Protect yourself properly this cold season with oregano oil, plus 6 other natural remedies

(NaturalHealth365) According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the typical adult will catch the common cold about 2 to 3 times per year.  For kids, the average frequency is even higher.

Yet, we know this is happening – all too often – simply due to a lack of information about how to naturally prevent (and treat) bacterial and viral infections.

For example, a natural remedy – oregano oil – has been scientifically shown to alleviate cold and flu symptoms.  And, what makes this news even more exciting, this natural substance can even help you prevent a cold in the first place.

Oregano oil minimizes the risk of cold and flu symptoms, while boosting immune health

In a world of drug-resistant superbugs, plenty of research has been done on natural solutions for common ailments.

Oregano oil – which is the rendered essential oil from the oregano plant – is an effective anti-microbial, antibacterial, and antiviral agent, especially when used in combination with other essential oils, including cinnamon and clove.

A 2011 study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that people with an upper respiratory infection who used a throat spray containing oregano oil had fewer cold symptoms (including hoarseness, sore throat, and coughing) within 20 minutes after treatment.

Editor’s note: I personally use the throat spray – linked in this article (above) – and love the results.

The best ways to use oregano oil

It appears that when used in addition to a healthy lifestyle – including proper hand hygiene, adequate hydration and a healthy diet that’s free of pro-inflammatory sugars or processed grains – oregano oil provides extra protection against seasonal sickness and boost your immune health.

It can also alleviate your symptoms naturally if you do catch the cold or flu.

Be sure to look for a high quality oregano oil supplement (such as wild P73 oregano oil, which stands for “polyphenol 73%” and indicates a medicinal grade quality). To use, mix 3 to 10 drops of oregano oil in a tablespoon of water, swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds, then swallow.

Repeat this process 1 to 3 times, up to 3 to 4 times per day.  Additionally, oregano oil can also be mixed with olive oil or coconut oil and rubbed onto the chest for respiratory relief.

A word of caution: Be sure to talk to your integrative pediatrician before giving oregano oil to your kids, and don’t use it yourself if you have a bleeding disorder or take medications that alter your blood’s clotting ability.

When in doubt, always start with a small dose and work up slowly.

6 additional natural remedies for staying healthy this cold and flu season

In addition to oregano oil, you can try a few other natural remedy techniques this cold and flu season to protect yourself and/or ease symptoms, including these six research-backed solutions:

1. N-acetyl L-cysteine (or NAC)
2. Probiotics (to boost gut health)
3. Ginger (to reduce nausea and body aches)
4. Herbal tea with raw honey
5. Olive leaf extract
6. Plus, be sure to drink enough clean water – to stay well hydrated

Sources for this article include:

Healthline.com
UniversityHealthNews.com
Hindawi.com
NIH.gov
ResearchGate.net
CDC.gov