Natural ways to beat the cold and flu

There is no cure for the flu or the cold. Flu shots can minimize your chances of catching a flu. Antibiotics can treat any infections resulting from colds or flu, preventing more serious conditions from developing. Over the counter medications can ease symptoms. But there is no actual cure.

That said, there are some natural ways to boost your immune system, which can in turn prevent colds and flu. First, if you feel a cold coming on, go home so you can get lots of rest, eat lots of garlic and not infect everyone else you know. Garlic contains allicin, an ingredient that seems to stimulate the immune system. Fresh garlic is best, but powdered or granulated garlic will help, too. Make it into a favorite dish or just put it in broth and drink it. If you can’t stand garlic, it’s available in supplement form, too.

Ginger seems to boost the effects of allicin. You can buy fresh ginger, pickled ginger, or ginger candies. Also available as a supplement.

The jury’s out on whether Vitamin C prevents colds or flu, but many people feel it helps speed recovery. Get it in orange juice or as a pill.

If you have a history of catching colds and flus easily, or have had bronchitis and are anxious to avoid going through that again, I can’t stress the following enough: get a really good multi-vitamin, like a pre-natal vitamin, and take it throughout the cold and flu season. By making sure your body has all the nutrients it needs, you give it the best chance to ward off colds and flu or recover more quickly.