I have a cold/flu, what do I do now?

​First, the bad news: There’s no cure for the cold or flu, but antimicrobial and respiratory herbs will help the viruses clear up pretty quickly - within 3 to 5 days in most cases. They will also prevent complications like bronchitis, pneumonia or that lingering cough that most people get for 2 or 3 weeks after they get sick. The following suggestions, may help you get thru cold or flu faster or provide symptom relief.

​Drink plenty of fluids. This helps break up congestion, makes your throat moist, and keeps you from getting dehydrated. Need ideas for something to drink? Try water, coconut water, non-dairy chai tea, herbal teas, or fresh ginger root lemonade. Drink hot liquids, as they relieve your congestion and soothe the inflamed lining of your nose and throat. Chicken soup might help too.
 
You can loosen up your stuffy nose if you breathe in some steam with antimicrobial essential oils, such as eucalyptus, oregano, lavender, camphor, and thyme. Hold your head over a pot of boiling water, add about 5 drops of the essential oil of your choice (or a combination of antimicrobial essential oils).  Breathe slowly through your nose, but be careful to not burn yourself. This also helps with sinus infections.

​You can also get some relief with a humidifier or an essential oil diffuser in your bedroom (use 10 drops of essential oil). Also try to take in some moisture from a hot shower with the door closed. Use saline spray and salt water rinse at least 3 times a day. You may add one drop (only one) of eucalyptus or juniper essential oil to your salt water rinse.

Stay Warm and Rested. It's important to get rest when you first come down with a cold or flu. It helps your body direct its energy to fighting off the infection.

Instructions for steam inhalation: Pour hot water into a bowl and add 3 to 5 drops of the essential oil that you have selected. Place your head about 12 inches (30 cm) above the bowl and cover it with a towel in such a way that the sides are totally closed, so that you form a tent over the bowl .

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