My Top 5 Cold and Flu Remedies!

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With the change of season this month, it seems to be prime time for colds and flu! My husband and I have made a concerted effort to avoid antibiotics as far as possible, and in doing so, have strengthened our immune systems. We do still get sick occasionally, though, and like to use our favourite remedies to nip the infection in the bud!

1. Hydrogen peroxide in the ears

This works on the basis that most infections start in the ears. Using a syringe or dropper, put 3% (10 volume) hydrogen peroxide in your ear and allow it to sit in your ear for 10 minutes. It will bubble like crazy and dissolve your earwax. Pour out onto a tissue and repeat in the other ear. Do this 3x per day.

This really helps prevent or shorten colds and flu, and I find that it helps ease symptoms, too.

You can also gargle with hydrogen peroxide for a sore throat, or use hydrogen peroxide in a nasal saline rinse (1 tsp hydrogen peroxide & 1 tsp salt in half a glass of warm, filtered or distilled water).

2. Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa
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This is a Chinese natural throat & cough medicine that works better than any conventional cough medicine that I've ever tried!

It's all natural, with ingredients like Chinese liqorice root, ginger, menthol, honey, and loquat leaf. This soothes a sore throat, too!

3. Don't immediately reach for painkillers!
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If I have a low grade fever and a headache, I take these steps:​

• ​Take a lovely shower or bath. The warm water will ease your aches and pains, the steam will help clear your sinuses, and your temperature will probably regulate.
• Ask your significant other to massage your head and sinuses - or do it yourself if you're alone! The head massage will ease your headache, and the sinus massage should loosen your congestion.
• Drink lots of water! You need to flush the infection out.
• Climb in bed and go to sleep. We're all guilty of trying to continue doing everything while we're sick. Just give your body a chance; you'll get better more quickly if you rest.

Our bodies raise our temperature to fight infection. Immediately taking medication to take away a fever is counter-productive. You'll probably find that you'll wake up feeling much better!

4. Green smoothie

​You know it, but let me remind you that your body needs a nutrient boost when you're ill! I usually make a delicious green smoothie (and drink one at least once a day) which tastes amazing and is filled with goodness, including Spirulina, Ginger, Onion, Turmeric, Barley Grass, Green Tea, and Chlorella.​​

​5. Defend Essential Oil Blend
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Defend is a blend of clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, lemon, rosemary, and orange essential oils, which is especially effective when experiencing colds and flu.

I put this in my diffuser or use topically for an immune system boost and defense against infections!