Somewhere in my travels, I must have angered a health god. I’m sick for the second time this month. Just to give you a little background, I usually get a fall cold and that’s it. Done…finished…finito. I got a cold at the end of October, and it was a doozy. So why have I gotten sick not once, but twice in March?
I am a complete germaphobe. I constantly wash my hands (or use antibacterial sanitizers). I Lysol everything. I drink an Emergen-C Immune Support packet probably more than they recommend. So again, why am I sick?
What began as a slight tickle in my throat on Sunday initially had me convinced it was all in my head. I spent the night in bed alternating between telling myself I felt fine to having a near anxiety attack, fearing that Coldmaggedon had come back with a vengeance. By morning, it was clear that the latter was true.
Since I could no longer stay in denial, I decided to try some holistic remedies to aid my recovery. Here are a few that have helped me feel better:
Gargle with Warm Salt Water: Any time I feel the slightest tingle in my throat I bust out the salt. It soothes it almost immediately, and it cuts down on the time that my throat feels like I’m swallowing glass. Add a teaspoon of salt to warm water and gargle for five minutes. I usually add about a tablespoon of salt and try to gargle three times a day.
Apple Cider Vinegar: I’ve often heard people who drink apple cider vinegar rarely get sick. Who knows if that claim is valid, but there are benefits to drinking a teaspoon of the acidic stuff. This article in Shape magazine touts the seven benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar, one of which is that it may prevent cancer (can I drink the whole bottle, please?). Even if it won’t cure the common cold, it can ease a sore throat. If drinking it isn’t your cup of tea (no pun intended), try mixing it with warm water and gargling.
Healing Tea: I first came across the recipe for this healing tea on Elana’s blog, Elana Lyn, and I thought the post was worth bookmarking. While I am adverse to all spices, turmeric has some serious game as an anti-inflammatory. This potent powder can do everything from delay diabetes to protect against cancer. Guess there’s a reason so many people swear by it! When I first started feeling the effects of Coldmaggedon 2.0 I quickly pulled up Elana’s post and followed the directions to make this healing tea. Hurry, if you head over to my Snapchat (username: livinginsteil) you just might be in time to catch some snaps I made while I was mixing up this concoction! All you need are three simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen: turmeric, ground ginger, and black pepper. Add a teaspoon of turmeric to boiling water, and then mix in 1/4 teaspoon each of ground ginger and black pepper. Drink up!
Echinacea: Another helpful little herb, Echinacea can be found at your local health food store and is a great first line of defense against an oncoming cold. It can also be taken once you develop symptoms to shorten the duration of your cold. Echinacea has many beneficial uses, covering everything from the common cold and flu to anxiety and dizziness.
You should consult your doctor or health care provider before starting on a holistic regimen.
Do you have any holistic remedies to share?
Thanks for these tips! I am all about the tea when I get sick. Hope you feel better soon!
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! I’ve been drinking lots of tea.
Hope you are feeling better now, it’s horrible being sick. Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Thanks, Gemma!
Out of those 4 things I only gargle warm water because of my sore throat, I will try making the healing tea and take the apple cider vinegar. Thanks for sharing!
http://www.fashionstylemogul.com
Thanks, Meron! I’m glad you liked the post.
I’ve never heard of apple cider vinegar, but I’m definitely going to look for it next time I’m not feeling well! Thanks for sharing these tips.
http://www.noellejulia.com
Thanks, Noelle! If it’s too potent for you to drink straight, you can dry diluting it in apple juice or seltzer water.
I’ve heard really good things about overall health improvements from taking tumeric- it’s supposed to help with all sorts of ailments!
-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
Thanks, Ashley! I’m hoping it helps me kick this cold ASAP!
I tried taking a shot of acv for a week every morning. I wanted to die lol. However, I should probably dilute it next time. Do not do it straight up omg!!!
beyondbasicblog.com
Thanks for the tip, Meghan! I’ve been drinking it straight and it really doesn’t bother me. You could always try adding it to apple juice or seltzer water.
I am ALL about acv and turmeric! You’ve pretty much hit on almost all of my favorite remedies…drinking tea concoctions, gargling with salt water for sore throat (p.s. ‘swallowing glass’ is the most accurate phrase I’ve heard used to describe what it feels like). I also dabble in using essential oils topically (I use them more as I’m learning more about them) and of course, lots of water and rest! I hope you’re feeling better!
Thanks, Tristan! I want to try the essential oils. I’ve heard a lot of people say that they’ve helped them. Guess I should read up and see which ones to try! Happy Tuesday!
I hope you feel better, girlie! These are some great tips, I love drinking tea when I’m under the weather. I suggest you take vitamin D3 daily, it helps with your immune system and is also good for your breast health, too. I’ve been taking it for about 2 years now and have only gotten a cold a couple of times and it was usually when I stopped taking it. My step-daughter who used to always get sick has not gotten sick at all this past fall and winter, which she would always. Definitely try it starting off with 1000IU first. Again, I hope you feel better!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
Thanks for the suggestion, Jalisa! At this point, I’m wiling to try anything, and I’ve heard good things about taking D3. I’m glad it has worked so well for you and your step-daughter. Happy Tuesday!
I love this post! I’m all about ACV, tumeric and echinacea. The biggest game changer for me healthwise though would have to be probiotics. They don’t quite fall into this field but are still worth mentioning!
Thanks, Kasie! Probiotics are great. I haven’t tried them yet, but I’ve heard there are many good benefits to taking them.
Thanks for sharing all of these tips!
I usually drink a lot of lemon tea with honey. Peel a thin slice of the lemon skin and pour it into some boiling water with honey… it’s amazing. Must try if you haven’t already! 🙂
Hope you are feeling better now! xo
~ Nicole
http://www.nicolevaidosa.com
http://www.instagram.com/nicolevaidosa
Thanks, Nicole! Honey and lemon is one of my favorite things to drink when I’m sick. It really helps my sore throat!
Don’t forget Gotu Kola – it has worked for me in the past. An immune-booster that shortens the duration of a cold (and I read that it also helps with tonsillitis)
Thanks, Vlad! I’ve never heard of that one before, but I’m going to look into it.
Great health tips Vanesessa! Thanks for sharing!
♥♥♥
Jeanne
http://fashionmusingsdiary.com
Thanks, Jeanne! I’m glad you enjoyed them.
Great healthy tips! Thanks for sharing!
Hugs,
Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
Thanks, Trang! I hope you found them helpful.