by Shaye Standokes

The season of colds and germs is upon us. I actually have the sniffles as we speak. This time of year, the cooler weather rolls in and our kiddos begin to bring sicknesses home from school. It is of top importance to prepare your medicine “cabinet” for the upcoming cold season.

Nowadays, when we are sick we usually reach for the closest over the counter medicine to cover the symptoms. Am I right? There is a much better way! We can use several things that we may already have around our home, or in our gardens. This makes it much simpler to prepare your medicine “cabinet.” Not only should you add items to help fight cold symptoms, but you should also stock up on preventatives that will boost your immune system to lessen a cold’s duration and make it less likely for you to contract colds.

Here are a few things that you can use to prepare your medicine “cabinet”:
(these are generally considered safe for adults and children)

*Honey: Honey has long been revered for its antibacterial and soothing properties. Not only can it help to boost your immune system, but you can add it to your hot teas for the relief of that dry itchy throat that is common with colds. It is also known for its expectorant properties.  

*Lemons: Lemons are anti-bacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting. Add lemon juice to that hot cup of tea that I just mentioned for added relief of your sore throat. It can also be added to your morning glass of water for a daily immunity boost.

*Garlic: Most of us usually have Garlic in our homes. If you are like me, I use garlic in just about everything that I cook! Garlic is anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial. It can reduce the frequency of colds that occur, treat throat irritations, and the severity of the symptoms. Make a delicious brothy soup with lots of garlic for an excellent boost in your immune system and relief of cold symptoms.

*Onions: This is another vegetable that I know most everyone has in their homes or gardens. Onions, as well as garlic, contain the sulfur-containing amino-acids. You can enjoy the onions raw or in your brothy soup. Chop up a raw onion and cover it with honey as well as other healing herbs, such as thyme and rosemary. Let it stand for four or five hours (or until liquid gathers at the bottom). This concoction makes an excellent cough syrup and is great for soothing an irritated throat.

Capsaicin (Chili Peppers): This one is for those that can handle the heat! Capsaicin is an excellent decongestant, expectorant, and pain reliever. We all know the feelings that are sinuses go through after eating spicy peppers. This will help to clear up your congestion and speed up the recovery process. (This past week I have been finding every reason to use hot sauce!)

Apple Cider Vinegar: It is best to use organic, unfiltered, unprocessed Apple Cider Vinegar. ACV has long been praised for its many uses. I particularly like the expectorant effect. When my chest is tight, and it is hard to breathe, ACV helps to clear things up. You can also use it to create salad dressings that help you to absorb more nutrients from your leafy greens. Use ACV in moderation as it can cause stomach upset.

*Echinacea: This is an excellent immune booster. Many of you have this growing in your flower beds. You can simply use the flowers and leaves in tea to boost your immune system, or the quickest and most common way that people prefer echinacea is in the form of capsules. You can make your own or find them at your local health food store. Take at the first sign of a cold.

*Peppermint: Stuffy Nose? Instead of your usual Vicks rub, try using peppermint oil! Peppermint can be used in a diffuser for natural relief of congestion, and you can add a few drops to boiling water and inhale the steam. I also like to add it to Epsom salt for bathing to relieve the aches and pains associated with colds. Peppermint tea (made with the plant) is also an excellent choice for congestion and an upset stomach.

*Elderberry: This is one of my go-tos for the cold and flu season. You can find these Elders growing all over Arkansas. Now is the time to harvest your elderberries. I like to freeze them, and then use when needed. You can create an elderberry syrup that will shorten your cold so that you can get to feeling perky quicker. Cook the berries for at least 30-45 minutes. Allow to cool and squeeze all of the juice out. Simmer this in a pan with a large amount of honey or sugar to create a syrup. Walla! You have an immune boosting, cold fighting, and symptom-relieving syrup! (Jellies and Pies are also a unique way to use these berries)

It is super simple to prepare your medicine “cabinet.” Keep from getting sick or get to feeling better faster using those simple remedies. Stay healthy this season!

*Disclaimer: Be sure to visit your health provider if you develop symptoms that are more severe than a common cold. It is important for proper identification and treatment of the illness from which you may be suffering.

Shaye Standokes is a lifelong learner and Graduate of UACCH. When she is not working on a new project or typing away at the computer, you can find her with her nose in a book and a dog on her lap or perhaps whipping up an herbal concoction in the kitchen. She has an intense yearning for knowledge through life and the hope to inspire others to find their passions.

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