5 Home Remedies for Cold & Flu Season

The weather has changed and many Canadians are already suffering through sore throats, sinus infections, the flu, ear infections and more.

The immune system needs a lot more support during this time of the year as the weather cools down and school starts up again. Here are 5 remedies you can administer yourself at home for this time of the year:

1. Garlic

Garlic is a potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal herb and most of us have this lying around in the house. Chewing on a small piece of garlic (or a whole clove) and adding it to all your foods is a great way to get some garlic in. You could also purchase capsules.

2. Honey

Honey is a great anti-microbial and anti-viral (and it tastes delicious). This is especially great for soothing sore throats. A great combination is garlic and honey together. I have a workshop coming up at the clinic on Wednesday, October 11 if you want to learn how to make garlic honey.

3. Pears

According to Chinese Medicine, pears are great for the Lung channel. I like having my pears as pear nectar or slightly warmed slices with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

4. Broth

Vegetable and bone broth are both very nourishing and easy to make at home. Broth is full of minerals and nutrients that can help with the changes in our body due to the change of season, and it can help speed up recovery as well. Make sure to add herbs such as garlic, onions, ginger, and a stick of cinnamon.

5. Tea

Tea is one of the simple pleasures in my life. Immune-boosting teas are readily available in the market and you can make your own at home. Echinacea, licorice, marshmallow, mullein, eyebright, ginger, cinnamon are all herbs that support the immune system. If you'd like to make your own, you can find a recipe on my personal blod here.