A common viral infection of the nose and throat? What is a cold.
The common cold is generally characterized by a runny nose, congestion, sneezing and a cough. It is sometimes accompanied by a sore throat. The condition is usually harmless and symptoms usually resolve within two weeks. Cold viruses (coronavirus) is spread in several ways, including; airborne respiratory droplets (coughs or sneezes), touching a contaminated surface (blanket or doorknob), saliva (kissing or shared drinks) and by skin-to-skin contact (handshakes or hugs).
The common cold is the most common human disease and affects people all over the globe. Adults typically have two to three infections annually, and children may have six to ten colds a year (and up to twelve colds a year for school children). Help reduce your risk of getting a cold in the following ways:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Wash them for 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer. I highly recommend doTERRA’s On Guard mist. Viruses that cause colds can live on your hands, and regular handwashing can help protect you from getting sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Viruses that cause colds can enter your body this way and make you sick.
- Stay away from people who are sick. Sick people can spread viruses that cause the common cold through close contact with others.
The next time you find yourself feeling run down with congestion and a leaky nose, try one of the following natural home remedies.
Try a Delicious Bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup
Why have moms, for generations, been feeding their kids chicken noodle soup when they aren’t feeling well?
Is it because it is a comfort food or is there actually something medicinal behind it?
Research suggests that enjoying a bowl of chicken soup with vegetables can slow the movement of neutrophils in your body. According to experts, Neutrophils are a type of immune cell that is one of the first cell types to travel to the site of an infection. Neutrophils help fight infection by ingesting microorganisms and releasing enzymes that kill the microorganisms. When they’re moving slowly, they stay more concentrated in the areas of your body that require the most healing.
The study found that chicken soup was effective for reducing the symptoms of upper respiratory infections in particular. It helps clear nasal congestion as well as thin mucus so you can better cough it up. In addition, research shows it may have a mild anti-inflammatory effect than can help ease symptoms.
This is a delicious recipe. I am not a huge fan of dill, so I leave that out. I do like to add 1 drop of Thyme essential oil to my chicken noodle soup. YUM!!
Use doTERRA On Guard Products
- On Guard Essential Oil On Guard is a proprietary blend of wild orange, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary. This is our protective blend that works like an armor for your body during sick season. You can get it in a 15ml bottle or in a 10ml roller bottle.
Wild Orange: This oil has a high percentage (90%) of d-limonene, which naturally increases our glutathione levels. Glutathione levels can have a huge impact on our Immune System. Orange oil has shown its potential as a powerful antioxidant to the body, protecting our cellular health from the natural breakdown that occurs from Oxidation, which then leads to illness susceptibility.
Clove Bud – This is the most potent natural anti-oxidant helping us stay strong in the face of illness and disease.
Cinnamon Bark – Besides making things taste and smell good, cinnamon also makes the top 3 for antioxidant abilities naturally stimulating to the immune system and warming to the body.
Eucalyptus – Offers natural support to the respiratory system, as well as having pain-reducing properties similar to morphine.
Rosemary – Also helpful to the respiratory system, it is especially helpful for infections such as staph and strep.
On Guard can be diffused, applied topically and taken internally. We diffuse it almost daily from September-March. I use the roller daily on myself and the kids- back of the neck, down the spine and on the bottoms of feet. You can take it internally by adding a drop to water or by making your own supplement using a veggie cap with 3-5 drops.
- On Guard Beadlets
doTERRA On Guard Beadlets are an easy and convenient way to obtain the immune-boosting benefits of doTERRA On Guard Essential Oil Blend. dōTERRA On Guard Beadlets provide a flavorful dose of doTERRA’s proprietary blend of Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary, all contained in tiny vegetable beadlets that dissolve in the mouth to freshen breath and support the immune system. doTERRA On Guard Beadlets are perfect for home use, while traveling, and to boost your family’s immunity—anytime, anywhere.
- On Guard Softgels
Take one softgel on an occasional basis to promote healthy immune function. If someone in your house comes down with a cold, I recommend taking 1 per day as a preventative measure. They also help decrease symptoms and length of a cold once you have one.
Wild Orange Peel: protects the body against seasonal threats
Clove Bud: supports a healthy immune system
Black Pepper Seed: supports healthy circulation
Cinnamon Bark/Leaf: promotes healthy immune function
Eucalyptus Leaf: purifying and cleansing properties
Oregano Leaf: helps maintain a healthy immune system
Rosemary Flower/Leaf: may help support the digestive system
Melissa Leaf: may help support healthy immune system
- On Guard Drops
doTERRA On Guard Protecting Throat Drops provide the immune-supporting benefits of the doTERRA On Guard proprietary essential oil blend in the convenience of an all-natural throat drop. Blended in a base of organic cane juice and brown rice syrup, doTERRA On Guard Protecting Throat Drops include CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, and Myrrh essential oils.
doTERRA On Guard Protecting Throat Drops help calm and soothe dry, scratchy throats while supporting overall health. When taken internally, the protective properties of the essential oils in the doTERRA On Guard blend can promote healthy immune system function. doTERRA On Guard Protecting Throat Drops can be a potent addition to a defensive health strategy against seasonal and environmental threats.
Use Raw Local Honey
Honey has a variety of antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Drinking honey in tea with lemon can ease sore throat pain. Because it has antimicrobial properties, it doesn’t just soothe your throat as it coats it; it can also kill certain bacteria. Research suggests that honey is an effective cough suppressant, too. In one study, researchers found that giving children (over 1)10 grams of honey at bedtime reduced the severity of their cough symptoms. The children reportedly slept more soundly, which also helps reduce cold symptoms. Local, raw honey reduces the lifespan of colds too. Eating two ounces a day can reduce a cold by up to two days! And the main reason that I choose local raw honey over random store bought honey, is that local raw honey can support you during allergy season. Buying local insures that the honey has the allergens native to the area you live in.
The best place to purchase local raw honey is from a Farmer’s Market or a local vendor. Occasionally, local grocery stores will carry local honey but that is more the exception than the rule.
Try doTERRA Breathe Products
- Breathe Essential Oil
doTERRA Breathe is a remarkable blend of essential oils including Laurel Leaf, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lemon, Cardamom, Ravintsara, and Ravensara. doTERRA Breathe maintains feelings of clear airways and easy breathing while minimizing the effects of seasonal threats. doTERRA Breathe can be applied topically to the chest, back, or bottom of feet, or diffused at nighttime to calm the senses and promote a restful sleep. Breathe comes in a 15ml bottle as well as in a 10ml roller bottle.
Breathe essential oil can be diffused and applied topically. Diffuse 3-5 drops at night to support easy breathing and possibly reduce snoring. Combine 1-2 drops with a tsp of carrier oil and apply to the chest and/or feet when experiencing respiratory discomfort.
- Breathe Stick (temporarily unavailable)
Enjoy the convenience, quick absorption, and smooth application of doTERRA Breathe Vapor Stick. This unique delivery method of doTERRA Breathe proprietary blend can be used anytime, anywhere to enjoy a cooling, soothing vapor. The natural formula of this vapor stick glides on the skin with ease, without leaving a greasy or sticky after-feel. The power of doTERRA Breathe essential oil blend can be felt immediately, providing a cooling effect both topically and aromatically. The small and convenient package of doTERRA Breathe Vapor Stick is perfect for traveling, and only a small amount is needed to feel its immediate effects. The vapor stick works in conjunction with the other doTERRA Breathe products, providing powerful support for you and your family.
I have found the breathe stick to be ideal for use on my children. It is easy to apply and the smell doesn’t seem to be quite as strong.
- Breathe Drops
Respiratory issues are not fun and we all turn to anything that will help, but very little ever does. doTERRA Breathe essential oil is a tried and true support that has helped many against this age-old foe. doTERRA Breathe natural drops are a blend of selected oils from doTERRA Breathe CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® essential oil blend mixed into a respiratory drop to make it more convenient to enjoy the benefits of these oils. Lemon, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Thyme, Melissa, and Cardamom essential oils all help to clean and soothe airways and now they can be delivered straight to your mouth and throat in these great-tasting lozenges. Age 5+.
Drink Water with Lemon Essential Oil and/or Honey
We all know the importance of hydration and health. When you are feeling under the weather, drinking water and staying hydrated should be your top priority.
To flavor up your water while adding health benefits, try adding 1-2 drops of Lemon essential oil. Lemon essential oil is antifungal, antioxidizing, and aids rhinitis. As a natural disinfectant, Lemon oil is ideal for fighting viruses as well as reducing the most common cold and flu symptoms.
If you want a more soothing experience, heat your water up and add some raw local honey.
Use Oregano Essential Oil
Known as “natures antibiotic”, oregano essential oil is a very powerful and hot oil. It should ALWAYS be diluted when used. In addition, because of the potency, oregano should not be used for more than 10 consecutive days. Oregano supports a healthy immune system, healthy digestion, and respiratory function when used internally. It offers powerful antioxidants and has cleansing and purifying properties.
There are two main ways that we use the oil when experiencing cold symptoms. The first way helps soothe a sore throat. Simply add 1 drop to 3oz of warm water and gargle and spit until the cup is empty. Repeat every few hours as necessary. You can also add 2 drops to a veggie cap with a drop of FCO (fractionated coconut oil) and take by mouth to support your immune system. I recommend doing this once or twice per day.
Immune Bomb
When a cold grows out of control, extreme measure may be necessary to reign things back in. This is an incredibly powerful, kick butt combination, that has worked wonders in our home. Use 3 drops of each oil in a 10ml roller bottle topped off with a carrier oil. Apply to feet in the morning, midday and night. You can also diffuse 1 drop of each for up to 10 consecutive nights. If you have veggie caps on hand, you can make your own immune bomb supplement. 1-2 drops of each oil in a veggie cap with a drop of FCO. No more than twice per day for 10 days. I typically use the supplement form for my husband and I and the roller for my kids.
Frankincense: It helps to break down mucus deposits within the respiratory tract and sinuses. As a result, it breaks down congestion.
Lemon: Helps loosen congestion and reduce phlegm. Targets mucus producing bacteria.
On Guard: This protective blend is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiseptic.
Oregano: Natures antibiotic. Extremely powerful. (see above)
Tea Tree: antiviral properties that have proven to be effective against common pathogens. A 2001 study found that a combination of tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil worked effectively against the herpes simplex virus. A 2013 study found that tea tree oil could prevent the spread of influenza. [source: HEALTHLINE]
The next time you find yourself laid up with a cold, why not give natural solutions a chance? They are safe, cheap and highly effective with zero side effects.