As I sit here typing this, my nose is running and my throat feels a bit scratchy. It seems the recent change in weather and my exposure to air conditioning and cold air drafts have finally caught up with me. The crisp autumn air, the rainy weather, and the sudden temperature drops here in the UK have a way of triggering my seasonal sensitivities.
But instead of reaching for over-the-counter medications, I’m turning to my arsenal of natural remedies to help boost my immune system and kick this cold to the curb. You see, I’m not a medical expert by any means – well, I guess I am a doctor, but just not the medical kind. I have a PhD, so that counts, right? In any case, I’ve learned a thing or two over the years about supporting my health with simple, homemade solutions. And I’m excited to share some of my favorite tricks with you.
Onion and Honey Syrup
One remedy I absolutely swear by is an onion and honey syrup that I learned about from natural health author Barbara O’Neill’s book “Sustain Me.” When I start feeling that familiar tickle in my throat or that stuffy, runny nose after being exposed to air drafts, I quickly whip up a batch of this powerful elixir. You can also find Barbara demonstrating how to make it in her YouTube videos. The onions are packed with antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe sore throats and calm coughing, while the honey adds its own immune-boosting benefits. I just sauté some chopped onions in a bit of honey until they’re softened, then take 3 tablespoons of the syrup a few times throughout the day.
Immune-Boosting “Flu Bomb”
Another remedy that I’ve seen do absolute wonders for my family is what Barbara O’Neill calls the “flu bomb” – a potent blend of lemon, ginger, cayenne, honey, garlic, turmeric, and a drop of essential oil. This super-charged drink is like an immunity-boosting liquid gold. I kid you not, I’ve seen members of my family who were bedridden with the flu get up and start feeling better after just one glass of this. It’s that powerful! I try to take a dose 3 times a day at the first sign of symptoms.
I’ve also seen people on social media making similar “immune-boosting shot” combinations with these kinds of ingredients. We haven’t tried making those ourselves yet, but I can imagine they would be an even more concentrated way to get a quick hit of those anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immune-supporting compounds when you’re really feeling under the weather. It’s definitely something we may experiment with trying at home in the future as an extra layer of defense against winter colds and flu.
Mineral-Rich Elixirs
Beyond those targeted cold and flu remedies, we also make sure to keep our mineral levels topped up all winter long. One simple way we do this is by mixing a bit of rock salt (not just Himalayan, but any high-quality mineral-rich salt) into a glass of lukewarm filtered water, sometimes with a squeeze of lemon. As I mentioned in a previous blog post, we’ll also occasionally add a touch of iodine to this mineral water mixture – a combination that has its own name which you can read more about by clicking here. It’s a great way for us to get an extra mineral boost.
We also have some mineral vials in liquid form that we take three times a day before meals as a good backup to have on hand to support our health, especially when taking the other natural remedies.
Separately, I have a morning ritual of adding a rice-sized amount of shilajit to my green matcha tea. Shilajit is a rich source of over 80 different minerals, so it provides a wonderful nutritional complement to the antioxidants and gentle caffeine in the matcha.
Propolis Support
Another natural remedy we turn to is propolis – a resinous substance collected by bees from tree buds and other botanical sources. Propolis is known for its potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. When we feel any throat or respiratory symptoms coming on, we’ll add a few drops of propolis to a glass of lukewarm, filtered water and drink it 3 times a day. Some people also like to mix it with tea, as the taste can be a bit strong on its own.
Vitamin C Support
Likewise, we make sure to keep high-quality vitamin C powder on hand at home. We’ll mix about a half teaspoon into some filtered water when we feel any cold or flu symptoms coming on. Vitamin C is a powerful immune-booster, but it’s best to take it in moderated doses, as high amounts can potentially erode tooth enamel over time and upset the stomach. We find that a small serving a few times a day does the trick.
Vitamin D Support
We never forget to supplement with vitamin D during the shorter, darker winter days. We take a vitamin D3 and K2 combo, which helps support our bone, heart, and immune health. The recommended daily intake of vitamin D can vary quite a bit from country to country – what some health authorities consider to be an adequate amount, others may view as too high.
So I’ve found that the best approach for me is to listen to my body and take a slightly higher dosage than the minimum recommendation, to help ensure I’m getting enough, especially when I’m not able to get as much natural sun exposure. Of course, it’s always wise to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the optimal dosage for your individual needs.
Hydrogen Peroxide
This is a very interesting remedy that Maciek’s parents taught us about. When our throat or ears are feeling sore, we’ll put a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution into the affected ear. If the solution bubbles, it indicates there may be an infection or bacteria present that needs addressing. We continue using the hydrogen peroxide in the ear until the bubbling stops, which can provide surprising relief. It’s a simple yet effective way to help clear up any ear or throat issues that crop up.
Concluding Thoughts
I hope these tips have been informative and inspiring for you. Having this arsenal of homemade remedies ready to go has been game-changing for my family’s well-being during the colder seasons. The key is to have these natural remedies on hand so I can act quickly at the first sign of symptoms. A little preparation goes a long way in helping me get through the winter feeling my best.
Now I’d love to hear from you! Do you have any other natural remedies you turn to when the sniffles start? I’m always on the lookout for new ways to fortify my immunity. Please share your favorites in the comments – I’m sure our community would benefit from your experiences as well.