10 Remedies for Fighting the Common Cold

“I never get sick!” These are the famous words I often exclaim right before getting sick. The viral culprits hang out in invisible droplets in the air we breathe and in the things we touch. With over 200 strains out there, they can make you miserable on a scale of a drippy nose to phlegm-coming-out-of-your-eyes. Between the office and kids in preschool, exposure is pretty much inevitable, and the best offense is usually a good defense.

My first job at 14 was in natural food and supplement retail, so I have a long history of experimenting with any remedy that dodges antibiotics and sugary lozenges. During the height of some winter viral exposure, I took three weeks to implement a regimen using these first seven items, which worked to keep me snot-free. The last two can be broken out if you are stuck with symptoms. Disclaimer 1: Links are for your convenience — I’m not an affiliate. Disclaimer 2: I’m not a doctor, nor do I play one on the internet; these findings are based on my self-experimentation. Here are my favorites:

  1. Echinacea/Golden Seal Echinacea is extracted from the Eastern Purple Coneflower, found in North America. It is used to both prevent and reduce symptoms of colds and flu. It was commonly used by Native Americans and even adopted by early settlers before the boom of pharmaceuticals. Echinacea raises the body’s natural immune function by increasing white blood cell activity. This increases interferon and stimulates blood cells to take out the invading microbes. It’s often paired with Golden Seal, another Native American favorite used to boost the immune system and fight infection. Golden Seal can also be diluted and used as a gargling tincture to help soothe inflamed mucous membranes and facilitate healing. I prefer the liquid suspension in alcohol, but you can get it without it. I don’t mind the taste, but it sends some people into conniptions, so you might want to dilute it in a little juice. I would do lower doses when exposed to lots of bugs and amp it up if I had symptoms.

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Elijah runs a LA/SLC creative agency focused on the good side of technology. He’s also a mediocre athlete, father, and entrepreneur. https://www.spark6.com/

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Elijah Szasz

Elijah runs a LA/SLC creative agency focused on the good side of technology. He’s also a mediocre athlete, father, and entrepreneur. https://www.spark6.com/