Many people don’t realize that natural remedies for the common cold are in their kitchens. We take for granted the things that are available in our own backyard. Throughout the centuries, people have used minerals and plants for medicinal cures. When Europeans came to the United States, they brought seeds and plants with them. They also learned from the Native Americans which plants were used for different cures. A typical wife and mother knew herbs and how to use them medicinally. Part of modern medicine originated from plants and herbs. As people moved into a more industrial society and into cities, they became more dependent on pharmaceutical companies for their drug supply.

People have become ignorant about these old time remedies. These natural remedies still work and are available in your kitchen to this day. Salt, apple cider vinegar, onion, garlic, anise, ginger, and honey are some of the items in your cabinets that can cure the common cold.

At the first sign of a sore throat, gargle with warm salt water. Salt has been used for centuries to kill bacteria on meat. Farmers soak their meat in salt water to kill bacteria. I have used this remedy with my family for years. Place one teaspoon of salt in an 8 oz glass of warm water. Gargle all over the glass; this will remove mucus and dilate the capillaries increasing blood flow. Do this several times a day and you will feel much better.

Apple cider vinegar is good for many things. Colds, flu, headaches, digestive problems, insect bites and much more. When you have a cold, the alkaline level in your body is unstable. Drinking apple cider vinegar will rebalance the acid level. Add apple cider vinegar to a glass of water, making it as strong as you can tolerate. Gargle and swallow this mixture twice a day. Apple cider vinegar kills the strep virus and also adds extra potassium to your body. When using apple cider vinegar, always rinse your mouth after drinking to remove excess acid from tooth enamel.

Ginger contains nearly a dozen antiviral compounds and is a great cold remedy. First you need to peel the skin of a ginger root. Grate fresh ginger into a cup of hot water. Let sit for 10 minutes and add honey to taste. The tea will give your throat a tingling sensation.

Onion and garlic are from the same family and both contain antiviral compounds. Filter a sliced ​​​​onion overnight in honey. Take this mixture at intervals, like a cough medicine. By eating onions and garlic you are adding these antiviral foods to your diet, which help fight the common cold.

Anise is an expectorant to clear phlegm and also has antiviral compounds. Take one or two teaspoons of crushed aniseed and place it in hot water to filter for 10 to 15 minutes. Anise is also used to make Indian Chai tea. Drink this tea several times a day.

Honey is an antibacterial. Using honey with different herbs helps fight bacterial infections that are sometimes second infections caused by the common cold. As you have already read, when preparing teas you can add honey to help the efficiency of the tea. It is also beneficial to add it to other herbs to make syrup. Either way, honey is definitely a delicious way to help cure a cold.

Lemon, like apple cider vinegar, is high in acid and will balance the alkaline levels in your body. It will also cut mucus by acting as an expectorant. You can mix lemon with any herbal tea or add it to drinking water.

Thyme is also used as an antibacterial. Mixing thyme leaves in hot water and steeping for 10 to 15 minutes makes an antibacterial tea. Even most herbalists forget about the benefits of thyme, since it is not commonly mentioned as an antibacterial herb.

Oregano is commonly known as marjoram and is high in thymol. The fascinating thing about oregano is that it fights bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeasts. Using 1 – 2 teaspoons of oregano leaves in hot water and viewing for 15 minutes several times a day will help you fight the common cold.

Sage was one of the four sacred plants of the Native Americans. Sage helps with inflammation and irritation of the throat. If you mix sage with apple cider vinegar, you have a powerful cold cure.

Making rosemary tea will help with bronchial problems. Rosemary helps dissolve phlegm. Giving you relief from congestion. Add 1 -2 teaspoons in hot water and let sit for 10 – 15 minutes.

Cinnamon is a natural germicide. Adding cinnamon to any herbal iced tea can enhance its medicinal purpose. Adding ¼ teaspoon to honey and taking it as a cough syrup will also help relieve cold symptoms.

These are just a few natural remedies for the common cold and cold-like symptoms. I know there are times when you just don’t feel like going out and looking for an over-the-counter cold medicine. You may already have these items in your closet and they work just as efficiently. The best cure for the prevention of the common cold. Always remember to wash your hands. Choose a healthy diet and be sure to include foods with lots of vitamins and minerals. No virus or bacteria can live in a healthy environment. Always remember to eat healthy and live healthy.