DOSSIER

As the news outlets go on and on about the Corona Virus, and every drug store you walk into pushes the flu shot, it’s hard to ignore the fact that it is officially cold and flu season. Our household was struck down by a nasty cold the past few weeks, I’m still recovering as I write this article. So I thought I’d share our favorite holistic cold remedies that might bring you and yours a little relief this season.

STEAM

When feeling congested, my favorite remedy is to go into a steam room. But when you are home sick, it isn’t the first place you think of going even if you leave the house. Instead, I opt for my at home steam remedy. While in the shower, put a few drops of your favorite essential oil in the tub and keep the water on the hottest temperature you can handle. You don’t even have to stand in the water, you can just sit in the shower or the bathroom and enjoy. I find peppermint and tea tree work essential oils work the best to decongest. Be sure to keep the windows and doors tightly closed and the fan off to create the steamiest room possible. This will also help with body aches and sore muscles.

As an alternative, if you want to concentrate on only your congested chest, make a mini steam room for your upper body. Simply fill a bowl with boiling hot water and your favorite essential oil, while leaning over the bowl, using a bath towel, cover your head and the bowl so you are breathing the steam into your lungs. This is an old Irish remedy. My mother-in-law got my husband through the whooping cough with this remedy over 35 years ago.

DRY BRUSHING

Dry brushing and alternating between hot and cold water in the shower helps detox your body quickly, which will help shorten the length of your cold. Get all the best dry brushing tips and benefits here.

LYMPHATIC MASSAGE

Another great way to drain the fluid and congestion from your face and neck is to use gently lymphatic massage. As a bonus, it also helps reduce puffiness and fine lines. This is my favorite method to use when I am suffering from a head cold.

FRESH AIR

There is nothing more cleansing and refreshing than a walk in the brisk cold air. If you are low on energy, take your time, but take deep, cleansing breaths along the way. If the sun is out that day, face the sun for 10 minutes and soak in some additional vitamin D.

MINESTRONE SOUP

There is nothing more comforting than soup when you are sick. My favorite recipe, that goes for a full week, or more, is classic Minestrone Soup. Loaded with veggies, a bit of heat to help clear sinuses and simple noodles for comfort, this soup is perfect for when your sick, or when you’re not. View the full recipe here.

B12 SHOT

If you are going to the doctor for your illness, ask for a B12 shot. Since we are vegan, we are often low in B12 which makes us feel very run down. I got a B12 shot on the 2nd day of my cold and it shortened the length of my cold significantly compared to my husband who didn’t get a B12 shot.

GINGER LEMON TEA

If you are trying to rest, avoiding caffeinated tea will help. My go to recipe is made from fresh ginger and lemon, with variations using cayenne pepper and honey. See the full recipe here.