Feeling run down with a sore throat, runny nose, pounding head, cough, or fever? Perhaps you have not yet fully recovered from your last cold or flu and are feeling tired and exhausted?
Don’t suffer in silence waiting for your cold to run its course or to gradually feel better again. Instead, try these easy, natural ways to help you kick that lurgy and feel better, fast.
Your Natural Medicine Cabinet
Did you know that natural medicines do double duty when fighting an infection? Not only do they help you feel better quicker by reducing your symptoms, they can also boost your immunity and reduce your chances of getting sick in the future.
Andrographis – a potent herb that can help reduce the symptoms of colds and flu by stimulating your body’s own immune function; improving your runny nose, cough, fever, headache and fatigue.
Medicinal mushrooms – coriolus, reishi and shiitake can help reduce congestion and mucus, helping you breathe easier.
Probiotics – did you know that there are specific probiotic strains able to help you fight off a cold? The probiotics Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG®), Lactobacillus plantarum HEAL 9 and Lactobacillus paracasei 8700:2 have been shown in multiple scientific studies to help reduce the symptoms and duration of the common cold.
Zinc – reduces both the duration of infections and the severity of symptoms, helping you get back to your normal activities sooner. Having adequate zinc levels also decreases the likelihood of you getting sick in the future.
Alongside taking your natural medicines you can help yourself get well by using these DIY symptom-relieving strategies:
- Something used for centuries at the first sign of illness is consuming an infusion of Onion (Allium cepa) and Thyme (thymus vulgaris). These two herbs are well documented to provide relief at the first sign of illness. You can easily make a decoction by boiling a medium size, chopped onion, with 1tsp fresh or dried thyme in 1 cup water until ½ cup of water remains (with the pot lid on). Take 1tbsp. several times per day for 3 days until wellness is restored.
- Ease nasal congestion – use a nasal spray containing antimicrobial essential oils (ask your Practitioner for a recommendation). Also, try a steam inhalation or take a steamy hot bath or shower with a few drops of eucalyptus (applied to the shower wall), so you can breathe easier and be more comfortable.
- Gargle with warm water regularly – this can help ease a sore throat. Add a teaspoon of salt for added antiseptic and gentle anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Drink plenty of fluids – dehydration can occur if you do not replenish fluids lost through sweating, having a runny nose, or having a fever. Being dehydrated can make you feel sicker than you need to. Choose water rather than sugary drinks which can increase inflammation.
We’ve saved the best tip for last.
See Your Practitioner…
For a personalised immune-boosting treatment plan. As everybody is different, your practitioner can tailor an effective strategy for your situation. Maybe you also have a history of catching every cold and flu there is? Or maybe you’re feeling fatigued after your last cold or flu? Ask them how you can also address the factors that may be weakening your immunity, such as a nutrient deficiency, stress or lack of sleep.
Rather than wait for your cold or flu to run its course, be more immune savvy this time around. Support yourself with these natural tips and tricks and get back to enjoying all the activities you love.
How can We help?
Navigating health and restoring wellness alone can be challenging. At Nicholson Health and Wellness, we offer a variety of assessments to pinpoint why you’re feeling unwell and provide you with the necessary support to work on correcting it. Why not make an appointment with Narelle today?
