12 Tips For Stopping A Cold In Its Tracks

By Katie Stanley, Rustina, and Lindsey Bussie, Contributing Writers

The weather is cooling off and people are spending more time inside. It’s also that time of year when candy, cookies, coffee drinks and all sorts of other sweets seem to be consumed in greater quantities. All those sweets make it hard for immune systems to function well, the more it is consumed the more weakened that immune systems become. Weakened immune systems combined with more time inside with people who may already be sick leads to even more people getting sick since your immune system has a difficult time fighting the illness off.

Take matters into your own hands by boosting yours and your loved ones immune systems with herbal tinctures. Limiting sugar for two weeks before visiting family, or a big event can help as well. 

No one wants to be sick or to have their children and loved ones sick. Being preventative is always the best way to stay healthy. You can support yours and your loved ones’ immune systems with these simple and effective ways to stop a cold in its tracks.

Not only are most of these methods easy to do/prepare, you will also find yourself saving money too!

12 Tips to Stop a Cold in its Tracks

1. Herbal Tea

Tea is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to treat a cold. Sipping on a warm cup of tea is soothing and relaxing even when you are not sick. When you have a cold, you can make a pot of herbal tea that will heal and nourish your body. All you need is a teaspoon-tablespoon of dried herbs, and 8oz of hot water. Steep for 5-10 minutes and enjoy. You can add raw honey for a little bit of sweetener, too, if you like. 

Here are some common, easy to find and use herbs:

• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Peppermint or Spearmint 
• Mullein
• Marshmallow root
• Fenugreek
• Echinacea

2. Tinctures

Tinctures are one of the most effective ways to get herbs in your system. They get into your bloodstream very quickly. They can be made from vodka or glycerin. Typically, vodka tinctures are given to adults and glycerin tinctures to young children. You can buy or make tinctures to suit many different needs. 

Here are a few blogs on how to DIY your own tinctures:

• DIY Glycerin Tincture {The Crock Pot Method} | (modernalternativemama.com)
• DIY Herbal Multivitamin Tincture | (modernalternativemama.com)

Tinctures made with immunity boosting herbs are extremely healthful when you are exposed to sickness or first start to feel ill. Here are a few herb profiles to give ideas on what herbs to use in tinctures:

• Ginger
• Elderberry
• Mullein

Not a DIY person? You can get affordable, quality tinctures here. 

3. Chicken Bone Broth

Who hasn’t been told to eat a bowl of chicken noodle soup when they are sick? Reaching for a can of soup from the store shelf may feel comforting, but unfortunately, it does little to heal you. Homemade bone broth is the way to get the most nutrients. As they simmer, the bones release gelatin, sulfates, glucosamine, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, silicon, phosphorus and trace minerals that are easily absorbed into the body, they not only heal but soothe as well. Adding vegetables like carrots, potatoes, garlic, onions, celery, increases the broth’s vitamin and mineral profile. Top it off with spices like bay leaves, salt, pepper, parsley, thyme, and rosemary for a broth busting with nutrition and flavor. Making your own chicken bone broth is easy!

4. Fire Cider

Fire Cider stops a cold like nobody’s business. It is a combination of apple cider vinegar, horseradish, onions, garlic, ginger, hot peppers and turmeric. This concoction packs a punch. Its flavor profile might leave you sputtering, but its strength in supporting the body’s ability to fight colds is worth it. 

Get our recipe here, DIY: Fire Cider

5. Avoid Sugar

Sugar, especially refined sugar, weakens the immune system. When you eat high amounts of sugar, it increases inflammation. Your white blood cells focus on the inflammation, not the virus you may have caught. Weakened immune systems make it hard for your body to fight off the germs that you are around.

6.Cut refined grains/fortified grains

This practice can improve your health year round, not just when you’re coming down with a cold. Refined grains break down as sugar in your body. They’re often fortified with vitamins and minerals that are not bioavailable, making it hard for the body to absorb and use. Whole grains, sprouted, or minimally processed offer the body nutrients it can use and are a good source of fiber.

7. Less Dairy/Quality dairy

People go back and forth on this one. Raw dairy is amazing for you. Fermented dairy like kefir and yogurt are rich in probiotics. If your gut is unhealthy, then you are unhealthy. The beneficial bacteria in fermented foods build up and heal your gut. The issue with dairy is that it creates more mucus. If you are already trying to clear up congestion it can make it more difficult. Some are sensitive to all dairy unless it comes from A2 cows. Wherever you are with dairy, it’s worth noting for sicknesses.

8. Rest

What do you mean rest? I know, this one is always hard for busy people. Or Parents. Or both. The days seem never ending, the stresses of day to day life don’t stop just because you’re sick. But guess what? You’re important too, and you need rest.  When we don’t have enough rest our bodies don’t run as efficiently. In the long run, this makes us more susceptible to sickness. We can stay sick longer and get sick more often. It might be hard, but do your best to rest.

9. Fluids

Fluids are very important in the healing process. Our lymphatic system, which uses fluid to support our immune system, relies on hydration. Be sure to drink lots of water, herbal tea and bone broth. It is easy to become dehydrated when sick. Learn more about your lymphatic system in the blog post Helping Your Lymphatic System (And Why It Matters). 

10. Salves

Salves are amazing! They aren’t just for treating wounds and rashes. You can make salves for congestion and headaches. Forget using vapor rub from the store. Instead make one from healthy oils and herbs! Don’t forget to make a GOOT salve!

Earthley makes a great one that is safe for ages 6 months and up called Breathe Well if you don’t have time or the ingredients for a DIY.

11. Essential Oils

Essential oils used properly can be a good tool to turn to when sickness hits. It can be a tricky topic though, and when it comes to our loved ones, it is important to be safe! You can learn more about which kid-safe essential oils help with congestion here.

12. Syrups

Cough and cold syrups from the local drug store are convenient, but they often have junk in them that can prolong the sickness – the opposite of what we want! 

Try these great recipes:

• Kid-Friendly Cough Syrup with lemon juice, raw honey and coconut oil. 
• Amazing Cold Fixer Syrup with herbs. 
• Elderberry syrup is wonderful for boosting your immune system and tastes great too!

You can add the herbal extract Cough-b-gone and Herbal Throat Spray to your medicine cabinet if you want to keep something on hand for congestion and sore throat.

What are your tips for stopping a cold in its tracks?