No one likes the sniffles.
I can always tell when it’s time to take action against a cold…
…the scratchy throat and itchy nose are my tell-tell sign.
A few common steps we take to ward off the sniffles include:
- Increasing our intake of water to 64-80 ounces daily.
- High-dose vitamin C.
- Loading doses of my Herbal Cold Care Capsules.
- Whole food, nutritious meals like this Ginger Stir-Fry…which is a great remedy for congestion.
- Using our homemade Herbal Decongestant Salve.
- Sinus rinses via a Netty Pot.
Supplementing with an herbal tea is also another great way to keep the siffles at bay!
A Recipe for Sniffles Tea
Ingredients
-1 part ginger root
-1 part fennel seeds
-1 part rosehips
-1 part thyme
-1 part Nettles
-1 part Elderberries
-1 part orange peel
Method
1. Measure equal parts of each of the herbs listed and mix in a large bowl until well combined.
2. Grab your tea accessories, tea infusers, and/or tea pots…and be sure to drink 2-3 cups of prepared tea, as needed, daily for relief! (Note: I get all of my loose leaf tea-making supplies online from Mountain Rose Herbs.)
3. Herbal teas will keep stored in a cool, dark place for approximately 6 months.
4. New to loose leaf tea? Watch this instructional video to learn more about brewing loose leaf tea:
Where Can I Get This Stuff?
-Mountain Rose Herbs…they have everything you’ll need for this remedy! It’s your one-stop-shop!
–The Bulk Herb Store also carries many of these ingredients if you’d like to price check.
Now it’s your turn! How do you treat the sniffles at home?
Wow, Andrea outstanding post! This is such a well rounded approach to tackling a cold well beyond just the sniffles. You really covered all the bases from food to salves to capsules to tea and even a Netty Pot:)
I love the comfort of hot tea, so I’ll start with ordering the tea from you. But , the ultimate goal for me is to learn how to make and do it all by myself. I have a fair knowledge of herbs and living in Florida I’m blessed to be able to grow many I couldn’t when I lived in colder climates.
I already have a long wish list of herbs and essential oils that I want to order from Mountain Rose Herbs to create my own natural “first aid kit”. I found them before I found your blog and I am so happy to have found two wonderful sources of info and products I can and do trust. Not easy to find in today’s world of cyberspace hype!
BTW, the book section at Mountain Herbs is going to break my bank account and you know I’ll be ordering seeds for my garden there too.
Thanks Andrea I love both Herb Stores, MTR carries alot of things BHS does not, both have great service. I love the learning Herb @ MTR. I have learned so much and am practicing what I learn… Thanks for all you post, I am currently making a Plantain salve. I just love introducing them to my friends. I am working on infusing some lotion bars any tips.?
I love a strong ginger tea with lemon and honey for colds! The last couple of years I’ve also come to rely heavily on the Cold Sock Treatment ( http://www.heartlandnaturopathic.com/coldsock.htm ) , which sounds truly dreadful but is not all that unpleasant and really works!! It has a really sedating effect so helps you get a very sound sleep even if you’re coughing and sniffly, and I’m always significantly less congested in the morning. Works best if you do it at the first signs of a cold, for nights in a row.
I prefer large bowl of hot water with salt over a neti pot. I can wash out my tear ducts and nose with it as opposed to just my nose.
Hi, I know this is going to sound weird but I get really confused with the whole “1 part of this and 2 parts of that” on some of your recipes. With this particular recipe…how would I measure out the right amount of herbs? 1 teaspoon or 1 tablespoon? Pls help, thanks!
When it says 1 part in a recipe, it doesn’t matter what measurement you use. It’s about the ratio of ingredients, not the size. So you can do a teaspoon, tablespoon, cup, whatever….in this recipe, since it calls for 1 part of each ingredient, just make sure you use an equal amount for everything you put in.
Is there a reason that Master Tonic is no longer listed? I have tried the link
Unless there is a reason could you please supply the recipe for me.
Thank you