Winter is definitely here! The change in season often brings about the common cold. There are many ways of preventing a cold, a lot of fruit and vegetable helps – excess dairy does not. During the winter months, we tend to eat heavier foods to help our body get through the colder months. Keeping dairy to a minimum or cutting it out completely is one sure thing that will help. Excess dairy causes mucous in our system and actually inhibits our breathing.

However, if you’ve so unfortunately already caught the cold, here are some home remedies to fight the cold.

Garlic:

It may sound strange but garlic when eaten raw is incredible. If you have a cold that starts with a sore throat, eating a clove of raw garlic with a meal can do wonders for you. Garlic acts as an anti-bacterial agent and helps to fight viruses. While it is best to eat it by itself, raw garlic can give some people an upset stomach, that is why I suggest it be had with a meal.

Alternatively, you can also try warm water, with a few drops of garlic oil and onion juice.

Apple Cider Vinegar Steam:

Another home remedy I love is to use apple cider vinegar steam. To do this, you need to boil water, turn the heat off, then add a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam. This is a great little trick to fight a cold.

Echinacea:

Using this flower to fight a cold has now become well-known. This homeopathic flower herb is known for fighting infections and boosting the immune system. You can purchase it at any health store. Ingest it with warm water and make sure to read the instructions on the label carefully.

Classical Ginger Tea:

This method of fighting the cold is a classic really. Make sure to grate the ginger into the water, so that you really get the punch and flavour from the ginger. Boil this and then add some honey (manuka is best) to taste.