All-Natural Cold Remedies

Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor,nor do I claim to be one. I'm only sharing remedies that worked for me, results may vary. Use common sense; if you are allergic to any of the ingredients I have listed, don't attempt to use them! Obviously, if you have a severe cold and need medical attention, call a doctor!

I'll never forget my discussion with a mother who proudly declared, "I immediately give my child a dose of cough syrup every time she shows the slightest signs of a cold".

I was absolutely appalled. I realized that sounds very judgemental, and maybe a bit dramatic. I guess I'm one of "those" moms. You know, one of those wacko types that try to avoid using antibiotics and think that using ibuprofen is taking the easy way out. (I admit I have employed ibuprofen a few times, and yes, I always feel gulity for doing so!)

When I picture the powers behind the pharmaceutical companies, I envision a cloaked, mutilated man who cackles insanely, while his black-robed sidekick finds my lack of faith disturbing.

So, yeah, one of "those" moms.

But, as appalled and disgusted as I was, I put on my best poker face and buttoned my lip. Mentally, I tried not to be too hard on the mom; after all, she thought she was doing the right thing.

But, is it the "right thing?" I found this excerpt on Wikipedia:

"The efficacy of cough medication is questionable, particularly in children.^[20][21]A 2008 Cochrane review concluded that "There is no good evidence for or against the effectiveness of OTC medicines in acute cough".^[1] In 2001, a meta-analysis indicated that some cough medicines may be no more effective than placebos for acute coughs in adults, including coughs related to upper respiratory tract infections.^[22] In 2006, the American College of Chest Physicians published a guideline for whooping cough, a cough that is caused by bacteria and can last for months. The guideline pointed out that available cough medicines are not designed to treat whooping cough or its causative bacterium.^[23]Although the efficacy is inconclusive for children over 2 years of age, a number of factors including accidental overdoses and well-documented adverse effects suggested caution in the pediatric prescription of cough syrups and medicines.^[24] No over the counter cough medicines have been found to be effective in cases of pneumonia.^[25]"

I think we have become so brainwashed by the "miracle of modern medicine" we have forgotten our roots.

And now I sound preachy, right? Sorry.

Anyway, here's some things I do when a cold hits our home.

• Onion and Brown Sugar: This recipe will create an all-natural cold syrup, and surprisingly, my kids like the taste. Take one fresh onion, cut it into rings, and put in a Tupperware container. Cover the onions with 2 heaping tbsps of dark brown sugar. Put a lid on the container and let sit overnight and voila! You'll have a syrup in the morning. Strain off the onion rings and bottle the syrup. Take 2 tsp every hour until symptoms are relieved (I usually just give them 2 tsps before bed and this works very well).

Who doesn't have these two ingredients at home? This is easy, cheap, effective, and SAFE. The only side-effects I know of are bad breath or sugar high. Onion is a popular natural remedy for colds because of its natural antiseptic properties.

• Honey: (DO NOT GIVE HONEY TO CHILDREN UNDER 12 MONTHS, DUE TO THE RISK OF BOTULISM). I read somewhere that a tablespoon of honey is just as effective as over-the-counter cough syrup. Mixed with camomile tea, it's also a great throat soother. Furthermore, people say if you take a few teaspoons of local honey a day, this will lessen your seasonal allergies. Honey is a super food, and all-natural!
• Eucalyptus Steam Treatment: When my girls are having nighttime coughing fits or trouble breathing, I immediately apply this remedy. It's very simple; boil a kettle of water, put it in a heat resistant bowl. Add about 10 drops of pure eucalyptus oil. I have them take a few deep inhales of the vapors, and then I place the bowl by their bedside so they can breathe in the vapors while they sleep. Works like a charm. You can also put a few drops in your shower (not bath, because it may irritate sensitive areas, if you know what I mean!)
• Hot and Sour Soup: I don't have a recipe for hot and sour soup, but I'm sure you have a Chinese restaurant in your area. I struggled with a painful sinus infection for about a week, and then I ordered a quart of hot and sour soup from my local take-out place. The next day, I was totally, 100% cured. Seriously! I suppose any spicy chicken broth based soup could be substituted, but this is one that worked for me.