Chicken soup can cure anything! Or so it seems. Chicken soup as a cold remedy has been used not only from the times of your great grandmother; but, did you know in 60 A.D., an Army surgeon to Roman emperor Nero wrote of it in his journals. Chicken soup is great, but there are more ingredients that can help get rid of flu and cold symptoms.
And as a bonus, the same herbs that treat cold and flu can help prevent it.
We've all heard the cure: when feeling cold or flu symptoms, rest and drink plenty of fluids. But what are the best fluids? How about power-packing those fluids with ingredients that have been proven to fight cold and flu symptoms! Here they are:
- cranberries
- garlic
- ginger
- peppermint
- tangerines
Cranberries
- super food (nutrient dense while low in calories)
- strengthens immune system
- fights infection (sore throats and colds)
- fights cancer
- protects against inflammation
Cranberries, blueberries, and concord grapes were all native to America. Cranberries were used by North American Indians to treat wounds. Later American sailors carried cranberries on sea voyages to prevent scurvy.
Garlic
Garlic was highly esteemed by ancient Egyptians. They fed it to their soldiers to strengthen them before battle. Garlic has anti-bacterial properties which help the immune system fight infection and boost the immune system. Garlic combines well with Echinacea and together help fight infections.
Ginger
- enhances natural resistance for cold and flu
- reduces inflammation
- supports prostate health
Ginger has been used since ancient times as a medicine in Asia, India, and Arab countries. Ginger is believed to help treat headaches, painful menstrual periods, and to fight cold and flu symptoms, motion sickness, nausea, heart disease, ulcerative colitis, and arthritis.
Side Effects Side effect associated with ginger are not common especially when taken in moderation. Some may experience mild heartburn, diarrhea and irritation of the mouth, belching.
Warning People with gallstones should consult a doctor before taking ginger or undergoing surgery or if you will be placed under anesthesia for any reason.
Peppermint
- calms digestive spasm
- fights bacteria
- fights most general cold and flu symptoms
- decongestant
- soothes stomach
- relieves headaches
- relieves cramping
- eases tissue inflammation
- relieves insomnia, stress, and anxiety
- reduces fever
- relieves nausea
Peppermint is a natural expectorant which helps treat colds, flu, bronchitis, and headaches. It also reduces fevers by inducing sweating which cools the body.
Tangerines
One small tangerine has more usable vitamin C than some large oranges. Many people who have trouble tolerating oranges do well with tangerines. Eat or juice two a day to fight colds during inclement weather.
Ways to use these flu fighters
Juices -
- cranberries, tangerines, apple juice, and ginger root
- tangerine, orange, and ginger root
- carrot, apple, and ginger root
Cooking -
- pancakes or waffles with mint added to a fruit topping or syrup
- garlic chicken with ginger
- compote (cooked fruit) with cranberries, tangerines, pears, and ginger or peppermint
Tea -
- peppermint tea
- ginger tea
- cranberry or cranapple tea
- hot water with a slice of ginger root
- hot water with a slice of tangerine
Other cold fighting remedies
Other favorites are almost all citrus (orange, grapefruit, lemons, lime). Try different things and see what works best for you. We are all unique and what works for someone else may not work, or work as well, for us. To your health!
When is the best time to fight cold and flu symptoms? Use these recipes anytime you are exposed to someone who is ill, when around a large number of people, when traveling, or just to boost your immune system.
More about the common cold
The common cold is caused by a virus (could be one of 200 different types). When the virus causes the respiratory tract walls to swell which produces excess mucus. Symptoms range from sore throat, runny nose, watery eyes, nasal congestion, headache, fever, and hacking cough. Most colds last 7-10 days. Colds spread from by hand-to-hand contact, coughing, and sneezing. The virus can live for several hours on common surfaces.
Disclaimer
Health information in this article and on my website is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical guide for self-treatment. It does not constitute medical advice and should not be construed as such or used in place of your doctor's medical advice.
More Information The Juiceman's Power of Juicing, Jay Kordich, 1993 The Folk Remedy Enclyclopedia, Frank W. Cawood, 2004 http://www.umm.edu
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