Winter ushers in cold weather, holidays, and cold and flu season. This year, I am determined to stay clear of the good ol’ Dayquil, Nyquil, Dayquil, Nyquil cycle. As we all know, the virus that causes the common cold has no cure. Echinacea, a popular natural remedy, has never been proven clinically effective, and there are potential side effects to ingesting the herb. Fortunately, there are several tried and true methods of relieving cold symptoms naturally. Doctors always recommend increasing fluid intake and getting plenty of rest. Here are several suggestions that will help you do just that!
When I feel achy and restless, a neck pillow draped over my shoulders and around my neck really helps relieve tension. Heating pads stuffed with organic buckwheat and lavender from Hip and Zen can be popped in the microwave for easy relief and long-lasting heat.
Although old fashioned, indulging in a hot bowl of chicken noodle soup actually helps restore fluids and sodium. It’s great for when you’ve lost your appetite because it’s easy on your stomach. Plus, chicken soup can be very simple to prepare (if you’re feeling well enough or taking care of someone with a cold!) Cut up chicken breasts, several drumsticks, several thighs (Free range organic, always!)
Organic butter
Organic minced onion, garlic, celery (about a cup total)
Organic peas and carrots
Dash of sage and thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Plus or minus 8 Cups organic reduced sodium chicken broth
2 Cups water (ish!)
Organic egg noodles
I use this flexible recipe because you can adjust the amount of solids or liquids depending on your appetite. First, brown the outside of the chicken in a large stew pot with a pad of butter. Set aside. Next, sautee the onion, garlic, celery, sage, thyme and pepper until the onion is translucent. Add the peas and carrots until tender. Add broth and water and bring to a simmer. Drop in the browned chicken pieces and simmer for around 30 minutes. Salt to taste. Add egg noodles and simmer for another 11 minutes. You can enjoy the soup with whole chicken pieces, but the chicken will also fall off the bone easily if you like smaller pieces of meat. Bon appetite!
and one more thing…
- Drinking hot, decaffeinated tea soothes your sinuses and also restores water loss. Try healing, mellow, and smooth organic chamomile tea from Zhena’s Gypsy Tea. All teas are 100% fair trade and come in decorative tin canisters.
Editor's Note: Contribution from The Alternative Consumer, a site that reflects the needs of the next wave of smart consumers … savvy, style conscious shoppers who base their buying decisions on a set of criteria that goes well beyond just price and convenience. For the original article click here.
