Three days ago I found myself sipping on mint tea with a face mask on in my most comfy pajamas. I was surrounded by a mass of used tissues. The real glam life. My head was aching – a head cold had sneaked into my life. Fast forward to today and I spent the afternoon working at a cafe and even met up with a friend for dinner! Why?! Over the years I’ve discovered natural remedies to speed up the length of a cold. While I give myself downtime to recuperate, I also feel energized faster when exercising several holistic remedies. Today I’m sharing 5 natural remedies that work for me – and I’m hoping they will for you too!
1. Use Essential Oils
Essential oils are seriously a godsend. I only began using lavender oil about 3 years ago to ease anxiety and help fall asleep. Within the past year, I’ve been using tea tree oil and peppermint oil to help with congestion. Here’s the ultimate hack for clearing your sinuses: pour tea tree oil or peppermint oil on the walls of your shower. Turn on the shower at the hottest setting. Leave the room for a few minutes. When you return, you’ll enter your very own sauna. During your shower, the essential oils will enter your nasal passages and clear them out! As someone who suffers from many sinus infections (My doctor told me I have *small nasal passages*) this is the only method that clears me sinuses completely without medication! Clearing out your nasals will prevent a common cold from turning into a nasty sinus infection.
2. Get A Sinus Massage
When you find yourself with a head cold, now is the time to redeem favors and ask your significant other/mom/bestie to give you a sinus massage. Manually applying pressure to your sinuses helps to clear them out and relieve pressure. I’ve used this method for years, and it always helps to temporarily clear my sinuses. If I don’t have anyone who can do it for me – I’ll give myself a sinus massage. Not sure where to apply pressure? A quick Google search will help you locate the sinuses!
3. Take Oregano Oil
It tastes horrible and it works. And it’s natural. Oregano oil is a natural antibiotic and antiviral that will help kill germs on the spot. Using a dropper, apply 4-5 drops on your tongue and swallow. I’m not going to lie, this will be an unpleasant experience. But it clears a sister out. If you can get through the awful taste, I highly recommend it. I usually apply 4-5 drops 2-3 times a day.
4. Make a Fire Cider
Wtf is a fire cider? I learned how to make one at a yoga retreat last year! It’s a combination of a bunch of antibacterial and antibiotic whole foods you can find in your local grocery store. To make mine, I placed garlic, onion, horseradish, ginger, green pepper, oranges, limes and placed them into a mason jar so it was 3/4 full. The I filled the jar to the top with apple cider. As long as everything it under the liquid, it won’t spoil. Place it in your cupboard for 2-4 weeks. The, shake it well and strain the roots and veggies. Take 1-2 tablespoons as needed as a preventative or to combat a cold. You can put it in salad dressing, your tea, anything really! You can add honey to help with flavor. Enjoy!
5. Treat Yourself To A Pamper Session
Whatever pampering means to you – whether it be a pedicure, massage or long bath – do it. This is the time to care for yourself first. For me, a time of relaxation consists of a long shower. I’m usually rushed when I take a shower, but when I’m sick I take extra time to apply that hair mask I’ve been wanting to use forever. I run the water on the back of my neck and temples to clear my sinuses.
