Cures from you spice cabinet!

I am taking this article from the Jan. 16, 2007 issue of Women’s World magazine, pages 24 and 25. Disclaimer: As always, check with your doctor before treating yourself at home.

It’s cold and flu season again, and the way to avoid getting sick – or shorten the lenth of your symptoms if you do get sick – can be as easy as raiding your spice cabinet.

Sore throat? Try Oregano!
It can wipe out sore throat pain in minutes, says Gina Nick, N.D., author of Yogic Nutrition. How? “It has many of the same bacteria-killing ingredients found in over the counter sore throat sprays,” she says. RX: “steep 1 tsp. of the leaf in boiling water, cool, then use as a gargle. It’ll kill the germs on contact,” says Nick.

Stuffed Up? Try Peppermint!
Peppermint reduces nasal inflammation and relaxes inflammation and relaxes the airways. In one study, folks who inhaled menthol – a component in peppermint – felt dramatically less nasal congestion than those who didn’t. RX: Sip peppermint tea and inhale the steam, or put a few drops of peppermint oil on you pillow.

Chest congestion? Try Licorice!
The compounds in licorice soothe irritated membranes in the lungs and act as an expectorant, making it great for throat irritations, lung congestion and even bronchitis.
RX: Sip licorice tea, or take a 500-mg. capsule of licorice root (found in health food stores.)

Nagging cough? Try Thyme!
It has a therapeutic effect on the lungs and relaxes the muscles of the respiratory tract, says Debi Smolinski, N.D. In fact, thyme’s most active ingredient, thymol, is used in Vicks VaporRub. RX: Steep 1 tsp. of the dried spice in hot water, and drink as a tea.

Runny nose? Try Cinnamon!
This spice is an astringent that helps dry up excess mucus in the lungs and nasal passages. And it also boosts circulation, which brings a warming sensation to your hands and feet. RX: Sprinkle some cinnamon on toast, or put a cinnamon stick in your cider or tea.

Cold coming on? Try Garlic!
In a recent study, those who ate a clove of garlic a day were 60% less likely to catch a cold during peak sniffle season than their non-garlic counterparts! “Garlic is loaded with compounds that kill viruses,” explains Brian Clement, N.M.D., director of the Hippocrates Health Institute. RX: Eat a clove of chopped raw garlic a day, sprinkled over salads or on toast – or take a 500 mg. capsule daily.

Feelings chills? Try Ginger!
Ginger is loaded with more than a dozen antiviral compounds that specifically fight the rhinovirus, the most common kind of cold! It also helps stimulate circulation, which helps you feel less chilled. RX: Try ginger tea, available at grocery stores, or you can make your own by steeping sliced ginger root in hot water. Did you know? Ginger can also help you lose weight! A recent Australian study found that eating ginger can speed up metabolism by 20%.

Note from Lucy: I am the kind of person who likes to try natural cures before going to the doctor. I do my best to fight a cold and not let it get me down. I gargle with warm salt water (learned recently that sea salt it the best kind of salt to use.) I eat oranges or gratefruit and take Vit. C, Zinc and Olive Leaf to help fight the cold. I drink as much water as I can stomach and drink hot herbal tea with lemon and honey in it. I will make up some home make chicken soup and eat it till I am blue in the face. I am not going to let a cold get me down. My son will take Nyquil or Benedryl and go to bed, it seems to take him a lot longer to get rid of his colds. If you are inclined to go the “natural” route, you might want to try some of these home remedies. I know, I am supposed to tell you to ask your doctor first.

Have a great week everyone and stay away from colds.