Sniffle season is in full swing and I have been asked by many patients and family members for my opinion on sniffle-fighting remedies. While there are many conventional and alternative products available, both at the local pharmacy and at your doctors office, I think that there is something very satisfying about home-made medicine. So in addition to my usual advice of staying home, getting lots of rest, and drinking lots of fluids, I decided to share some other favorite tips for managing a cold or flu at home.
1. Chicken Soup: This is one that everyone has heard about. However, did you know that fresh, homemade chicken soup (NOT from a can) actually helps neutrophils (infection-fighting white blood cells) live longer? Gotta love when science confirms old folk remedies. A heaping dose of garlic, onion, lemongrass, and just a touch of ginger can take the healing properties of chicken soup to the next level.
2. Essential oil steam: One of my favorite treatments that can be used for both children and adults. Essential oils are very potent and have strong antimicrobial effects topically, but doing a steam you are coating your respiratory passages with germ-fighting goodness. A steam can be accomplished in two ways. The first is to add a few drops of eucalyptus or thyme essential oil to a hot shower and enjoy. The second way is to add fresh lavender and thyme to a simmering pot on the stove, turn the stovetop down so the pot is just under boiling, and make a towel tent with your head bent carefully over the pot. You can alternately use a few drops of either eucalyptus or thyme if fresh herbs are not available. This second method has the added bonus of letting gravity aid you in expelling all that mucus in in your sinuses straight into the pot. This is a little gross but feels amazing when you’re congested.
3. Magic Sock treatment: this treatment draws circulation down from your aching head to your feet to help decongest you. It also boosts your immune system’s response and is kid-safe. For this treatment all you need is water, a pair of cotton socks, a pair of wool socks, and a freezer.
a) Before bed, warm your feet in hot water or just take a nice hot bath if you prefer
b) Before you soak your feet, soak a pair of cotton socks in cold water and put them in the freezer.
c) After you get nice and toasty, put the super cold socks on your feet (I promise this is not as terrible as it sounds).
d) Wear the dry wool socks on top of the wet ones
e) Go to bed and wear them overnight- your feet will be dry by morning and you will feel better.
Hopefully these at home remedies come in handy as the weather turns chillier!
Dr. Jamie Brinkley, ND.