Cultures from around the world offer a variety of remedies for treating cold and flu.
Turmeric
Grown primarily in India, turmeric is one of the most commonly used plants in Ayurvedic medicine.1 It is believed that turmeric possesses antiviral qualities that work against some cold-causing viruses.2
Recipe
Mix 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder with 5 ounces of honey. Take half a teaspoon every 30 minutes when you have a cold.2
Garlic
Embraced by the Mexican and Spanish cultures, garlic tea is the go-to remedy for cold. Studies have indicated that raw garlic may boost the immune system and kill bacteria.3
Recipe
Boil a cup of water. Take it off heat and add 1-3 cloves of chopped garlic. Add lemon juice /honey (optional).4
Ginger
Ginger has been playing an important role in Chinese medicine. Apart from cold, ginger is also used to relieve digestive distress.5 High in gingerol, ginger carries strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities.6
Recipe
Cut and mash fresh ginger. Boil water. Add ginger. Low boil for 20 minutes. Add orange peel. Low boil for another 10 minutes. Strain.7
Elderflower
Traditionally a European home remedy, elderflower is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects and is used for cold, bronchitis, and sinusitis. 8,9
Recipe
Place 2 teaspoons of dried elderflowers into cup. Pour in boiling water. Stir. Wait for 5 minutes. Strain. Add lemon/ honey to taste.
Give these remedies a go at the first sign of cold symptoms. It might save you a trip to the doctor’s office!
Sources
- https://www.farmingindia.in/turmeric-cultivation/. Viewed on 20 Oct 2018.
- https://www.curejoy.com/content/turmeric-honey-cold-flu/. Viewed on 20 Oct 2018.
- https://www.verywellfit.com/garlic-tea-benefits-and-side-effects-4163918. Viewed on 20 Oct 2018.
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/256060-health-benefits-of-garlic-tea/. Viewed on 20 Oct 2018.
- https://www.holistichealthherbalist.com/natural-cold-remedies-ginger/. Viewed on 20 Oct 2018.
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-ginger#section1. Viewed on 20 Oct 2018.
- https://tim.blog/2008/03/18/4-anti-cold-cocktails-that-work-from-ancient-china-to-german-alcoholics-and-modern-labs/. Viewed on 20 Oct 2018.
- https://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-elderflower.html. Viewed on 20 Oct 2018.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-708/elderflower. Viewed on 20 Oct 2018.