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| Photo: campalleghanyblog.com/ |
Since flu season has seemed to hit my house in the last few weeks, I thought I would dedicate today's post to Cold & Flu remedies.
I have never tolerated medicine very well and have to take it before bed or I cannot function. Even the "non-drowsy" varieties leave me feeling foggy and useless.
My grandmother was the first one to use a home remedy on me. I remember many times, at her insistence, eating a big plate of fresh scallions from the garden (with olive oil to dip) that she said would 'chase away' the cold I had gotten, or that I felt coming on. Well, the scallions did, in fact, get rid of the cold-and also kept away most of my friends-as they did their best to avoid me and my 'fresh green onion' aroma.
Garlic (roasted) was another favorite remedy of Gran'mom's. She would tell us the story of her brother, who was a medic in WWI during the influenza pandemic. The flu killed more people between 1918-19 than the war itself. She told us how he stayed well by keeping a fresh clove of (raw) garlic in his mouth at all times, like a lozenge. It apparently worked-and I am supposing he had a lovely aroma as well!
It was not until years later I understood why scallions (Green Onion) and garlic that were given to me when I was getting a cold helped me stay well: scallions have anti-pyretic (fever reducer), expectorant, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. They are also full of vitamins A, C and Calcium.
Garlic has more than 150 health benefits and has strong antibiotic and anti fungal properties. It strengthens the immune system, detoxifies the blood, relieves of bronchial coughs, asthma & head colds. I think my great uncle was 'in the know' too.
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| Thanksgiving 2006: Gran'mom with her great-grand child (my daughter) |
My grandmother, having grown up on a farm in Pottstown PA, and being the oldest daughter of 11 brothers and sisters, knew many of these natural remedies for staying well and she used them throughout life.
She told another story of a neighbor's son named Paulie-who had a fever that would not break. Her fever remedy: potatoes. She went to the neighbors house and packed Paulie in potatoes- literally- sliced potatoes and wrapped him & the slices up in sheets: his head, chest, legs & feet. She said that by that evening, the fever had broken and he was well on his way to recovery.
My mother was not as homeopathic as my grandmother, but her favorite cold remedy was pastina soup-or "Star Soup" as I used to call it. Homemade chicken broth with star pastina added was the standard 'cure' when me or my brother got sick.
One study has found that chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties that will ease cold symptoms, however there has not been any double-blind scientific study to explain why chicken soup helps us feel better. Is it the steam? The nutrients? Or maybe its all that love from mom that goes into making it.
There must be something to those old, natural home remedies. My grandmother lived to be 98 years old, and was rarely ever sick. (But good luck getting your kids to eat a plate of scallions and roasted garlic, or letting you pack them in potato slices!)
Here are a few other remedies I have used over the years to help strengthen the immune system, ease cold symptoms & keep my children (and myself) well:
- The best remedy for colds is a proper diet, especially fluids to clear the kidneys. Warm water mixed with lemon juice and honey or fruit juice and hot water. This helps to neutralize the acid condition in the body. Pineapple juice in particular is beneficial for this purpose.
- Ginger is a common remedy for colds and coughs. It is a known digestive aid and can help settle the stomach and controls nausea and vomiting. Ginger tea, ginger ale and candied ginger will all help symptoms of cold and flu.
- Lime Juice (well diluted) is highly beneficial for reducing colds and fevers. Rich in vitamin C, it eliminates toxins and reduces the duration of the infection.
- Honey and Lemon Juice will help sooth a sore throat and help eliminate congestion respectively. Honey has antibacterial properties and will help prevent throat infections. Mix a tablespoon of each and warm slightly over stove or in microwave for about 20 seconds. Swallow it one teaspoonful at a time. (Do not give honey to children under one year of age.)
- Apple Cider Vinegar will help relieve aches & reduce fevers. Pour 2-3 cups in warm bathwater. Yo u can also use with a compress for muscle aches or on forehead for fever.
- Rest and sleep helps boost the immune system and allow the body to repair and heal itself. Rest and sleep are not the same. Resting is when you are calm but fully awake and aware. Sleeping is when you are not aware. Your body needs both in order to heal and maintain balance. I have learned when to say 'no' to a project because my body needs to rest and my mind needs relax.
- Exercise helps reduce stress, maintain metabolic balance and boost immunity by eliminating toxins from the body. Daily activity and light exercise (such as a 10 minute leisurely walk in the absence of fever, or dehydration.) when you are starting to feel better will help you get back to full strength much faster.
*(Please remember to check with your doctor first before taking any new supplement or combining herbal remedies with traditional medications. Unwanted reactions may occur in some cases, so please do your research first.)
Understanding the Common Cold
10 Misconceptions About Cold and Flu
Pneumonia: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Medicinal Properties of Vegetables
9 Ways An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away
Why Was This Ancient Spice Given to People Building the Pyramids?
5 Herbs to Cure the Flu
Natural Flu Remedies
12 Strategies for Building a Healthy Immune System
Stress and the Immune System
Nurse Fired for Refusing Flu Shot
*What are some of your most effective home remedies? Please tell us below!
Contact: barbara@bodylogique.com
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