Astragalus is one of the best herbs I’ve found so far for helping to combat the common cold! It is a root which can be found in most health food stores either as a dried herb which is cut into small planks that look almost like tongue depressors, or capsule form. If you have an Asian grocery store near you, they might carry Astragalus at a significantly lower price.

To make a tea from the dried root, break into small pieces and shred in a coffee grinder. Use about one or two teaspoons of the herb for each cup of boiling water. Steep over low heat for about 10 minutes. It has an unusual flavor, almost nutty, but a little bit milder. Honey can be added if desired.

If you have a very busy schedule, take capsules according to package directions. Mix dried peppermint and dried rosebuds for and interesting cold relief tea. Peppermint helps to clear up your head and rosebuds contain Vitamin C! Steep one teaspoon of the mixture in one cup of boiled water for about 15 minutes. Strain and enjoy!

For a healing bath, add one cup of Epsom Salts to running hot bath water, swirl the water to dissolve salt. Just before stepping into the tub, add three drops of each of the following essential oils: eucalyptus, rosemary and peppermint. You don’t want to add too much of the essential oils or they may irritate your skin, but the combination of these three oils along with the Epsom Salts can relieve body aches and clear stuffiness. The hot water will help your body sweat out toxins.

If you get sore throats when you have colds, (or maybe even without the colds) there are a few great remedies that have been in my family for years. Squeeze the juice from a slice of lemon onto a tablespoon of honey and eat, allowing the honey to slowly trickle down your throat. Honey can soothe some of the pain and lemon juice contains Vitamin C to fight illness. Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar, honey and water in a small cup and use this as a soothing gargle twice a day; once in the morning and once in the evening. An alternative gargle is plain old salt water. This doesn’t taste as good as the honey and vinegar remedy, but it is just as effective.