Natural remedies that boost the body’s immune system to help fight off the common cold, flu and infections
Natural Vitamin C: Acerola cherries have some of the highest amounts of all natural vitamin C of any food source in the world. With it’s powerful anti-oxidants, phytonutrients, bioflavonoids, and carotenoids numerous studies have proven the effectiveness of natural vitamin C to boost the immune system, fight infections and protect the body against damage caused by free radicals. In groundbreaking new research, vitamin C showed its ability to target cancer stem cells and stop their growth – preventing the recurrence of tumors.
The natural vitamin C complex also contains an excellent source of natural vitamin A, (as carotene with 1,017 IU per 100 grams of fruit), natural B vitamins in the form of thiamin, riboflavin and niacin; and it is also a good source of iron, calcium, phosphorous and potassium. The average synthetic ascorbic acid sold in pharmacies and health food stores, that are labeled as ‘vitamin C’, is not actually vitamin C and cannot compare to the incredible immune boosting benefits of real vitamin C from a whole food source such as Acerola cherry powder.
Frankincense Essential Oil: Frankincense has remarkable rejuvenating and healing properties. It has natural cold-fighting properties, such as antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties which make it an ideal essential oil for treating a cold or the flu. Massage a few drops diluted in a carrier oil into the balls of your feet daily to boost your immune system. You can also diffuse it throughout your home or in your bedroom at night. This is especially good to do during cold and flu season.
Frankincense Oil is effective as an antiseptic, and even the fumes or smoke obtained from burning it have antiseptic and disinfectant qualities that eliminate the germs in the space where the smoke filters out. It can be applied on wounds without any known side effects to protect them from tetanus and becoming septic, and it improves circulation to help heal bruising faster and protect from developing infections.
As a Cytophylactic, Frankincense Oil promotes regeneration of healthy cells and also keeps the existing cells and tissues healthy. When you combine this aspect of frankincense oil with its powerful astringent capabilities, you have a potent natural substance with anti-aging capabilities.
Oil of Oregano: Oregano has one of the highest antioxidant activity ratings. Research has shown essential oils from oregano contain Carvacol and thymol, two phytochemicals, that are powerful antimicrobials that may kill the foodborne pathogen Listeria and the superbug MRSA. The United States Department of Agriculture reported that oregano oil has such a strong action against germs that it could easily defeat Salmonella. One study examined the relationship between oregano oil and harmful organisms and found that taking 600 mg of oregano oil daily prompted a complete disappearance of harmful organisms in the body.
Recommended Dosage:
4 – 6 drops (about 50 mg. of 100% pure Oil of Oregano, diluted with a carrier oil such as olive oil. A safe blend is 1 part oregano oil to 3 parts olive oil).
Elderberry: Elderberry has been used for centuries as a tonic for colds, flu and sinus infections. Health benefits of the elder plant include naturally improving colds, the flu, nerve pain, inflammation, chronic fatigue, allergies, constipation and even cancer. When used within the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms, the extract has actually been found to reduce the duration of the flu with symptoms being relieved on an average of four days earlier. During the 1995 Panama flu epidemic, the government actually employed the use of the elderberry to fight the flu. For antioxidant power, elderberry is higher in flavonoids than blueberries, cranberries, goji berries and blackberries.
When it comes to colds, flu and upper respiratory issues, elderberry syrup is an excellent remedy.
Elderberry Syrup Ingredients:
- 3.5 cups cold water
- 2 cups organic dried elderberries
- 1 tablespoon fresh or dried organic ginger root
- 1 teaspoon organic cinnamon powder or 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 cup raw honey
DIRECTIONS:
– Pour water into saucepan and add elderberries, ginger and cinnamon.
– Bring mixture to a boil.
– Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 40–45 minutes or until the liquid has reduced by about half.
– Remove from heat and mash the berries.
– Pour through a strainer or cheesecloth into a glass bowl. If you use a cheesecloth, make sure to squeeze out the juice.
– Add honey and stir until well-combined.
– Bottle final product in a sterilized glass container.
Pine Essential Oil: The numerous health benefits of pine essential oil have made it one of the most important essential oils used in aromatherapy. The health benefits of pine essential oil include its ability to reduce inflammation and associated redness, protect against sinus infections, clear mucus and phlegm, cure skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, boost the immune system, fight fungal and viral infections, stimulate the mind and body, and protecting your home and body from a wide variety of germs.
Add several drops to steaming water and inhale the vapor to assist in opening and clearing the lungs and nasal passages. Add 4 drops of pine oil to 1 oz lotion or massage oil and rub on the chest, neck and back.
Ginger: A powerful anti-inflammatory, ginger has also been widely used for generations to help treat the common cold, flu-like symptoms, headaches and painful menstrual periods. The warming nature of the root helps to produce sweating and thus helps to release pathogens. Ginger also helps to strengthen the immunity of weaker individuals who sweat without the relief of symptoms. Studies have shown that taking Ginger helps break down the accumulation of toxins in the body’s organs to prevent infections and that it helps cleanse the body’s lymphatic system.
Raw ginger can be used in cooking, juicing and also in teas. For tea, slice up raw ginger, add lemon and raw honey, and you’ll have one of the best teas to fight off a cold that can’t be bought in a store.
Tea Tree Essential Oil: Tea tree essential oil contains antiseptic, antiviral and antimicrobial properties. Using this essential oil for colds is excellent for diminishing coughs, bronchial congestion and sore throats. To Stimulate the immune system, you can use a diffuser to disperse tea tree aroma throughout the air. Use this method on a regular basis. Massaging into your soles of the feet will increase your immunity
For a sore throat, add 2 drops of tea tree oil to 1 cup of warm water with a pinch of sea salt to gargle with, repeat 2-3 times a day.
Bronchial Congestion: Use as instructed for Asthma. Add 5 – 10 drops tea tree oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil, and massage into the chest region and throat. Repeat 2 – 3 times during the day.
Raw Garlic: 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.
Crushing fresh garlic – whether through chopping and letting minced garlic rest, or by chomping down on a clove with your own teeth causes a chemical reaction that releases allicin. Allicin is a powerful antibacterial only present shortly after garlic is crushed and before it is heated! Eating fresh garlic in this state is purported to knock out that terrible feeling associated with the onset of a cold or flu. Some experts even recommend eating a clove or two every 3 to 4 hours until the bug is entirely knocked out.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil: is very useful in the treatment of respiratory problems, fever, wounds, muscle pain, intestinal germs and mental exhaustion. Vapors from eucalyptus essential oil can be inhaled as a natural decongestant, and when distilled into an oil, eucalyptus also creates an effective chest rub. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil into your bath helps relieve muscle pain, and reduces inflammation.
Lemon Essential Oil: Lemon has long been considered a cure-all fruit and essential oil, especially for treating the flu and for reducing fevers. It stimulates circulation and white blood cell production, helping fight off infection, sickness, and disease. Furthermore, lemon essential oil also is a great treatment for fatigue as it is an energizing essential oil. Add a few drops to a glass of water or to your food, rather than consuming it straight.
