As if it’s not already enough we’re living in the middle of a pandemic, it is now cold and flu season. Sheesh! I for one, am not a fan of going to the doctor or getting a flu shot. In fact, I don’t even think I thought of a flu shot for YEARS until I started working with a bunch of people who would always get them. I really never found them necessary. I get sick, I rest, I get over it. Whatever.
But whenever I start to feel that tickle in my throat, you know what I’m talking about, I pull out my vegan home remedy kit. Okay, it’s not actually a kit, but I do have a few tried and true home remedies to keep the sickness away. I find if I do these the second I start to feel ANYTHING off, I manage to make the sick feeling go away before it gets worse and I end up full blow sick.
So if you are interested in keeping your immune system working to its full potential to save you from the cold and flu season, here are my top 5 home remedies!
Oil of Oregano
Oil of oregano is the first thing I go to when I start to feel sick. Multiple studies have shown oil of oregano’s antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. I typically get it in a tincture form and put it in my own veggie capsules. I used to be very hardcore and just put it straight in my throat and let it burn all the germs away. However, I do not recommend that for the faint of heart. Oil of oregano is no joke. It’s very spicy and potent.
But this is the BEST remedy I have in terms of fighting off an oncoming cold or flu. If I take this the night I’m starting to feel sick, I will notice an improvement the next morning! I highly recommend trying it out if you haven’t yet.
Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry syrup is better than regular cough syrup, because it doesn’t taste nasty and it’s actually GOOD for you and your immune system. Rather than just relieve symptoms for a temporary amount of time like cough syrup, elderberry syrup helps make them go away for good! That’s because elderberries are full of antioxidants and antiviral properties which help reduce the severity and length of influenza. Aside from the actual syrup, I’ve also tried elderberry lozenges with zinc which are also great at making me feel better quickly.
Wellness Shots
Wellness shots are basically a mixture of immune boosting ingredients that will burn the shit right out of your throat. The best ones include ginger, lemon juice, pineapple juice, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and either oil of oregano or elderberry juice. Oftentimes they include other fruity ingredients to make it taste a little better, but the ones that burn the most, work the most! My favorite brand for wellness shots is Vive Organic and I usually stick to the Wellness Rescue, Immunity Boost with Cayenne, and Immunity Boost with Elderberry.
You can find wellness shots at the grocery store in tiny bottles or get them freshly made from a juice bar.
Throat Coat Tea
I swear by Traditional Medicinals Organic Throat Coat tea with lemon echinacea. It’s made to support throat health and boost the immune system, and boy does it ever! Any time my throat is in pain I NEED my throat coat tea. I love the version with the lemon and echinacea because both have been proven to help boost your immune system!
Spicy Food
While I am always an advocate for eating spicy food, it definitely is amplified when I feel like I’m about to get sick or I am sick! Anything that gets me sweating is good to kick the sickness out. I usually just add fresh jalapeños to my food and don’t cook them down very long so it stays really spicy! Other ideas include chili powder, chili paste, any type of chilis. You can really get creative here to knock your immune system into shape here!
And there you have it! My tried and true home remedies to kick any sickness to the curb. Don’t forget to also rest, stay warm, and drink A LOT of water when you start to feel sick. Sometimes I think by staying so warm and hydrated I sweat out the sickness easier.
All items I mentioned can be found online of course, but I can usually find all these products at stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, or Mother’s Market. I’ve even seen wellness shots at the Grocery Outlet sometimes, it just depends what they have at the time like usual.
Have you tried any of these before and noticed a difference? Was there anything on the list you haven’t heard of? I’d love to see your feedback in the comments below, so let me know! Thanks for checking out my blog, and see you next time. Have a vegan day!