Everyone knows the tell-tale signs of a cold – scratchy throat, nonstop sneezing, and a nose that won’t stop running – but did you know there are natural remedies for colds? The common cold can be caused by a virus, and unfortunately, there are more than 200 types that we know about that can make you miserable. However, rhinovirus is the most common, bringing on anywhere from 10% to 40% of colds.
Catching a cold can sideline you from your daily activities, which is something they do quite often! According to the CDC, the main reason for children missing school, and adults missing work, is all due to the common cold. Most people come down with a cold during the spring or winter, and every year there are millions of cases reported. On average, adults have 2-3 colds per year, while children typically have more. In fact, 22 million school days are lost every year in the United States because of the cold! Thankfully most people recover within 7-10 days, but those days can feel like an eternity, as cold symptoms can be debilitating. Suffering from body aches, headaches, sore throat, watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, and having a runny nose can certainly put a damper on your plans.
Remember prevention is key, and there are steps you can take to help prevent you from getting a cold. Hippocrates said it best, “let food be thy medicine and let medicine be thy food”, and it’s true. What you eat certainly plays a huge role in the prevention of illness, recovery time, and can help you boost your immunity. If you want to help prevent and lower your chances of catching the common cold, stock up on these healing and healthy super-foods that act as natural remedies for colds.
• Bananas
• Pumpkin
• Onions
• Carrots
• Fennel
• Red bell pepper
• Blueberries
• Sweet potato
• Cranberries
• Yogurt
• Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, arugula, Swiss chard)
• Bone broth
• Dark chocolate
• Sweet potatoes
• Oysters
• Ginger
• Oily fish (tuna, mackerel, and salmon)
• Turmeric
• Garlic
• Oregano
• Green tea
• Citrus fruits
• Broccoli
• Chicken soup
• Kefir
• Mushrooms
• Brazil nuts
• Sunflower seeds
• Anise seeds
In addition, if you are suffering from a cold and want some instant relief from nasal congestion, try out this amazing vapor rub shower cube recipe as one of the best natural remedies for colds!
Natural Remedies for Colds: Vapor Rub Shower Cubes
(Recipe curiosity of The Homespun Hydrangea)
What You’ll Need:
• Ice cube tray
• A mixing bowl
• 3 tbsp of vapor rub (i.e. homemade, Vicks, Maty’s)
• 1 C of corn starch
• 2 tbsp of water
• Food coloring of your choice (optional)
Directions:
1. Place the vapor rub and cornstarch in a bowl, and stir well. Often times, the vapor rub will need some time to warm up before it can mix well into the cornstarch. Just keep it stirring and it will start to break down.
2. Add in the water, and continue to mix. You want a thick paste to form. If the mixture needs more water, add only a splash at a time. You just don’t want too much water.
3. Add a few drops of food coloring and mix well. This step is optional.
4. Take the paste and press it into the ice cube tray, and pack well.
5. Place the cubes in the freezer.
6. Vapor Rub Shower Cubes are ready to use when solid. When needed, pop one out and place it on the floor of the shower before you go in. The warm water will break it down, and the vapors will fill the room.
7. Keep in freezer or refrigerator to keep fresh and to prevent crumbling