There is nothing worse than feeling that itch in the back of your throat and realising that it might be more sinister than just an itch…a nasty cold is on the way! Sometimes all we can do is let it run its course and hope that a trip to the doctor and a plethora of expensive meds won’t be on the cards. We’ve found some easy, natural ways to manage symptoms of a cold and flu so that you can get ahead of it! Take note…
Neti Pot
A neti pot is a device that pushes a flow of a saline solution through your nasal passages, clearing out built-up mucus and allergens trapped inside there. Wondering why you should be using a saline solution instead of just water to flush out your congested nasal passages? Well, saltwater helps keep the nasal passages open by washing out thick or dried mucus. This helps to stop an infection from spreading to the other sinuses and reduce post-nasal drip. If you’re not too sure how often to do a ‘nasal flush’, you can start with once per day while you have cold or flu symptoms. If you feel better, you can do it twice a day as part of your daily routine.
Essential Oils
Still wondering if it’s worth making essential oils part of your daily routine? We think it is, especially if you need relief from cold and flu symptoms. Inhalation is the most beneficial way to use essential oils for a flu. Doing this can help fight inflammation and clear your nasal passages so you can breathe better.
You can also add a few drops essential oils to:
- A diffuser
- Steamy bathwater
- Massage the head, neck, or feet
- A bowl of steamy water for inhalation (or a relaxing facial)
Here’s a list of the ones you need to help fight off cold and flu symptoms:
Tea Tree
Inhibits bacteria and fights infections.
Eucalyptus
Reduces fevers and fights viruses.
Lavender
Lavender essential oil may help asthma symptoms. One study indicates that lavender oil inhalation inhibited airway resistance caused by bronchial asthma.
Rosemary
It can calm the muscles in your trachea, giving you respiratory relief.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are on the list of superfoods you should include in your daily diet. The newest research shows that medicinal mushrooms modify cytokines, which are pro and anti-inflammatory messengers secreted by our immune cells. Mushrooms can help to reduce the inflammatory response caused by these cytokines and allow for T cells, B cells, and antibodies to work more effectively. If you can’t find immune-modulating mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Chaga and Reishi to incorporate into your daily diet, not to worry. The Olio Store has bottled them so you can easily help your body fight colds and flus! Click here to shop.
Herbal Teas
While you may think all teas are the same, this is not the case. Grandma was right after all, herbal teas may help stop those sniffles. Some teas contain properties that give the immune system a boost and get rid of germs that worsen cold and flu symptoms. Herbal and true teas benefit colds as well as flu symptoms, so you'll be back to your healthy self in no time! Make sure to keep the following herbal teas stocked in your pantry:
Peppermint tea
The menthol in the peppermint leaves can have a slight anesthetic effect on your throat, suppressing your cough.
Chamomile tea
There is some evidence the tea has anti-inflammatory effects. It also contains flavonoids that have a tranquilizing effect so you’re sure to get some good, healing sleep after a cup.
Ginger Tea
The bioactive ingredients in it act as an anti-inflammatory and may also inhibit microorganisms that can lead to infection.
Guayusa Tea
Never heard of this super tea? Well now you have! Guayusa Loose Leaf Tea contains 50% more antioxidants than any green tea, matcha, or yerba mate. Thanks to antiseptic and antiviral properties, Guayusa Tea infusions are ideal for when you get sick with a flu or cold. Guayusa also contains many vitamins and minerals essential for the proper functioning of your body!
P.s. If you enjoy steeping a strong cup of loose leaf tea, you’ll need a strainer or reusable tea bags.
Healing foods & supplements
You’re probably craving hyper-palatable fast food, but try your best to stay away because eating that will most likely keep you sicker for longer. You can also invest in natural, immune boosting supplements like Klean’s Revive Capsules to help you get your health and energy back, naturally!
Not only is Revive a powerful tool for weight control, it’s also a powerful blend, rich in essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support your body from inside out. This combination of immune boosting, digestion supporting and health stabilising actives, not only provides your body with a robust set of tools to maintain a healthy digestive tract and immune system, but also provide efficient levels of much needed physical and mental energy.
Some of Revive’s ingredients that help combat infection in the body include:
Bladderwrack seaweed contains powerful nutrients that have anti-inflammatory effects, including fucoidans, a class of sulfated polysaccharides. These compounds have been studied for their antioxidant, immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.
Dandelion may reduce inflammation, thanks to certain compounds such as polyphenols. Inflammation is a normal immune system response to injury or infection.
Slippery elm is believed to be an antitussive, meaning it’s great for coughs and for symptoms of other upper respiratory ailments like bronchitis or asthma.
In addition to its ability to detoxify the body, burdock root is also antibacterial in nature. By flushing out the unnecessary toxins from the body, it also helps in getting rid of bacteria and preventing future invasions; thus boosting the immune system of the body.
Green tea’s active ingredients are known for their antioxidant properties but also for their role on our immune system. They effectively promote immunity against foreign pathogens and help fight against the action of free radicals.
Yerba mate contains saponins, which are natural compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it provides small amounts of vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and zinc. These antioxidants can strengthen your immune system and promote health.
Ginger is an amazing relaxant for the throat area and also helps relieve tension headaches and flush excess lactic acid from muscle tissue into the bloodstream and out of the body.
Aloe ferox is a powerhouse of micro-nutrients that help fight against free radical damage in the body, giving a powerful boost to immunity. Research also found that the highly active polysaccharides in aloe ferox activate specific cells of the immune system that fight infections.
Health starts from within. Unfortunately, the food we eat isn’t as nutrient dense as it used to be and we all indulge in things that can cause our immune systems to weaken. Supplement your life with good, natural supplements and habits to keep your immune system strong and your spirits up this flu season!