Natural Remedies for Common Cold and Co.
The school has started and as a mother of one kindergarten and three school aged kids I am expecting a season of coughing, sneezing and nose running along with occasional fever. Not that I would see fever as a problem as fever acts as a natural antibiotic raising internal temperature to make it inhospitable for unhealthy elements. Of course, sometimes fevers reflect dangerous infections which should be treated by a medical professional but most of the time, it is enough to support the immune system with hydration, rest and some natural remedies. These include homemade chicken soup, elderberry syrup, onion syrup, cup of thyme infused tea and ginger tea. I love using vinegar socks for fever as well.
Natural Remedies for Common Cold and Co.
Homemade chicken soup
I wonder how ancient this recipe might be. Anyway, homemade chicken soup is THE remedy for common cold and flu and I am sure that your grandmother's grandmother would agree. What can be more comforting than sipping warm chicken broth in your bed? Well, maybe sipping hot chocolate. To make this ancient remedy, you simply use chicken carcass, veggies and herbs, and let it simmer for 4 hours. Follow this recipe and instead of bones, use chicken carcass.
Onion syrup
Chop one onion and mix with 2 tbsp. of honey. After few hours, the onion will release its juice. Drink this liquid either as it is (which requires courage!) or mix with warm water.
Thyme infused tea
Use one teaspoon of dry thyme (I harvested mine in early summer) for one cup of boiling water. Drink up to three cups a day.
Ginger tea
Grate one piece of fresh ginger and cover with boiling water.First infusion is the most potent but you can also drink the second and third infusion.
Vinegar socks
This old remedy was used in Austria before the age of Tylenol, Ibuprofen and other drugs. I generally avoid using fever-reducing medication as these drugs have many side effects. Numerous studies have shown that these medications might cause liver damage (with acetaminophen), stomach upset (with Ibuprofen) and Reye's syndrome with aspirin.
How to reduce fever using vinegar socks: You will need 2 cups of cold water, 1 tbsp. of raw Apple cider vinegar (homemade or store-bought), 1 pair of wool socks, 1 dry towel. Mix water and vinegar in a big bowl. Soak wool socks in this mixture and put on the feet of the patient until the fever drops. Cover with dry towel. CAUTION: Do not use this remedy if the patient has cold feet or starts to shiver.