on the bottom of your feet and then put pretty thick socks on. All I can say is, it works... it actually stopped the cough within 30 minutes and lasted all night."

Steam Clean Your Sinus

"Steam is the answer. Put 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a heat-proof bowl. Pour almost-boiling water over the oil. Lean over the bowl, your head covered with a towel to trap the steam in, and inhale deeply for 5-10 minutes.

Have a box of tissues ready for 'blow breaks,' the steam will really open up your nasal passages!"

Cozy Up with a Hot Toddy

"I think an old fashioned Hot Toddy works great. My chiropractor once told me you drink the first one slowly, then drink the second one fast and go to bed, cover up, and sweat it out!

Recipe--1 jigger of whiskey, 2 - 3 tablespoons honey, 1 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and water.

Heat the water, then add the honey, whiskey, and lemon juice and microwave until it is hot once again (but not too hot, you do not want to lose the alcohol in the whiskey!)"

--Camille

Eat, but Eat Light

"Eat a light diet... vegetables, chicken soup, etc. The more energy your body has to use in digestion, the less it has for the immune system.

But remember that nutrition is necessary (even if you don't feel like eating) to help your body function normally and prevent fatigue."

Reach for Ginger and Garlic

"Here's an ancient Chinese remedy taught to me by Chinese grad student years ago:

Boil water; add 1/2 tsp fresh (grated or cut) ginger, 1 clove fresh minced or pressed garlic, and 1 Tbsp honey. The honey helps it go down and coats the throat; the ginger and garlic both clear congestion and build immunity."

--Faith

Know When to Call the Doctor

"I was fighting a cold with honey, lemon, and cinnamon for awhile, but finally I had to go to the doctor and get antibiotics.

My head hurt so bad, it felt like it was going to explode. In my case I lost the natural cure battle."

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