Autumn is the time of year that can be tough on our immune systems. As I’m sure you know by now, I am not one to run to the doctor for anything. It’s not that I don’t believe in doctors, it’s just that in my experience with them, they always push medications and antibiotics without taking into account what these medications are doing to our bodies.
Antibiotics do a lot more damage than they do good. One week’s dose of antibiotics wipes out your natural gut flora completely. It then takes two years to replenish the good bacteria, while in the meantime you’re susceptible to all sorts of other illnesses because your body’s natural defenses are down.

I prefer letting my body heal itself by using herbs and food to help it. I’m not saying you should never take antibiotics, because sometimes they are needed, but our bodies are equipped to deal with nasty germs. It might take longer to get over a simple cold but our bodies are better for it.
Of course, if you feel that you need to see a doctor, see one. You know your body and how you feel.

Natural remedies for a head cold

It’s so important to drink a lot of liquids to help your body flush out bad bugs.

Herbal tea is so soothing for a sore throat and it’s a great way to sip on immune-boosting goodness.
Ginger tea and peppermint tea help to open up congested airways and help soothe upset stomachs.
Throat Coat and Breathe Easy from Traditional Medicinals are great teas that are packed with immune-boosting herbs.
Green tea has natural antibiotic properties, that help to heal without hurting and one of my favorites, Chamomile with Lavender tea has anti-inflammatory properties, it also helps you sleep when sleeping is so uncomfortable.

If you’re not in the mood for something hot, Ginger “Aid” is always a great option and super easy to make. Just take some fresh ginger root and use a zester to grate the ginger into a cup, pour carbonated water into the cup, and stir until the water becomes cloudy then strain and enjoy!

Eat for health

Does anyone else not feel like eating when they’re sick? – I know I don’t, but it’s so important to eat because our bodies need all the strength they can get to fight the nasty bugs. Lots of fruits and veggies, wheat toast, and oatmeal are gentle on the stomach and contain protein and good nutrients.
Wild-caught tuna with saltines and a salad are my go-to’s when I’m sick.

Also Read: Our Amazing Bodies

Chicken Noodle soup is one of the best things you can eat with a cold, especially if it’s made with bone broth.
Bone broth is packed with all sorts of vitamins and vital nutrients to help the body fight infection. Add in some garlic, ginger, and black pepper for an added kick that tastes great and will help thin mucus.

Canned chicken noodle soup or carton broth is better than nothing, I know I don’t feel like cooking when I’m sick, but if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade broth is easy to make or have someone else make for you 🙂

You’ll need:

Chicken bones
Water
1 Tbsp Black peppercorns
Small onion (chopped in large chunks)
2 garlic cloves
1 celery stalk
Splash of apple cider vinegar (optional)

Place all the ingredients into a large pot or a slow cooker, add water to cover the bones, and cook!
If you’re cooking on the stove, cook on med/low heat for 1 hour minimum.
If you’re cooking in the slow cooker, cook for 4 – 8 hours.
If you’re cooking in a pressure cooker, cook for 30 minutes.
Strain, salt as needed, and enjoy.

You can make soup with this broth or sip it.
If you want to make bone broth, the same ingredients apply, just cook in a slow cooker for 24 hours minimum.
This brings out all of the vital nutrients from the bones and is one of the healthiest things you can drink or cook with. Once it cools it will turn into gelatin, this is how you know you did it right 🙂 That Jelly is full of collagen! This is great for our bones and overall health.

Vitamins + Rest

Whenever I start feeling sick I take a mix of vitamins: Echinacea, Garlic, B complex, and Zinc. This powerhouse of vitamins helps boost the immune system to fight off colds and flu. It might not prevent it, but it does help.

More than anything though your body needs rest. Take a warm bath with Epsom salts to detox and breathe in the steam to clear congestion.

Work with your body to fight bad bugs. Fevers are the body’s natural defense, although uncomfortable, it’s comforting to know your body is working to kill the infection.
Lay on the couch and re-watch your favorite shows or movies. Make your body a priority and let it fight.