Ways to Get Rid of a Cold or Flu Fast

Let’s face it, being sick just plain sucks. I used to get sick all the time and be out of commission for 7-10 days. Every year I found myself on a perpetual course of antibiotics that ended up wreaking havoc on my body – especially my gut. Keep in mind, there is a time and place for antibiotics. They can be potentially life-saving in regards to a serious bacterial infection. But, they aren’t needed for every sniffle that comes your way. Now that I’ve changed my diet and boosted my immune system, I rarely get sick. The few days I do catch a cold or flu, I’m back on my feet within a day or two after following this protocol.

#1 Keep Food Simple

The ol’ saying “eat to keep your strength” is actually the opposite of what you need when battling a cold or flu. Digestion of food is always your body’s top priority. When you’re sick your body needs to send all its energy to fighting illness rather than digesting. So if you’ve noticed that your appetite decreases while you’re sick, it’s your body’s way of telling you to cool it on the food. This is especially true if you have a fever. Stick to clear liquids only and lots of bed rest until the fever comes down.

This does NOT mean boxed or canned chicken noodle soup. These conventionally made soups are made with bottom of the barrel chicken or soy flavoured “chicken”. They are also full of inflammatory ingredients like hydrogenated oils, soy, starches, corn, and the deadly MSG. While on the topic of MSG, let’s just note its side effects.

• Numbness
• Burning sensation
• Tingling
• Facial pressure or tightness
• Chest pain
• Headache
• Nausea
• Rapid heartbeat
• Drowsiness
• Weakness
• Difficulty breathing for asthmatics

Instead, have Homemade Bone Broth. Not only does it hydrate you, but it supplies amino acids and minerals your body can easily absorb. For an additional immune boost, add in some fresh garlic. A strong antioxidant, garlic stimulates the production of glutathione which is an important part of liver detoxification to flush out those nasty invaders.

Staying hydrated is super important when you’re feeling under the weather. Never, I repeat, NEVER reach for sugary ginger ale or brightly coloured sports drink. These beverages are full of refined sugar, artificial colour and inflammatory ingredients which suppresses the immune system.

Instead make your own version. Combine warm water with lemon and ginger essential oils. Ginger promotes sweating and relieves congestion, while lemon is antifungal and antiviral. Add in a little raw honey and a pinch of sea salt to help balance electrolytes.

#2 Essential Oils to the Rescue

When it comes to colds and flus, this is where essential oils really shine. They’re simple to use and are insanely effective. If using oils on little humans, remember to only use topically and dilute!

I keep a batch of my Cold & Flu Bomb ready made in a rollerball bottle so I have an easy to apply mixture. You can also take a drop of each in water or a veggie capsule. The combination of Frankincense, Lemon, Tea Tree, On Guard & Oregano are incredibly immune supportive. A 2010 study showed that when the H1N1 influenza virus was “treated with a 1:4,000 dilution of [On Guard] essential oil, it decreased the infectious particle number by 90%.”

• Congestion – Easy Air Respiratory Blend with coconut oil to make a chest rub. Diffuse easy air to assist in clear breathing.
• Nausea/Constipation/Diarrhea – apply ZenGest to abdomen.
• Fever – Peppermint along the spine and/or bottoms of the feet.
• Headache – Peppermint on temples, across forehead and along back of neck.
• Sore throat – Lemon rub on throat or sip in warm water*.

All of the oils I mentioned, come in a cost effective kit of the 10 oils every natural mama needs. If you’re interested in getting 25% off retail pricing, contact me here. Remember, only consume Certified Pure Tested Grade essential oils internally.

Bonus Tip: Ginger added to epsom salt bath to warm up body, induce sweating and flush toxins. Remember to drink warm lemon water with a pinch of sea salt to rehydrate.

#3 Immune Supporting Supplements

If you’re able to stomach supplements while you’re sick, here are the key nutrients you want to be including to support your immune system.

• Probiotic
• Omega-3
• Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids
• Vitamin D
• Zinc

So remember to stay hydrated, consume lots of Homemade Bone Broth, use essential oils, and take immune supportive supplements. And one of the most important things to do is just rest! You and your body needs it.