The cold weather may bring with it a case of the sniffles or flu. Sudden fall in temperatures may cause unwanted illness, making us unable to do our regular routines. Everyone wants to be able to lead a normal life and carry on with everyday activities despite the weather. I have always relied on natural remedies and methods in beating winter ailments, or just battling winter cold naturally. It is easy to go to the drugstore and take medicine when you’re sick. As much as possible, I try to avoid chemicals to enter my body.
I have discovered several effective and natural ways to treat winter cold. Here are 10 natural ways to beat winter cold:
#10 Elderberry Syrup
The natural juices of elderberry are high in immune compounds, especially useful in battling the common cold. The black elderberry variety can help in avoiding minor illnesses because they contain plenty of Vitamins A, B, and C.
There is medical evidence that elderberry helps reduce swelling in mucous membranes and helps relieve nasal congestion. You can make your own elderberry syrup by following this simple recipe.
#9 Oil of Oregano
Oregano oil has antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Oil is extracted from the oregano plant using steam distillation, but you don’t have to do it yourself.
It’s easy to purchase oregano oil online or from stores that sell natural healing products. Ingest three to four drops, and then follow right away with a full glass of water. It doesn’t really taste that good, but it is very effective against winter cold.
#8 Raw Honey and Lemon
Raw honey is a great ingredient because it has natural antimicrobial properties. Honey boosts immunity and lemon is full of Vitamin C. The best thing about honey is that you can mix it with just about anything – teas, apple cider vinegar, or oatmeal.
I love to eat a spoonful of honey now and then just for the sake of taste, but it’s also good to know that it helps our bodies prevent cold.
#7 Salt water rinse
When I wake up in the morning with nasal congestion, I just gargle with lukewarm water and salt, and the congestion magically disappears.
Salt water also reduces bacteria and removes virus particles, thus it also helps fight acne. It’s a simple but very effective method that works all the time.
#6 Echinacea
Studies show that Echinacea helps reduce cold and has a positive effect on the immune system in general.
However, it is not nearly as effective as elderberry syrup or oil of oregano. I like the taste of the tea, though.
#5 Fermented Cod Liver Oil
It may sound disgusting, but it’s good for you to take one teaspoon of fermented cod liver oil every winter morning. It has Omega 3 that is important when we you not getting enough Vitamin D from the sun. So, to avoid having to eat this, try to spend a bit more time outside.
Vitamin D helps our body’s immune functions, so if you have low Vitamin D levels in your body, you are more likely to catch common colds, especially during the winter.
#4 American Ginseng Root
Not to be confused with its Asian or European cousins, American ginseng, in particular, is used to boost the immune system and effective for preventing flu and viruses.
In fact, its extract is added to over-the-counter cold medicines.
#3 Garlic
Aside from being effective against high blood pressure and fungal infections, garlic is used to combat the common cold. As much some people like the taste, other people don’t enjoy the smell, so if you eat a lot of garlic, make sure you brush your teeth regularly.
#2 Ginger Tea
A fresh slice of ginger root, lemon, and honey will help stop cold symptoms. It also helps hydrate and soothe a scratchy throat.
I love drinking ginger tea with a bit of honey or lemongrass on a cold winter’s night.
#1 Apple Cider Vinegar
Drinking apple cider vinegar whenever you have a bad cough during winter months can expel phlegm right away. Apple cider vinegar creates alkaline for viruses, which effectively fights bacteria that causes colds and flu.
What’s your favourite natural way to beat a winter illness?
Oh man, cold season. With a little one in daycare, we always seem to have some sort of winter cold around here. I usually reach for the tea and lemon and then just try to get a lot of sleep. But these are some great tips! I’ve never heard of the elderberry syrup idea…I’ll have to investigate that one! Thanks, Agness! 🙂
I don’t really get sick on cold seasons but it’s good to know some natural ways to beat the winter cold 🙂
Lots of great natural healing staples here on thislist, I have used quite a few. The elderberry is new to me. Happy New Year!
You should definitely try elderberry syrup 🙂 Happy New Year to you too, my dear!
I swear by the salt water rinse! Whenever I start a cold coming on I get to it with t he salt water. I even carry salt when I’m travelling hehe 🙂
Nice! I will pack some salt when heading to North Korea in 3 weeks!! It’s going to be freezing there!
The salt water rinse is my go-to too! I use it for EVERYTHING. I’ve never tried oil of oregano, but I’m going to try it next time I’m sick.
Agness, you’re going to North Korea?! Did you mean South? If not, what are you going for? Ooo I hope you do a blog post about it!
x-Greta
Hey Greta! I’ve already been to South Korea and next week I’m heading to North Korea. I’m also a travel blogger so it’s a sightseeing trip! 🙂 I’ll post about it on my travel blog -> https://etramping.com XxX
Garlic, ginger tea and anything with lots of Vitamin B! I know this is an Australian cliche, but vegemite is full of vitamin B!
But now… waiting for the Spring “How to beat hayfever post”… I would be forever indebted to you…
I tried vegemite, Tim and I HATED IT :(((((( sorry but it is disgusting!!
It’s super hot where I am in Australia at the moment. I wish it was cold lol. This is good advice for any time of year.
It’s super hot here in China as well, but I’m heading back to Europe next winter so I will definitely use these tips when I get sick 🙂
I could have used this a few days ago! I caught a cold at the end of my trip. Flying home was a bit tough! I will keep these in mind the next time….well hopefully I won’t get a cold again, but just in case….
Getting sick while on the road is never nice 🙁 Hope you’re feeling better now, Kathy!
Thank you for these helpful tips. There’s a cold going around in my office so I’m trying my best to not get sick. I love drinking honey and lemon so I’m going to start doing that.
https://doreensstylediary.com/
Stay healthy and drink a lot of hot water with fresh lemon!
What great solutions (but I hope I don’t need them 😉 ) Thanks for compiling this list!
Thanks and stay healthy! 🙂
Great list to keep in mind! And it is so funny, I almost had a shock when I saw your picture above, you look soooo much like one of my friends, for a moment I was really confused! 🙂
Really? Nice! Say hi to your friend :)x
I made elderberry syrup last summer. I wish I’d read this earlier when my youngest was suffering from a cold…
Nice!
Lemon and honey and apple cider vinegar are my 2 faves! When I feel a cold come on I try to drink a TON of water and sleep as much as possible:-)
Yes, water always works!
All of these are great natural suggestions to battle a cold!
Definitely, Laura!
I’ve sworn by honey and lemon for years. Thanks for all the tips!
Me too! High five!
SOOOO many things I need to try! Awesome list!
Goooooo try them!
This is a wonderful list that could be followed this winter Agnes! I loved every one of them, Now I need to make a list of what to use when, scheduling them I mean!
Thanks, happy you liked it!
OMG! I am in a midst of a cold and so need this! Thank you!
Get better soon, Karlie.
Love this list! I have an elderberry tea that I Love iced in summer. Need to start drinking it in the winter now, thanks for the great tips!
Awesome to hear that. Elderberry tea is very tasty :).
My son has a cold and cough, so I need to try some of these ASAP!
Definitely! Hope he can get better soon!
My daughter and husband have a cold right now so these tips are perfect!
Wishing them a speedy recovery, Kelly!
Thank you for this wonderful tips for cold, they are really helpful. 🙂
Happy to hear that, Anu!