The cold & flu season is well underway as the winter chill drives us indoors and into closer proximity with one another.
Thankfully the CDC reports that this year’s flu season is lower in severity than last season’s deadly outbreak, but there are still millions estimated to have already gone to battle with the misery of the flu.
But even your common cold is no walk in the park, with congestion and coughing often keeping you awake at night, causing you to walk drowsily (and with plenty of sneezes) through your days until your cold clears up.
Of course, the best way to fight the cold & flu is to prevent the virusfrom making itself at home in your body in the first place. Wash your hands frequently—it’s the simplest and yet most effective way to prevent the spread of those pesky cold & flu germs.
But if you do find yourself coming down with the cold or flu, I’m going to tell you about some herbal remedies you can use to fight it off!
And when you get to the bottom of this email, I’ll be telling you more about next month’s Healing Evergreens Herb Class at Stoney Creek Farm (our first class of the year!).
(Remember: It’s always recommended to consult a health professional before adding supplements to your diet, especially if you are on prescription medication as these can interact with one another.)
FOR PAIN RELIEF: OREGANO OIL
Oregano oil has been used as a natural remedy to treat fevers and respiratory symptoms in traditional medicine for centuries.
But several recent scientific studies have also shown promising results for the use of oregano oil as an herbal remedy. One study found that it displayed anti-viral properties. Another study on rats found that it reduced pain—this may suggest oregano oil can assist in reducing common cold & flu pains like body aches and sore throats.
Not only can oregano oil help with cold & flu symptoms, but it is also power-packed with antioxidants—”good guy” chemicals that fight free radicals in your body that damage your cells.
There are a variety of ways to use oregano oil as a treatment: under the tongue, inhaling, and through capsules, pills and tablets. You can learn more about how to take oregano oil here.
FOR SORE THROATS: OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT
Olive leaf extract, derived from the leaves of the olive tree, containmany cold & flu-fighting properties! Gargling olive leaf tea may help ease a sore throat caused by sinus drainage.
Research also suggests that olive leaf extract can reduce the replication of viruses in your system while also stimulating the immune response, making it a good option to use at the onset of symptoms to possibly shorten the length of your illness.
FOR SHORTER COLDS: GARLIC
Taking a regular garlic supplement may help prevent symptoms of a cold as well as the duration of your cold!
One study showed that among two volunteer study groups—one taking a daily supplement of garlic, the other taking a placebo—those that took garlic had less instances of colds and shorter durations of colds if they did catch the virus.
FOR NAUSEA: GINGER
Pregnant women already know the welcome elixir of nausea relief known as ginger. Researchers believe that ginger contains chemicals that are beneficial to the stomach and intestines, particularly when it comes to reducing nausea and vomiting.
A cozy way to consume ginger while you’re sick is by sipping on ginger tea. You can find a simple ginger tea recipe here.
FOR ALL SYMPTOMS: GOOD ‘OLE FASHIONED WATER
With a nasty combo of fever and vomiting or diarrhea, the flu can set you up for serious dehydration if you aren’t intentional about consuming fluids. But hydration is important even with a mild cold, as a proper amount of fluids can loosen mucus build-up in your sinuses.
Make that 8 glasses of water (or these other fluids) a day your priority when sick!
MORE RESOURCES FOR NATURAL REMEDIES
Check out these other great resources for learning more about natural remedies for cold & flu relief!
- 11 Best Flu Remedies Backed by Scientific Studies // University Health News
- Natural Remedies for Illness // Wellness Mama
- Colds and Influenza: A Review of Diagnosis and Conventional, Botanical, and Nutritional Considerations // Alternative Medicine Review
JOIN US FOR OUR HEALING EVERGREENS HERB CLASS.
ABOUT THE CLASS.
Join us on Saturday, February 9 from 10am – 12pm for our Healing Evergreens Herb Class!
Even in these cold winter months, there is an herb that is bright green, full of healthful benefits, and simply delicious!
Join master herbalist, Julia Stowe, for this 2-hour, hands-on class to discover the history and many uses of the 126 different spices of pine tree.
Come ready to enjoy a sampling of pine-infused herbal remedies, blend your own delicious, immune supporting evergreen tea, and make a unique pine aromatherapy locket during this wintery adventure into the art of herbalism.
Recipe booklet and all class materials included.
WHEN: Saturday, February 9 // 10am – 12pm
WHERE: Stoney Creek Farm in Franklin, TN
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR.
Julia Stowe has been studying the art of herbalism for ten years. As a graduate of Vintage Remedies in Franklin, TN and the East West School of Planetary Herbology in Ben Lomond, CA, she has learned that herbalism is a way of life, not a quick fix treatment plan.
She has been teaching seasonal herbal classes and workshops since 2015 on wildcrafting, basic remedy making, and the use of herbs preventatively to support a healthy lifestyle. She has been featured in various articles in local papers, has a line of organic, herb-infused health and beauty products, and has started Blossom Arts to provide an introduction to students into the world of herbs through hands-on workshops and lectures covering various aspects of herbalism.
We hope to see you in class! You can get your ticket here.
