No one has time to be sick, yet it seems like colds and respiratory infections can strike at the worst times. What if you could stop your cold in its tracks? It turns out, you can!
Today’s article covers nine effective all-natural things you can do to overcome a cold or even the flu, so you won’t need to take bone-damaging medicines. At the first sign of a cold, such as a tickle in your throat and nose or a tight feeling in your chest, take a look at the following list. Better yet, take a look at it before you feel those first symptoms.
Let’s get started!
1. Clear Your Nasal Passages
Flushing out your nose and sinuses can keep the cold virus from taking hold. If you have a neti pot, now is the time to use it. A hot shower and saline nasal spray are also good options. The key is to clear your nasal passages frequently so the virus can’t “settle in” as easily.
2. Use Raw Honey For Cough Syrup
Over-the-counter cough medicines are not only ineffective; they can be harmful. Most of them contain Dextromethorphan (DXM), a synthetic chemical that, when consumed at high doses, can be fatal. DXM directly affects the brain, suppressing the cough reflex at its source. Scary stuff.
Raw honey is not only much safer; it’s alkalizing, delicious, and has antimicrobial qualities that will help keep your cold from setting in. In addition, it’s been shown to be very effective in calming coughs and throat irritation.
In a study published in the prestigious JAMA Pediatrics, buckwheat honey was compared to honey-flavored cough medicines containing DXM and also compared to no treatment at all.
The study points out that:
“In a comparison of honey, DM, and no treatment, parents rated honey most favorably for symptomatic relief of their child's nocturnal cough and sleep difficulty due to upper respiratory tract infection.”1
If it works for children, it stands to reason that it will work for adults! I recommend raw honey because all of its active components are intact, and it includes traces of other beneficial substances. You can take it straight from the jar or stir a heaping teaspoon or two into a mug of hot herbal tea.
3. Take Plenty Of Vitamin C
When I was a little girl, my mother would give me a glass of orange juice before bed on the rare occasions I felt a cold coming on. The recognition that orange juice – and Vitamin C – are good for colds is not new, but it’s easy to forget this time-honored remedy in the face of so many drugs and other “treatments” available. But the fact is, Vitamin C is a very powerful cold-fighter and immune-booster, and numerous studies support this.
For example, a 2006 study points out that Vitamin C levels in the body decline during infections and under stress.
Study researches explain that:
“Supplementation of vitamin C was found to improve components of the human immune system such as antimicrobial and natural killer cell activities, lymphocyte proliferation, chemotaxis, and delayed-type hypersensitivity.”2
The study goes on to point out that “a large number of randomized controlled intervention trials” show that Vitamin C contributes to symptom relief and shortened duration of “respiratory tract infections, including the common cold.”2
Additionally, a meta-analysis of 53 studies revealed a particular effectiveness of Vitamin C on physically active people in staving off “respiratory symptoms such as cough associated with exercise.”3 The analysis shows a 48% decrease in the incidence of colds among Vitamin C takers who were under heavy physical stress (such as marathon runners and skiers).3
How much Vitamin C should you take? A good place to start is with at least 500 milligrams in addition to your regular daily dose.
And don’t forget that Vitamin C is a Foundation Supplement in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, so you’ll be helping your bones at the same time.
4. Gargle With Salt Water
This is another simple remedy that’s been with us for a while, but is easily overlooked. A teaspoon of sea salt dissolved in an average glass of warm water helps to reduce the swelling and inflammation of a sore throat. It also clears out excess mucous and flushes out viruses and bacteria, which goes hand-in-hand with #1 above.
5. Take Elderberry Extract
In some parts of the U.S., elderberry grows prolifically, producing umbels of white flowers in spring that turn to juicy, deep purple berries in the late summer. It’s from these berries that elderberry extract is made, and according to ample research, elderberry extract is highly effective in treating colds and flu.
Back in 1995, Israeli scientists responded to a flu outbreak by conducting a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Participants given the elderberry extract experienced reduced symptoms after just two days, and a complete cure within six days. The control group, on the other hand, experienced the first reduction of symptoms much later – after nearly six days.4
Fourteen years later, in 2009, scientists in Florida performed an in vitro test on elderberry extract, noting that the flavonoids in elderberry actually bound to those parts of the flu virus that bind it to the host organism, stopping the virus from spreading to other cells in the body.5
Fast-forward to an even more recent study from 2012, where mice were given elderberry extract after being infected with the human flu virus. The resulting enhancement to the mice’s immune systems was remarkable, as was their ability to fight off the infection.6
And there’s more good news about elderberry. It’s a much safer and more effective alternative to cold and flu drugs such as Tamiflu, which has a long list of side effects, many of which (ironically) mimic the flu itself.
6. Stay Home And Rest
The beginning stages of a viral infection is when you’re the most contagious. Yet this is when most people go in to work anyway, not quite sure if they’re really sick or not. Instead of pushing it, take some time off to rest and practice some of these cold-preventative tips. It’s likely you’ll miss less work in the end if you give your body the rest it needs to recover.
7. Drink Plenty Of Fluids
In order to rid itself of toxins, your body needs water. When you feel those first cold symptoms, it’s a good idea to increase your fluid intake to help your body fight off the virus. Soups and herbal teas are also helpful, and can contribute their own healing attributes.
8. Keep Up With Your Bone-Healthy Diet
It’s no secret that a well-balanced diet provides your body with the nutrients it needs to fight off pathogens. If you’re following the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, then you have more reasons than ever to keep up with the Program’s pH-balanced plan that includes alkalizing Foundation Foods, chock-full of Foundation Supplements. These vitamins and minerals boost bone health and immunity.
9. Get Some Light Exercise
Just about everyone knows that exercise improves health, and most are aware that it has multiple benefits. But what is rarely mentioned is that exercise can stimulate your immune system by increasing intracellular communication. In addition, exercise increases the formation of bone cells, which in turn generate blood cells that boost immunity.
It seems there is no end to all the variety of benefits exercise has to offer!
If you feel like you’re about to catch a cold or the flu, make sure to keep your exercise light – you’ll be feeling tired most likely, and getting rest is important (as per #6 above). But some simple, non-strenuous exercises are a great way to get your immune system stimulated and your circulation going, which helps remove toxins from your body.
The Densercise™ Epidensity Training System is so customizable that you can make it into a challenging workout or a gentler routine. And it can be done indoors even in limited space, so you can easily add some light moves in to your cold-busting regimen. The Deep Inhale found in the warm-up section and the Pelvic Tilt on page 20 are good examples of moves that would fit a situation where you feel under the weather.
Take Exercising For Your Bones to the Next Level!
Learn the 52 exercise moves that jumpstart bone-building – all backed by the latest in epigenetics research.
Densercise™ also has a cool-down section with various stretches, all of which would be appropriate when illness strikes.
So this cold and flu season, make sure you include Densercise™ in your list of cold remedies!
Till next time,
References:
1 Paul, Ian M, MD, MSc; et al. “Effect of Honey, Dextromethorphan, and No Treatment on Nocturnal Cough and Sleep Quality for Coughing Children and Their Parents.” Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. JAMA Pediatrics. 2007. 161(12): 1140-1146. DOI: 10.1001/archpedi.161.12.1140. Web. https://archpedi.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=571638
2 Wintergerst, E.S., Maggini, S., and Hornig, DH. “Immune-enhancing role of vitamin C and zinc and effect on clinical conditions.” 2006. Ann Nutr Metab. 50(2): 85-94. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16373990
3 Hemila, H. “Vitamin C may alleviate exercise-induced bronchoconstriction: a meta-analysis. BMJ Open. June 20, 2013. 3(6): pii: e002416. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2012-002416. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23794586
4 Zakay-Rones Z, et al. Inhibition of several strains of influenza virus in vitro and reduction of symptoms by an elderberry extract (Sambucus nigra L.) during an outbreak of influenza B Panama, Altern Complement Med, 1(4):361-9, 1995.
5 Roschek Jr. Bill. “Elderberry flavonoids bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro”. Phytochemistry: August 2009. 70; 1255 – 1261.
6 Anti-influenza virus effects of elderberry juice and its fractions, Kinoshita E, Hayashi K, Katayama H, Hayashi T, Obata A, Biosci Biotechnol Biochem, 76(9):1633-8, 2012.
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Yes also drink lemon & ginger also every morning.
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Thank you for the article on cold prevention!
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Good! Even though lemon juice has an acid taste, it alkalizes your serum pH 🙂
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I use a nose buddy every morning even if I don’t have a cold.Ist great for clearing blocked nose well worth a by goole it & should come up.
Highly recommend it iv hardly ever get colds. -
Thank you for the hints for colds and sore throat. The flu bug is going around our area right now.
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You’re welcome!
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what is a neti pot i have never heard of this.
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Hi Eileen,
A neti pot looks a bit like a small teapot without a lid. You fill it with warm salt water and pour it into one nostril, tilt your head, and allow the salt water to flow out the other nostril. It flushes the nasal passages and sinuses. You can find them online or at most health food stores. 🙂
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Here’s a good sinus rinse to prevent colds and infection:
16 oz. of warm water, 1/2 tsp. sea salt, 6 or 7 drops of Johnson’s baby shampoo, a pinch of baking soda. Use a Nettie Pot or an oven baster which I think works better, and rinse in each nostril until water is gone. These instructions are from the surgeon who did my sinus surgeries. It really keeps away bacteria and infection.
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Thanks for the good cold advises.
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My pleasure, Shula!
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Hi Vivian,
I believe that raw honey loses some of its germ fighting ability when dissolved in hot food or drink. Does it also become acidifying in the body?
Josie-
Hi Josephine,
It’s true that heating honey at high temperatures for long periods damages and destroys many of its beneficial components. However, stirring it into a cup of warm, not hot tea should not affect the healthful benefits of raw honey, or change it into an acidifying substance. Of course, if this is a concern, honey is very good eaten straight out of the jar. 🙂
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All good ideas ladies, natural is the way to go. My Mother used to keep raw honey with the juice of a real lemon in a jar in the fridge when we had a sore throat coming on we would take a teaspoon of that.
As for gargling with salt and warm water, it is a good habit to get into after brushing your teeth at night just before going to bed. Good for keeping the mouth free of bacteria. Teach your kids to do this as soon as they are able.
These days I take Super Shield Probiotics first thing in the morning so colds and flu have not been on my agenda for years.
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Ref; colds and flu. You missed out –
Grapefruit Seed Extract and Echinacea. Take with Vitamin C and honey – works a treat. -
Ginger Raw Honey and Amla is excellent. I too take this.
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Thanks for that info.We, my husband and I use D3. Take 5000 iu every day and double or triple up when we are around people who are sick. It works every time. Thanks again.
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You’re welcome!
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Thank you so much for all you do for us!!!
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You are welcome, Adell!
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I really recommend black seed oil. It will stop colds and flu from developing. I now take it every day as I really believe I to be a cure all!
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At the first sign of a cold coming on I dissolve about one fifth of a teaspoon of Xylitol sugar in luke-warm water (about half an inch in a glass or cup) and then snuff it up alternate nostrils, (without letting it go down my throat!). Close each nostril separately and continue this procedure later if there are still signs of
an impending cold. I have not had a cold now for at least 5 years. It may well work on flu as well, but I have not had the chance to try it out yet!! -
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SENDING THE ABOVDE I LEARNED SO MUC H. IT IS A VERY EASY WAY TO STOP FLU. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
ERLINDA
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You are very welcome, Erlinda!
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my question is not about flu, but since we’re all about whole body, I am installing a new home water filter and wonder what you recommend. what do think about alkaline water?
thank you so much for all your help. you make this an growthful journey!-
It makes no difference at all, because you can’t change your body’s PH levels. There are some people out there telling you that you should drink this kind of water to regulate your PH levels, but all they’re doing is to try to sell you that water.
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If you do get an alkalizing water filter realize that our skin has an acid mantel on it that protects from bacteria, etc.
Slightly acidic water aids in wound healing.Also Orange Juice actually causes more mucus to be produced.
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I also carry a product called “Coldblaster” – a throat spray – main ingredient is astragulus a powerful herb for killing viruses. Works like a charm!!
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Is this only available in Canada?…no where in the US? I went to order it online but the price of it is $18.95 and shipping is $14.95…seems a bit much for shipping a tiny bottle. I see a product on Amazon called L.A. Naturals Cold and Sinus Blaster and wonder if it’s the same. Thanks.
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Astragalus is an often-overlooked but very effective anti-flu, anti-cold herb, Nancy! It has been used for this purpose in China for many years.
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I agree with all you write about common cold remedies. I sometimes make lemon juice, crushed garlic and honey in hot water for colds and sore throats.
Thank you for all your helpful advice. -
I also take ginger infusions to help generally with my metabolism, but to ward of colds and flu, it is vitamin B6 that works for me.
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Lovely summer here in Australia but will keep Vivian’s handy hints in mind. Thank you.!
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Yes, for those in the Southern Hemisphere, the threat of colds and flu is not so imminent. 🙂
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Hello Saveourbones community,
I personally take the Indian fruit called Amla in supplement form, very high in vitamin C.
I also have natural organic unsweetened yoghurt every second or third day, and I have
never had a cold or flu since I started having them.-
Another great tip, Marc. Thank you!
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Hi Vivian,I take lemon,ginger,every morning in luck warm water @ I never get colds.Just to say you have to drink it all the time to keep them away.Might not work for every one but it works for me enjoy all the feed back.
Joan-
Great tip, Joan! Ginger is also bone-healthy. You might enjoy reading more about it here:
https://saveourbones.com/this-delicious-holiday-spice-builds-your-bones/
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Great list – thank you! I’ve also found that oil of oregano gel caps are remarkable for preventing and healing colds and flu.