How to Cure the Common Cold

Chest Compress

Skip stinky store bought decongestant rub and try this warm, soothing compress. It will make you relax while it helps you to breathe.

You Will Need:

A handful of dried, chopped mullein or dried, chopped lobelia

1-2 cups boiling water

Here’s How:

1. In a bowl, steep the mullein or lobelia in boiling water for 10 minutes.

2. Saturate a hand towel in the warm liquid, wring it out, and place on your chest. Cover with a warm towel and place a heating pad on top of that.

Cough Suppressant Medicine

Why waste your money on awful tasting commercial cough syrups? Here’s a nicer, cheaper alternative.

You Will Need: 

1 large onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, finely diced

2 tablespoons finely diced fresh ginger

Honey

Here’s How:

1. In a small saucepan, combine onion, garlic, and ginger. Add honey to cover and cook over very low heat for 30 minutes. Then mash together and let cool. Strain and store in a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator.

2. Take one teaspoon every 15 to 30 minutes.

Sore-Throat Lozenges

These sore throat remedies are called pastilles, and are made with dried plant ingredients. They are cheap, easy to make, and very effective.

You Will Need:

1/4 cup violet petals

1/4 cup rose petals

Honey or maple syrup

1 teaspoon dried marshmallow root

Confectioners’ sugar (optional)

Here's How:

1. With a mortar and pestle, crush the violet and rose petals until you get a fine powder. Mix with just enough honey or maple syrup to form a ball and add marshmallow root. If the mixture is too liquid, add more herbs or powdered sugar until it can hold its shape.

2. Form into small balls about the size of a large pea and place on a greased cookie sheet. Leave 24 to 48 hours or until they harden, then wrap each individually in plastic wrap and store in a cool, dry place.

Fever Tea

You can certainly take an over-the-counter fever remedy, but this tea will make you feel better without putting any additional strain on your liver.

You Will Need:

Yarrow Linden flowers

Chamomile Spearmint Elder flowers

1 cup boiling water

Here’s How:

1. In a small bowl, mix equal amounts of dried, crushed yarrow, linden flowers, chamomile, spearmint, and elder flowers.

2. Combine 3 teaspoons of this mix in a large cup, and add boiling water.

3. Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink hot. After drinking, get under the covers to induce sweating.

A Quick Decongestant to Carry with You

The good news about this decongestant is that it doesn’t come with a list of warnings! Just put 1 drop of tea tree, peppermint, or rosemary essential oil on a clean handkerchief and carry the handkerchief with you. Inhale as needed.