Natural Cold Remedies

By Georgieann Lilgreen

Natural cold remedies can be a great alternative to expensive over the counter medications. Today I'd like to share about one of my favorite recipes that uses ingredients found in your kitchen or backyard. I have used this recipe for years on myself and my family with great results. Not only will it chase that nasty cold away but will benefit your body in many other ways.

Ingredients:

Ginger helps ease nausea, eliminates toxins, is good for digestion, tummy cramps, throat and nasal congestion, and improves the absorption
of essential nutrients.

Garlic is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and has been called nature's antibiotic. It is good for colds, flus, bronchitis, high blood pressure and so much more.

Rosehips are one of the most concentrated natural sources of vitamin C, they boost the immune system, also have vitamins D & E, and are a powerful antioxidant.

Cayenne is another power house herb. It is good for sore throats and irritating spasmodic coughs. It is a circulatory stimulant and aids in detoxification.

Lemon has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It helps supports the immune system, aids the body's digestion system, strengthens blood
vessels and much more.

Honey is also antibacterial and and antioxidant. It is good for
fighting allergies and colds, and helps fight infections.

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Natural Cold Remedy Recipe:

• 1 quart of filtered water
• 1/4 cup of ginger
• 1/4 cup of rosehips
• 3 or 4 cloves of garlic
• 1/4 cup of lemon juice
• 1/16 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 2 cups of honey

For severe colds you can increase the garlic, ginger, and cayenne a bit. I prefer mine a little more spicy. The honey and lemon juice will tone it down a lot, just keep in mind you are using it for a medicine and not just a relaxing cup of tea. I enjoy this recipe even when I am not sick and try to drink it more often when everyone seems to be catching bugs.

Directions:

1. Clean, peel, and chop all your ingredients. You only want the outer skin and flesh on the rosehips. Be sure to remove all the seeds.

2. Bring your water to a boil then add the rosehips, ginger and garlic. Turn down to a simmer.

3. Simmer for 1 to 2 hours then strain.

4. Put the juice back in the sauce pan and add the honey and lemon juice. Simmer for an additional half an hour while stirring occasionally.

5. Heat up your jars or allow your mixture to cool before putting it in jars.

6. Store either in your refrigerator or on a shelf. I've kept my natural cold remedies for months on just a shelf.

Use:

Here's a few ways you can use it:

You can take it straight with a teaspoon. I often take one teaspoon at least 3 times per day to help with an active cold.

I also enjoy drinking it as a tea. For a strong medicinal tea, add
a 1/4 cup to a mug filled with hot water and sip on it.

I've also used it as a glaze on ham, turkey, chicken, and even fish!

I hope you keep those colds and flus at bay and enjoy this tasty recipe!

Resources:

For more information on natural cold remedies check out this Mother Earth News Article. 

Learn about Alderleaf's Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants Courses.

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About the Author: Georgieann Lilgreen grew up living off the land in Alaska. She has taught classes and written articles at Alderleaf. Learn more about Georgieann Lilgreen.

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