Fall is coming quickly upon us. It is back to school and the weather will be turning cooler in a few weeks. When the weather begins to cool, various ailments tend to affect our lungs. It is very common to experience coughs, colds, sinus problems and the flu.
Traditional Chinese medicine has viewed the onset of colds as flu as having an external pathogen invading our systems. This is true with our modern medicine, as we feel a virus is present.
When coming down with a cold or flu, the Chinese believed that scallions help to rid the pathogen from the body by sweating. Drinking a broth made from scallions or onions help the cold and flu stay at bay, by preventing it from settling in the chest.
If the illness has gone deeper, and you have muscle aches and pains, cinnamon is the herb. It will warm and strengthen the immune system. Any pure essential oils containing cinnamon are very helpful. Thieves oil blend is great to use topically or by inhalation, as it contains cinnamon.
Fresh ginger is also great for strengthening the immune system. A nice tea for winter, or when you aren’t feeling well would be made by simmering a few cinnamon stick with sliced ginger in water for at least 20 minutes. Strain and enjoy!
When you have a sore throat or a fever, mint helps to release the pathogen. Peppermint tea or oil are great. You can release fever by placing a few drops of peppermint oil on the bottoms of your feet. It will help to cool the body. Peppermint oil should not be used in children under 2 1/2 years of age.
Make sure that you stop taking any type of sugar based products until all of your symptoms have cleared.
There are countless natural remedies for colds and the flu. What have been some of your family traditions and favorites? Please share your thoughts with me below.
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