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Herbs & Natural Remedies to Prevent & Fight Respiratory Infections
Naturally keep yourself healthy
During the winter months, up to 40% of the population is affected by the flu virus. Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable. If the immune system is compromised due to undernourishment, recent antibiotic use, congestion, or lack of sleep, infections are more likely. In my view, there is little reason to be concerned about respiratory infections if the immune system is strong and natural solutions are at hand.
Ayurveda and other traditional sciences provide many natural remedies that help fight infections and strengthen immunity. Common approaches include herbal formulas, teas, supplements, dietary changes, and lifestyle measures like resting more. This article shares knowledge to naturally prevent and combat seasonal cold and flu.
Don't wait to start taking your supplements
The first signs of infection are often just an itchy or sore throat. Within hours, the immune system needs support. Helpful measures include warm lemon juice with honey, antimicrobial foods like onions and garlic, and nutrient-rich oils such as cod liver oil, fish oil, and wheat germ oil.
My natural guidelines
Cod liver oil is a traditional source of immune-supporting nutrients, including natural Vitamin D. In winter months with less sunlight, vitamin D levels drop, weakening the immune system. Supplementing with cod liver oil daily can help prevent colds and flu. High-quality cod liver oil contains vitamins D, E, and A, offering effective, economical immune support.
Zinc is also vital. Whole-food sources or supplements are preferable to synthetic forms. Nutritional yeast is an excellent natural source of zinc and B vitamins.
Avoid ALL sugars and processed foods at the first sign of infection, as sugar suppresses immune function.
Change your diet immediately
Once you know you have an infection, reduce your diet to liquids until recovery. A homemade soup with garlic, onions, olive oil, ginger, thyme, oregano, and lemon peels is one of the most powerful natural remedies. Garlic, in particular, has a long history as a natural antibiotic.
Avoid dairy (except ghee or butter) during congestion. Medicinal mushrooms (Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake), sage smoke, and eucalyptus steam are also supportive. Rest and hydration are essential.
My favorite home remedies
At the first sign of a sore throat, gargle with salt water (optionally with tea tree oil) and clean the nostrils with saline. Take raw honey by the teaspoon for a dry cough. Ginger tea with lemon and honey is one of my favorite immune-boosting remedies.
A tea blend with elderflower, yarrow, echinacea, goldenseal, peppermint, and ginger can be effective. Oregano oil, olive leaf oil, colloidal silver, and turmeric with honey or milk are also traditionally used. Spices such as cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, bishop's weed, and holy basil/tulsi are valuable allies.
Be prepared to fight infection
Stock up on immune-boosting items in advance. Cod liver oil, zinc, medicinal mushrooms, and garlic can be taken preventively. At first signs of infection, stop solid foods, take olive leaf oil, and drink herbal teas. If infections persist, stronger measures like oregano oil or colloidal silver may be used. Probiotics and fermented foods support healthy gut flora.
"Health comes from the farm, not the pharmacy." — Grandma
Boost your immune system to avoid the flu and common cold
Cold and flu season is approaching. A strong immune system is your best defense. If you want to strengthen your immune system and avoid infection, I can help in one appointment.
Fight infection naturally with herbal teas and syrups
Once infection begins, antimicrobial herbal treatments work best in the early stages. Recommendations are personalized to your constitution and the type of infection (respiratory, sinus, digestive, etc.).
As the weather becomes colder, strengthen your immunity
With one appointment, I can provide dietary and lifestyle guidelines along with suitable herbal products.
In each consultation, I will recommend:
- Dietary guidelines per individual
- Whole-food supplements to support immunity
- Herbal teas and formulas as needed
- Simple home remedies