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 .

​Use a salve made with antimicrobial essential oils, such as Moongazing’s breathe easy  vapor rub (or make your own). Try a small dab under your nose. It opens up breathing passages. Menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor all have mild numbing ingredients that may help relieve the pain of a nose rubbed raw.

Take an herbal immune support and an herbal antimicrobial supplement at the first sign of a cold (3 to 6 times a day).  Ginger helps bring down inflammation, clears congestion, soothes a sore throat, and supports the immune system.  Drink 2-3 cups of fresh ginger tea daily (see recipe). For coughs, take a natural cough syrup that contains any of the herbs that are used for respiratory support (see list in the next section).

Increase Vitamins C & D. Vitamin C supports the immune system and helps fight colds. About 500-2000 milligrams of vitamin C two times per day is recommended. Fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin C include oranges, kiwis, bell peppers, guavas, strawberries, dark leafy greens, papaya, broccoli and brussel sprouts. Having enough Vitamin D reduces your risk of catching a cold to begin with. Sunlight and fish are great sources of Vitamin D.

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Moongazing's respiratory support supplements can help shorten the duration of a cold or flu

Foods to avoid during a cold or flu: starchy foods, salty foods and fatty meats. These include pork, fish, french fries, processed meat, preserved foods, white pasta and other refined grains.  Dairy products thicken existing mucus.

​Most upper respiratory infections do not cause complications. However, viruses and bacteria thrive in mucus, so some people may develop what is called a secondary infection of the lung tissue (pneumonia), ears or sinuses. See a doctor if you develop a secondary infection and the symptoms do not start to ease within a few days, or if you suspect that a complication is developing. An upper respiratory infection may trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath in people with asthma or other chronic respiratory illnesses. See a doctor if you have any of these conditions (children and the elderly should be under the supervision of a medical doctor).