Winter Rescue, All-Natural Remedy Kit
By Stephanie Barroilhet
Now that winter and the holiday season are almost here you should make sure you have the following remedies on hand to prevent, beat, or reduce the length of cold and flu. With increased stress levels due to the hectic holiday schedule your immune system may be lowered making you more susceptible to colds and flu.

To prevent or shorten cold or flu symptoms keep these 5 remedies in your home this winter season:

Oil of oregano

Made from wild oregano plants, oil of oregano contains two compounds called carvacrol and thymo. These two compounds act as an anti-viral, anti-bacterial, which is great for preventing and treating colds and sore throat as they kill the harmful micro-organisms that cause many illnesses.

Wild Oregano oil comes in liquid form or as capsules/tablets.

Cayenne Pepper

An excellent source of immune boosting vitamin A, beta-carotene and capsaicin; cayenne pepper increases circulation and has anti-microbial properties which help kill pathogens that cause cold & flu.

Only a pinch of cayenne pepper is needed to aid in congestion, sore throat and can help in loosen phlegm in the chest. You can enjoy this hot spice in beans and vegetable sautés or add to your favorite herbal tea to quickly help relieve stuffy nose.

Manuka Honey

This is not your regular grocery store honey! Manuka honey comes from New Zealand from the pollen of the Manuka tree or bush, and can only be purchased at health food stores. Its high anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties can fight bacteria that cause cold and helps soothe and heal sore throats.

This honey comes in raw form so that can be eaten like regular honey on toast or taken as lozenges.

Garlic

This is a culinary herb that contains an enzyme called allicin, which gives garlic its strong odor as well as anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties found to strengthen the immune system.

Increase your intake of garlic by adding it to your meals, allow chopped garlic to sit for 15 minutes to activate allicin enzyme before cooking or eating raw. If you do not like the taste of garlic they are available in capsule form.

Ginger

Ginger has been known to battle symptoms of cold and flu by soothing aching muscles and easing digestion. It can be consumed easily in a variety of different forms by adding it to your cooking or consuming it in capsule form.

Make ginger tea at home by steeping 2 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger in hot water and drinking it two to three times a day. Add honey to sweeten and lemon juice for Vitamin C