Cold and Flu....Be Gone!!!

We have been sooooo sick over here.  Just a cold, but it's lasting more than 2 weeks and wiping us out.  So, lot's of oils, soup, teas and rest.  For oils I have used rosemary, oregano, peppermint, lemon  and rose continuously.  Not only in the diffusers, but also on the bottoms of our feet and behind the ears.  Soup and easy to digest foods with lots of lemon water.  Peppermint and tangerine tea is super heavenly when your sick...with a drop or two of honey.

You may not know, but things you probably have right now in your kitchen can help you fight these nasty Colds.....
Onion – great for coughs and raw onion keeps the respiratory tract open.
Thyme – antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, expectorant, and astringent. Thyme is great for respiratory infections and coughs. 
Garlic – anti-viral, antibiotic, and antiseptic.
Honey –  honey is antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiseptic. Do not give honey to children under 1 year old.
Lemon – high in vitamin C, lemon may help decrease the strength of the cold and flu virus in the body and reduce phlegm.
Sage – carminative, antiseptic, and astringent – the mouth and throat plant. Used for sore throats and cough. Also used for sinus congestion. 

Here is what we used for our sore throat

Sage tea (drink as needed and add honey and lemon to taste)
Warm water and salt gargle
Warm sage tea and salt gargle
Turmeric and salt gargle
Use thyme tea in a small spray bottle and mist the back of your throat

To tame the dreaded cough

Onion honey – 1 spoonful as needed
Thyme honey
Thyme tea with lemon

Squash the Respiratory Symptoms

Thyme and Sage tea!!  You can use both thyme and sage alone or they can be used together
Thyme and/or sage steam inhalation

What are some of your family's favorite remedies for the old cold and flu???