When our great-grandmothers got sick they’d make a batch of bone broth and call it a day. Our parents’ generation were more likely to pop pills than call upon natural remedies for cold and flu, but we’re hoping to to encourage more and more of our peers to rely on natural remedies first.
More people are looking for natural remedies for common ailments. How do we know? They’re Googling it.
One digital marketing firm partnered with botanical-based Avya Skincare and analyzed Google trends for one full year to identify the most common ailments searched for and the natural remedies that are known to help. Boiled down into one useful graphic, you can essentially skip the Googling going forward and rely on the chart here.
We’ll be sharing our favorite findings from the study over the next few weeks, starting with these wonderfully effective natural remedies for cold and flu. See the chart above – we’re listing only the natural remedies already proven to be effective:
CHAMOMILE. Compounds in chamomile help promote relaxation and reduce inflammation, encouraging the body to heal itself. Sip on chamomile tea or herbal infusion to help melt away pain from cold-induced muscle aches. This soothing chamomile smoothie is the perfect pick-me up for a sick-day.
Cinnamon. Cinnamon is another inflammation reducing superfood that’s rich in phenolic compounds, flavonoids and other antioxidants, and known for its antimicrobial and immunity-boosting capabilities. Taking it in combination with with healing honey activates complementary agents that work together to even more effectively resolve health problems than when consumed individually.
Ginger. Ginger is an amazing immunity booster thanks to gingerols, compounds that contain potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which help support immune function and keep germs away. Warming ginger is excellent to consume in conjunction with raw honey when you’re feeling ill, as it warms the body and encourages lymph drainage while soothing the stomach and helping to encourage digestion.
Garlic. Chewing on raw garlic is one of our favorite natural remedies for cold and flu prevention. Garlic is a powerful antioxidant with antimicrobial, antiviral and antibiotic properties. For colds and flus, it also provides decongestant and expectorant effects. While none of garlic’s components have been isolated by science as the sole explanation for garlic’s flu-busting effects, vitamin C, a slew of enzymes, and minerals such as sulphur and selenium, definitely play a role.
Eucalyptus. Diffusing eucalyptus oil can help open up clogged nasal passage ways, giving our respiratory systems relief. You can also use eucalyptus in homemade cough drops.
Do you have a go-to cold and flu remedy? Share in the comments below!
The Chalkboard Mag and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
