It starts with that tickle in the back of your throat. Sudden inexplicable fatigue. A dull headache in the middle of the day. Within a few hours, it turns into that terrible cold that's been going around the office. When everyone else is getting sick, it sometimes seems inevitable that you'll catch it. But wait! There are simple, effective, natural ways to stop the onset of winter flu in it tracks.
Lemon
Lemon juice, especially freshly-squeezed lemon in hot water, is a well-known folk remedy for sore throat, cold, and boosting the immune system.
The role of lemon is dual (1):
Fresh lemon juice is rich in enzymes and natural chemicals that cleanse the body of toxins and invaders.
Lemon also, despite its sharp acidic nature, has an alkali "ash." When digested by the human body, it is rendered basic or alkaline, making the body less acidic. Since an acidic environment is more welcoming to viruses and bacteria, lowering the internal acidity gives colds and flu less of a foothold and improves the immune system.
Honey: The Good, the Bad and the Timely
Honey is often recommended along with lemon (as in "lemon and honey in hot water") but although honey soothes the throat temporarily, its lasting effect usually worsens sore throats because of its high sugar content and it does very little for immunity.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar works in much the same way lemon does, but for many people it is more effective. (2)
Although it is acidic, apple cider vinegar (commonly shortened to "ACV") is the only common type of vinegar to have an alkali "ash" – converting to an alkali form in the human digestive tract. It breaks down immunity-weakening acidity and congestion, and cleanses the body.
If taken before food, ACV activates the secretion of enzymes and digestive juices.
To combat a sore throat or oncoming cold, ACV can be gargled or taken (about one ounce mixed with an ounce of water) first thing in the morning, at least 15 minutes before any food.
Oregano Essential Oil
One of the most widely recommended herbal treatments for cold and flu, oregano oil really does the trick if used appropriately and often.
Oregano can be applied on the throat, on the soles of the feet, or taken internally* at the first sign of a cold, and repeated every fifteen minutes until you experience relief
*Please consider cautions and warnings about purity of essential oils before ingesting any health care remedy claiming to be "pure essential oil" or using it on your body. Only high-quality, properly made essential oils will work. Please consult a medical professional if you are unsure of the safety of any treatment or remedy.*
Thieves Essential Oil Blend
Thieves is a blend of essential oils of clove, cinnamon, lemon, eucalyptus and rosemary that has been studied and proven highly effective against bacteria, viruses, mold and fungi. (2) It is also safe for most people to ingest.*
Thieves blend is based on a formula of herbs and oils used during the bubonic plague by a group of thieves in Marseilles, France, and recorded by the monarchy when they caught up with the robbers. It is one of the best ways to stop a cold in its tracks, and can be used just like oregano oil or added to apple cider vinegar (a drop or two) and taken in the morning.
Baby Yourself
One of the most helpful – and most overlooked – ways to combat a cold is to take time to yourself. Sometimes, a cold or flu is the body's immune system telling you that you're stressed and that you just need a break. Time out for a bath, a massage, or some time alone to read a book for sheer pleasure can make all the difference in soothing and tired body and helping you fight off that cold quickly and painlessly.
Reference
(1) Woloshyn, Tom: The Complete Master Cleanse, Ulysses Press, 2007.
(2) Essential Oils Desk Reference, 2nd Edition. Essential Science Publishing (compiled by), USA, 2001.
Victoria Anisman-Reiner - Victoria Anisman-Reiner is a freelance writer with extensive experience in holistic health care and animal training.
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