I wouldn’t say that I hate medicines but I think that they’re overused. Nature gives us so many options when it comes to treating the common cold and/or allergies that it’s just a matter of finding what works for you. Here are ____ of my most common used natural remedies for battling colds/allergies:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
This is probably my first go-to for if I start to feel sick. It’s an acquired taste for some but I actually like the way it tastes so I do 1oz shots of it daily. If I’m actually not feeling well, then I’ll drink it about 3 times per day. When it’s cold or I’m congested, I’ll drink it as a tea with honey, lemon and hot water. Why apple cider vinegar? The benefits of apple cider vinegar are incredible. Some of the most useful are:
- Facial toner
- Helps with upset stomach
- Clear a stuffy nose
- Gets rid of a sore throat. Mix 1/4 c ACV with 1/4 c warm water and gargle at least 3 times a day.
- Quicker recovery from workouts. Mix 1 tblsp with 8oz of water and drink post workout.
- Get shiny, dandruff-free, detangled hair. Mix 1/3 c with 4c of water and pour over hair after shampooing. After 30 seconds, rinse with cold water.
Don’t like the taste? Check out these recipes so you don’t lose out on the benefits.
2. Nasal Rinses
Congestion is a pesky symptom of both allergies and colds. Not being able to breathe sucks. As an adult it’s tough but when babies have this symptom? It’s pretty unbearable. For adults, Neti pots are a God-send. I recently bought one after not being able to breathe for a couple days. But once I did, I was incredibly grateful for the invention. All the mucous came out and I could breathe! I did it 3 times a day until the congestion past.
Nasal rinses aren’t just for adults. Baby abc has been struggling ear infections since she was 4 months. My poor baby couldn’t breathe until I used her nasal syringe in an unconventional 
way. Gobs and gobs of snot came out. Her relief was immediate.
Nasal rinses are extremely effective but can be dangerous if not done correctly. Keeping the Neti pot/nasal syringe clean is imperative as is using the appropriate water.
3. Essential Oils
Eucalyptus oils on your feet (be sure to use a carrier oil) break up congestion. Peppermint oils on your feet break your fever. Tea tree and lavender oils both have antibiotic properties and are soothing. Using these on your body–do not ingest–or in the form of steam are very helpful. When mini was a little over a year, she had strep throat. The Ibprofen couldn’t break her fever but the oils on her feet with some socks did the trick!
4. Local Honey & Bee Pollen
This remedy doesn’t work immediately–it takes some time and consistency. If you have bad 
allergies this is definitely worth a try about 2 weeks to 1 month prior to allergy season. You’ll need honey local to your region, bee pollen, a gallon of distilled water, and lemon. Mix 1 tablespoon of the bee pollen in with 1/2 lemon and the distilled water. Heat them and then add the honey. Let it cool and then drink it throughout the day. It’s important to note that the bee pollen and honey need to be local as they slowly introduce your body to what it’s allergic to building up a resistance.
Although I’m all for natural remedies, but sometimes they just don’t work and a doctor has to be called. Persistent fevers, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and vomiting/stool with blood are all indicators that a doctor needs to be seen. Keep in mind that I am NOT a doctor and these are just remedies/suggestions based upon my own life experiences but I do hope they help.
What natural remedies do you use when afflicted with the symptoms of cold and allergies?
