Colds, viruses, and flu are especially easy to catch in winter. If you get sick, what can you do to shorten the process?
There are certain things that actually make a difference; here we share our seven best tips.
1. Clean food
During illness, clean food is more important than ever to support the body's process. The body is on the battlefield, "fighting" the virus.
We can provide it with ammunition such as vegetables in all colors and forms, sprouts, algae, berries, fruit, fermented vegetables, herbs, and spices.
If you eat less or only want fruit for several days, you help the body focus on eliminating what shouldn’t be there. It’s no problem to have less appetite for a week or two while the body is working hard.
- Indulge in spices with antiviral properties like garlic, thyme, sage, oregano, rosemary, and horseradish.
- Drink lemon water, optionally with ginger.
- Eat honey, preferably in tea or by the spoonful with freshly squeezed lemon juice. We only offer cold-pressed honey that has not been heated; that is absolutely the best.
- Make or ask someone to make a soup.
- Equally important is to avoid sugar and processed food.
2. Plenty of fluids
Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially important when you have a fever.
Choose pure water with or without lemon or lime, herbal teas, green tea, and chaga tea.
There are many herbal teas with different properties. Herbal teas like peppermint, elderflower, thyme, ginger, eucalyptus, and cinnamon are especially beneficial during a cold.
3. Rest and Sleep
The body needs extra rest and sleep to have enough energy to kill viruses and bacteria. So if you have a fever, you need to rest a lot.
A wet and cold towel can help you relax when you have a fever. Make sure you wear breathable clothes and preferably wool socks.
4. Air out your home
Air out your home and let in fresh air every day, especially in the bedroom.
If possible, it can be nice to put your pillows outside in the cold for a while, especially if you have a fever; a cool pillow feels good.
5. Fresh air
When you feel well enough to take a short walk, do it; fresh air strengthens our lungs.
Take a walk in nature if you can and take deep breaths.
6. High-quality supplements
Supplements and herbs that support during colds, flu, and viruses:
- Oregano oil or Olive leaf extract – two fantastic herbs that support the body during illness or as needed throughout the year.
- Garlic – as we all now know, garlic is rich in allicin.
- Bees’ own "antibiotic" that defends them against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
- Elderflower – supports the body during colds as it contains a substance that blocks the virus’s entry into the cell.
- Vitamin D – during ongoing illness, you can take 2500-5000 IU per day depending on how sick you are.
- Zinc is an important mineral with antioxidant properties that needs replenishing during viral illness. If you have had COVID and lost your sense of taste, take zinc.
- We also have some supplements with both vitamin D, zinc, and other ingredients in one tablet. One from Garden of Life that also contains Quercetin and consists of small tablets for those who find capsules hard to swallow. And one from Enzymedica with vitamin D, zinc & elderflower plus vitamin C.
- Vitamin C in supplement form or as berries. Camu Camu is fantastic. During ongoing illness, you can take 1000 mg of vitamin C up to four to six times a day. Very important during viral illness.
- Lactic acid bacteria (probiotics). A happy stomach plays a crucial role in well-being and supports the immune system during illness.
7. Use essential oils
If you suffer from nasal congestion or cough, you can inhale essential oils in a cold remedy steam bath. It’s an old proven home remedy that works.
1. Add a few drops of essential oil to boiled water in a pot; add the drops when the water is just freshly boiled.
2. Inhale the steam under a towel.
3**. NOTE** It is important to keep your eyes closed the whole time as it otherwise stings badly.
Essential oils suitable for this are peppermint or eucalyptus.
You can also use essential oils in an aroma lamp, diffuser, or a humidifier like Humio in the bedroom. This helps freshen the air and supports breathing.
Most essential oils work here depending on what you want.
- Lavender provides relaxation and calm.
- Eucalyptus opens the airways.
- This herb relieves headaches and eases colds.
- Rosemary purifies the air and strengthens concentration.
- Cedar oil reduces stress.
We wish you a nice, healthy winter! Please comment if you have more tips or questions.
