Cold and allergy season can leave us feeling physically and mentally weak with low-energy and desperate to feel healthy and normal again.
Instead of reaching for the medicine bottle, I like to reach for natural remedies! Natural remedies come in the forms of herbs or whole foods.
Yes, there is a time and place for OTC or prescription medication. But if the option to get relief or benefits from a natural source is available, that can be preferred.
Herbs and whole foods hold all the medicine we need! Hippocrates said it best, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” This quote was meant to “emphasize the importance of nutrition to prevent or cure disease”.
My go-to natural remedies include; Local & Manuka Honey, Apple Cider Vinegar, Elderberry Syrup, and Rose Hips.
Here's why I love each one ~
~Local Honey is great for fighting allergies! Raw local honey produced within a 50-mile radius or less of where you live is like receiving a nature an anti-allergy treatment. This is because, when you consume the honey, you are also consuming some of the allergens that can affect you. So over time, your body builds up an immunity to these allergens. And you get to support small local business, it's a win-win!
~Manuka honey is a type of honey native to New Zealand and Australia. It’s made by bees that pollinate the native Manuka Tree. Manuka honey has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. What sets Manuka honey apart from other raw honey is a unique enzyme called Methylglyoxal (MG) that doesn’t exist in other kinds of honey. That enzyme contains a high level of antibacterial properties. There are numerous minerals and vitamins present in Manuka honey that make it versatile in its uses. “It has traditionally been used for wound healing, soothing sore throats, preventing tooth decay and improving digestive”.
~Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the most versatile items ever! It can be used in cleaning, washing hair, on the skin, in recipes, and more! ACV is alkalizing to the body and an alkalized body helps kill bacteria and viruses. It helps boost the immune system and acts as a prebiotic. ACV helps break up mucus and supports lymphatic drainage. It is also said, that mixing one to two tablespoons of ACV in water and lemon juice three times a day can relieve allergy symptoms. And adding in that local honey to the mix will put you on the right track for maximum allergy relief!
~Elderberry syrup is amazing for immune and antioxidant support. Elderberry syrup most commonly comes from Black Elderberry. Which is a native tree to Europe, but is widely grown in many other parts of the world. The berries itself are toxic until cooked. Elderberries are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and flavonoids, especially anthocyanins which is responsible for their deep purple, almost black color. The anthocyanins also aid anti-inflammatory. Elderberry syrup can be taken to help treat and prevent cold and flu symptoms.
~Rose Hips contain the seeds from the Rose plant. “Dried rosehip and the seeds are used together to make medicine”. Rose Hips are the best natural source for Vitamin C. Therefore, best used for treating and prevents colds and flu symptoms. It’s also a great anti-inflammatory that is effective in relieving symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rose Hips can be purchased in the form of whole seeds, seedless, or in an oil. Dried Rose Hips can be made into a delicious tea, perfect in times of cold or flu.
I also love to keep Lemon, Garlic, and Ginger close by at all times! These whole foods are high in nutrients that work to support your body's natural defenses.
What natural remedies do you reach for in times of cold and allergies? Any of these? How have they worked for you? Please share your knowledge!
Much love & light,
Sarah Del Rey