🌿 nature's medicine cabinet

disclaimer: this post is not intended as medical advice. these are simply natural remedies that have worked for me and others i know when seasonal germs strike. while some of these supplements have been studied, they should not replace professional guidance. please consult a medical professional before trying any new remedies.

now that we have that out of the way, lets get on it :) the season of the sick is upon us, bringing all of the sniffles, sneezes, sore throats, and the coughs we all absolutely dread. while modern medicine has its place, nature has provided us with some powerful remedies that can help either prevent or alleviate some common seasonal symptoms. from boosting immunity to soothing certain symptoms, these natural solutions are simple, effective, and they are backed up by tradition and scientific research. let's explore some, shall we?

elderberry syrup - starting with a fan-favorite, elderberry has been a staple in folk medicine for its antiviral properties. studies suggest that elderberry extract can reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu, for example, and therefore can be a great choice as a first line of defense against the seasonal bugs. 

garlic - hear me out, aside from making some amazing breads, garlic is a great natural antibacterial and antiviral agent. it has a certain compound called allicin, which when released, has potent immune-boosting properties. a little weird, but mixing some raw garlic with honey can make a great powerful, natural cold remedy, one that has saved me on multiple occasions. 

ginger - where garlic is present, ginger might not be so far. ginger is a root that is a natural anti-inflammatory and it is effective in soothing sore throats. a great recipe for some soothing effects is ginger tea made with fresh sleeves of ginger, steeped in hot water, with a kick of lemon and a spoonful of honey. 

chamomile tea - this type of tea is frequently used to combat sleep issues, but it also has anti-inflammatory effects. it can reduce muscle aches, and as a result also soothe sore throats. i prefer to drink a cup of chamomile tea before bed when i’m under the weather because it helps me get better rested as well as support recovery. 

turmeric - i saved one of my favorites for last. the active ingredient curcumin, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. it can be added to a various amount of things such as soups. my favorite use for it is something popularly known as golden milk, a drink made with milk and turmeric. 

nature provides us with an abundance of remedies that are out there to be discovered to help us navigate the challenges of the cold season. by making use of certain remedies into your daily routine and especially finding ones that work for YOU, you can help enhance your immunity and find times of illness just a little easier to deal with.

~ ☀️