Natural remedies to keep on hand that can help prevent the common cold and the flu

There are plenty of ways to protect yourself from getting the flu or the common cold, such as washing your hands, getting enough sleep, and practicing good health habits. However, you can still give yourself an added layer of protection against these illnesses by regularly taking oregano oil and other effective natural remedies.

Oregano oil

Oregano oil is an essential oil that has been used by traditional healers since ancient times for the treatment of coughs, colds, flu infections, sore throats, and other respiratory issues. While science has proven that this oil can alleviate cold and flu symptoms, oregano oil’s potent antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties also allow it to prevent the onset of colds and flu in the first place. You can take oregano oil in the form of a throat spray or as an oil supplement. It is recommended to use wild P73 or “polyphenol 73 percent” oregano oil as this is indicative of a medicinal grade quality oil. For optimal flu prevention, it is also important that the oil contains carvacrol as its primary component. You can mix three to 10 drops of oregano oil with a tablespoon of water. Swish the mixture around your mouth for 30 seconds before swallowing.

Olive leaf extract

Olive leaf extract (OLE) can serve as an effective flu preventive and it can also boost your immune system. Its main constituent is the phytochemical oleuropein, which possesses powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties. You can take olive leaf extract in the form of a healing tea, capsule, or oil. Whatever form you take it in, make sure it contains oleuropein as an active ingredient. However, the teas and capsules are the most effective forms for relieving flu symptoms. You can drink olive leaf tea several times a day. Olive leaf tea is also used to lower high blood pressure so be sure not to take it in this form if you take medications for that or a similar condition.

Ginger root

Ginger root possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can naturally combat nausea, vomiting, and other flu symptoms. You can drink a warm cup of ginger tea to easily soothe an itchy or scratchy throat. Just boil a few fresh slices of ginger and drink the water once it has cooled. Ginger can also be incorporated into a number of homemade recipes to calm an upset stomach. Other ways that you can take ginger root include capsules, powders and extracts. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the proper dosage. If you are already taking medication for the treatment of diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, you should first consult with your healthcare provider before taking ginger root.

Probiotics

Your gut is home to a combination of both good and bad bacteria. Having the right balance of these bacteria in your gut is essential to your overall health. Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that live in your digestive tract. If your gut is strong and healthy, it can give your immune system an added boost to protect your body against the flu, colds, and other illnesses. Before you even get sick with the flu, you should already be consuming plenty of fermented foods that are rich in probiotics. If you want to maximize the protection that probiotics can provide, it is best to take probiotic foods that contain both the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains of bacteria.

Raw honey

Nature’s sweetener can also serve as a powerful remedy for flu infections. Organic honey possesses strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that can protect you from the flu and other ailments. You can enjoy its potent health-promoting properties by using it to sweeten a nice, hot cup of herbal tea. Honey can also be very effective in soothing sore throats and relieving coughs. (Related: Natural flu remedies and preventatives you need to know.)

Learn more ways to protect yourself against the flu by going to Influenza.news.

Sources include:

NaturalHealth365.com

UniversityHealthNews.com