With the weather starting to cool down and winter just around the corner, it’s a timely reminder that along with winter comes colds and flu’s. I’d like to share my favourite natural home remedies for colds with you. I have used these remedies on my own family for the past 9 years – way before we started eating real food even.
Manuka Honey (active ingredient 16 plus)
At the first sign of a tickle in the throat or a runny nose, take 1 teaspoon at least 3 times a day. Manuka Honey has anti-bacterial properties not found in regular honey and it is thought to strengthen the immune system and assist in combating colds and flu. In fact, Opera singers use Manuka Honey before going on stage to lubricate and protect their vocal chords.
Runny nose
This is a fantastic remedy but often one that people are too afraid to try, but give it a go. Be warned, it’s not pleasant tasting at the time but it’s far cheaper than buying medicine and at least you know it’s all natural, and is not damaging your gut lining.
- Cut off about an inch piece of fresh and peel it
- Grind some sea salt onto a chopping board
- Use the heel of the palm of your hand to squash the ginger til it starts to release its juices
- Pick up the salt & put it on top of your squashed piece of ginger
- Put the salted ginger into your mouth, chew it then swallow OR slowly nibble on the ginger over the course of 20 minutes
- Chase it down with a glass of water
Night Time Coughing
There is nothing worse than when your kids have a night cough, and they have a fitful sleep, and you don’t sleep at all because you can hear them all night. A night cough causing a lack of or disturbed sleep, can be a vicious cycle because it weakens the immune system further. So the aim is to nip that night cough in the bud, so a restful sleep can be had, allowing the body to heal. Here’s a remedy to try – again it comes with a warning, this time that the bedroom will smell like a doner kebab shop the next morning, but trust me, a restful nights sleep for a sick child and yourself is well worth it.
- Slice a brown onion into thin slices.
- Wrap the slices inside a thin cloth, such as a man’s hanky. Make it into a little parcel by folding up the sides.
- Place the parcel in a warm oven. Heat the onion package until is near hot (you should be able to still comfortably hold it in your hand)
- Strap the onion package at chest level to the pyjama shirt or singlet when going to bed. The warmth and the smell of the onion will help suppress the cough and you’ll have a good nights sleep. The sleep helps your body heal.
Broth
Drink some homemade broth. This is always on high rotation during winter – it’s one of the best ways to keep the family healthy. Here’s a recipe of a colleague of mine – Simone Kopkas of Health Wholistically.
I hope you find these remedies useful in the next few months. Much love and wellness to your family.