Honey-Lemon Ginger Tea

This is our go-to get-well tea that is , easy to do at home and is may help with inflammation for the body.

Directions: Boil 1 cup of water, add 1 teaspoon of honey, squeeze the juice of half fresh lemon and add two teaspoons of grated ginger. Let the tea steep for 5-10 minutes before consuming. Drink the tea on a as needed basis.

Warming Socks

Warming socks are a great way to ease fevers and ease head congestion. This service is not recommended for those with circulatory issues or compromised immunity.

Directions: Run a thin pair of cotton socks under cold tap water.  Wring the socks out and place them on both feet. Next, place a pair of dry thicker socks over both feet (wool socks work well) ensuring to completely cover the wet socks. Go to bed and try to keep your feet covered throughout the night with a blanket. In the morning remove both the dry and wet socks. This service can be repeated at night, for 3-5 days.

Onions

Experiencing an acute earache? Warmed onions applied topically to the ear, are an excellent way to ease ear pain and ear infections.

Directions: Peel and slice an onion in half and heat in the microwave or in an oven (recommended temperature: 325^oC) until the onion becomes warm but not scorching hot. Wrap the warm onion in a dish towel and place it on the affected ear for 15-20 minutes, repeat twice a day for 2-3days.

Steam Inhalation

Steam inhalations are a great way to relive runny noses and nasal congestion.

Directions: Boil water in a kettle or over the stove, carefully fill a glass bowl three-quarters of the way with hot water. Hold your head about 5 inches away from the bowel and place a towel over your head, breathe deeply through your nose for 5 minutes. Consider adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil or a spoonful of Vicks vapor rub to the hot water, to support the respiratory tract and to ease congestion.

This process can be repeated throughout the day as needed.

Salt Water Gargle

At the first signs of a sore throat, we recommend a saltwater gargle.

Directions: Fill a 250 mL glass with warm water, mix 1 teaspoon of salt into the glass, take a small gulp of water, swish around your mouth and gargle 3-4 times, spit out the water, repeat until the glass is empty.  The saltwater gargle can be repeated upward to3 times a day to ease sore scratchy throats.

If your symptoms do not ease or you find that your cold or flu is getting worse, make sure to consult one of the naturopathic doctors at Naturopathic Living, we offer acute 15 minute consults throughout the week (including Saturdays)!

Dr. Natalie Cheng-Kai-On, ND, RAc