My 'Must-Haves' for the Cold Season's Colds

Caroline L’Impératrice

Holistic Health & Wellness ​Associate

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical or professional advice. Should you have a pre-existing medical condition, please consult your trusted health-care practitioner.
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Fall is here, so is the cooler weather, and a higher risk of ‘catching a cold’. At the start of every season, I stock up on my ‘must-haves’ to ensure I’m ready for whatever the season will bring. Here is a list of ‘must-haves’ for cold season homemade natural remedies I make, the healing properties that make them powerful tools when a cold or flu starts, as well as a few recipes for you to fulljoy!

My must-haves

Oregano oil: my absolute must-have! Oregano oil supports the immune system, and has antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s a powerful antiseptic often used to treat respiratory ailments. Keep in mind: it’s contraindicated for pregnant women. Always use diluted in vegetable oil if you make your own, or follow the directions on the package if you buy it.

Garlic: another favorite, garlic is famous for many reasons, and when it comes to the cold season it’s my second ‘go-to’ (after oregano oil) to strengthen the immune system and increase the body's resistance to infections. Mucus-buster, antibiotic, expectorant, it’s simply excellent when it comes to colds and flu.

Onion: there’s always a bag full of this vegetable in my kitchen, cold seasons or not! It has powerful antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. No wonder it’s often recommended for colds, coughs and flu.

Lemon: a classic! Full of vitamin C, this fruit has antioxidant, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Lemon juice is great for colds, flu, and lung infections.

Ginger: another staple in my kitchen, this sweating food increases circulation in the body, allowing the pores of the skin to open up, releasing toxins and reducing fever. It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, and the power to relieve coughs, treat colds and the flu.

Honey: the classic of the classics! Honey (unpasteurized) has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, it’s a powerful antioxidant that helps strengthen the immune system. This multipurpose liquid gold is a gem and a must-have all the time.

Cayenne pepper: this antiseptic food is also a stimulant sweating food. Keep in mind: it is not recommended to use in case of stomach ulcers or indigestion, and during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Furthermore, always be cautious to not touch your eyes or an open cut after handling this pepper. A good strategy is to use gloves when touching them.

Turmeric: this spice is on the list for its strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Cinnamon: I use cinnamon for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antiviral properties… and the sweet & spicy aroma it adds to any recipe. Keep in mind: it can be toxic when used in excess. Also, it’s not recommended to be used for medicinal properties for pregnant women.

Star anise: it has antibacterial and antifungal properties supporting the immune system.

Clove bud: although it’s unpleasant to bite into one, its antiseptic properties make up for it.

Homemade remedies
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Here are a few recipes I make when a flu, cold or sore throat is coming on. Although I don’t consume them all in one day, they’re the go-to recipes I make depending on how I feel and what my Intuition says is the right remedy to take at that moment:

• I always start with taking a about 4 or 5 drops of oregano oil under my tongue, 2 or 3 times per day the first couple of days I feel a cold coming on.

 

• Bring 1.5 cup of hot water close to a boil, add about 1 inch of cinnamon stick. After a few minutes, add 1 teaspoon of honey and the freshly squeezed juice of one lemon. Stir and drink.

 

• Boil about 1 tablespoon of chopped ginger in 1.5 cup of water for a few minutes. Let cool. Add 1 teaspoon of honey and the juice of ¼ lemon. Stir and take your time to drink the liquid, as well as eating all the ginger. Drink this concoction once in the morning and once at night.

 

• Combine 1-2 crushed cloves of garlic, ½ teaspoon of grated fresh ginger, the juice of ¼ lemon and 2 tablespoons of honey. Options: mix the ingredients and take as is (‘syrup’ form), or pour a cup of hot water on the mixture and take it as a beverage, 2 or 3 times a day.

 

• Healing soup recipe: first, prepare a vegetable soup as you usually would (to yield 6 servings). Second, turn off the heat when the soup is ready. Then, add the spices: 3-inch cinnamon stick, 2 star anise, 3-4 clove buds, 1 tablespoons of turmeric powder or 2 teaspoons of fresh turmeric, and a couple of pinches of cayenne pepper. Put the lid back on for a couple minutes, allowing the spices to release their aromas and flavors. Take the lid off and stir. Lastly, add 2 yellow onions, sliced or chopped, and 6-8 chopped garlic cloves. Put the lid back on and let it rest again for a few minutes before stirring them into the soup. Eat 2 bowls per day until you feel better.

While these recipes help the body’s immune system, consuming lots of fresh pure water, fruits and vegetables, avoiding oily-fatty-high-in-sugar-nutrient-deficient foods, taking daily vitamin Nature (sunshine, sea, nature, fresh air), exercising regularly, getting a good night’s sleep and managing stress (or increasing stress-relief activities, such as meditation) are some fundamental elements required to having a strong system, not only during the cold seasons but at all times.

So feel free to try these recipes, tweak them per your taste buds and Intuitive Guidance, or be inspired to make your own! But remember you are a holistic being, so please take care of your whole self at all times.

Joyfully,
Caroline
 

Caroline L' Impératrice, MscD.

​Caroline is a Certified Holistic Lifestyle Coach & Metaphysician. She is known for her joyful energy, her power to “turn your Inner Light back on” and inspiring people to shift their mindset from self-imposed limitations to infinite possibilities. In 2007, after dealing with chronic inflammatory issues for years, she started her natural healing journey by reconnecting with her body's capacity to heal itself and consciously applying the power of her mind. Graduated in professional theater, her passion and interests then turned towards becoming a holistic lifestyle coach, motivating her to complete various trainings in healthy eating, herbal and essential oil care, homemade natural products, energy healing, holistic consultation and applied metaphysics. As part of her new career path, she participated in several projects in the holistic wellness field, as well as in international cooperation, community development and intercultural exchange through local immersion trips in Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Florida and California. Today, she guides others on their path of self-knowledge, self-healing and self-realization by making natural lifestyle choices, cultivating empowering thought patterns/belief systems, and taking inspired action from the heart to consciously create the reality they desire to experience. @Wildflowers_in_the_sun