Hello joyous readers!
Yesterday I was on the Morning Show talking about cures for the common cold and flu. You can watch the video below:
Here are the recipes I shared.
Honey Lemon Ginger Elixir
This is wonderful for a sore throat, congestion, cough and even symptoms of nausea. Honey is antibacterial, anti-viral and immune building, plus it soothes a sore throat quite nicely. The ginger calms a nauseated belly and it is extremely anti-inflammatory. The lemon aids digestion, promotes detoxification of the liver and is a wonderful source of immune boosting vitamin C. Oh and it tastes like candied ginger!
Recipe
Pack as many chopped fresh lemon slices into a mason jar as you can (choose organic)
Grate 2 tbsp (at least) of fresh ginger with a fine grater
Fill the space left in the mason jar with honey, preferably unpasteurized* to get the healing benefits of the honey
How to enjoy: Place 1-2 tsp of elixir (aka magical potion) into 1 cup of hot water. Let cool slightly before drinking. Keeps for several weeks in the fridge. Tastes like heaven!
*Not for children under 2.
Turmeric Honey Soother
Despite what you might think, this actually tastes yummy! These healing East Indian spices have been enjoyed for their medicinal benefits for thousands of years. The combination of turmeric, cardamom and cinnamon provides a triple-packed-whammy of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. This drink not only soothes but it also aids in prevention as it builds the immune system and keeps it strong. Perfect to help ward off a cold or flu.
Recipe
1 cup coconut milk
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cardamom
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp unpasteurized* honey
Method: Heat coconut milk in a pot over low heat. Stir in spices. Let cool and strain away any clumps of spices. Pour into a mug, add some honey and enjoy!
Spicy Lemon Zinger
This is your go-to for a snotty, congested head and headache. This is not the drink to take when you have a fever mind you, as it will create more heat in the body. If you have a fever, the Turmeric Honey Soother chilled would be a much better option. The lemon aids the liver in detoxification and it's extremely cleansing. The cayenne is metabolism boosting and increases circulation which will benefit you even when you don't have a cold. The heat from the cayenne is extremely beneficial for congestion as it will promote the flow of mucous. Please please please, I beg you! Do not take medications that stop the flow of mucous. You want to blow it out -- not back it up!
Recipe
1 cup water
1/2 juice of 1 fresh lemon
1/2 tsp cayenne
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Method: Boil water and pour into a mug. Add lemon, cayenne and apple cider vinegar. Let cool slightly before drinking. Keep a tissue handy because you will be blowing your nose in no time!
Now of course, my hope is that you don't get sick in the first place. How do you avoid getting sick? You keep your immune system strong. Here are some videos and past articles to keep you joyous!
Immune Boosting Foods and Lifestyle Tips
Tips to avoid the flu
Avoid the flu
Be joyous!
Joy
Thanks, Joy! These recipes look great! I'm going to use them as a prevention, as well. Well, maybe not the one with cayenne, but the one with coconut milk. lol Awesome job on The Morning Show, like usual. You are very inspiring! :)
ReplyThanks for these ideas! So easy and amazing!
ReplyYay! Thks! Perfect timing, My man is sick.... Gonna whip him up some of these drinks! XA
ReplyI just made the turmeric honey soother with coconut milk I whipped up from a whole fresh coconut. Mmmm...delightful!! Didn't know prevention could taste so good! lol
ReplyHow long is the shelf life? Can i mix these up now and keep in the fridge during cold/flu season?
ReplyI was wondering about this also! If I mix it up now, will it stay fresh in the fridge for like 6-8 weeks?
[…] Naturals Cures for the Common Cold & Flu […]
ReplyUseful info. Lucky me I found your site by chance, and I am stunned why this coincidence didn't took place earlier! I bookmarked it.
ReplyHey Joy, just wanted to ask how long the turmeric honey soother will last in the fridge? Also, if I incorporate a drop or 3 of oil of oregano in that think it would change the dynamic of the taste too much? Or should I just put the oil in one of the other two elixirs? Feeling rather run down, and no time to be sick! K, thanks -ashley
ReplyRight, just wanted to have a few servings on hand until symptoms are gone....basically, whip up a big batch and just keep in a carafe in the fridge for however long... thanks again.
I'd say no more than 3 days, unless it starts to look/smell weird. When in doubt, throw it out! You can try making smaller batches if you're worried about leftovers going off. It's been my experience that oil of oregano is so strong that it changes the taste of everything it comes into contact with! Something to keep in mind.
It says not for children under 2, what can I give my 7 month old to help him. He's had a cold/flu since the first week of daycare (to be expected) he's been on 2 courses of Antibiotics but once off them the chesty cough, sore throat and blocked nose all come back. We've already given him Honey to soothe his throat (a bit of honey in warm water), but I know there are risks with botulism.
ReplyHi Karen, We usually recommend an infant probiotic to help recolonize the gut immune system, such as this one: http://www.udoschoice.co.uk/products/udos-choice-infants-blend Kate - Joyous Health Team
Natural Cures for the Common Cold and Flu Wondering if you have have any of these remedies while pregnant. I am so stuffed up and my head feels like it's going to explode. I know you cannot have honey....any suggestions? Thank you, Kim
ReplySorry to feel you feel icky! It's tough when your pregnant because there are very few safe options. Echinacea taking moderately is probably one of the safest herbals while pregnant. Be sure to talk to your natural healthcare practitioner for brand and dosage recommendations. Also, probiotics are a great addition to take everyday for a healthy immune system and vitamin D :) Get well soon!
Thats worth trying... Last time when my kid had common cold I found milk turmeric powder and black pepper power mix to be very beneficial. No doubt there will be even more such natural treatments available to home remedies to common cold and flu.
ReplyHi! would organic coconut milk from a can be ok for the turmeric soother?
ReplyThat would work just fine, Floriana! Heather- Joyous Health Team
Quite good article,thank you for sharing.
ReplyHey Jaspreet, I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed it! :) Rachel - Joyous Health Team
Hi Joy. I tried coconut drink and it is delicious. Thank you for sharing recipes....
ReplyYou're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!