Vegan Cold Remedies....

There is nothing worse than your common winter cold / flu / bug type thing. Runny or blocked up noses, chesty coughs, headaches that last days and aches all over your body like you’ve ran 10k. Delightful…. As it is Friday mine has decided to kick in full flow just in time for the weekend, perfect. But being the person I am, I refuse to be beaten by a few germs and have staged full on war at the snotty green stuff! So this is my fully vegan, cold fighting, snot zapping, get better immediately* plan –

 

·         Wheatgrass shots

Packed with vitamins A, C, E and Zinc, wheatgrass has plenty of antioxidants to give a weak immune system a boost. Add a little lemon to enhance the flavour, or if you’re not a fan of the taste, add it to a juice or smoothie. Just pop the wheatgrass in a high powered blender or juicer and drink straight away.

 

·         Sage Tea

For instant sore throat relief boil a cup of water. Remove from heat, and add a tablespoon of fresh sage (or a teaspoon of dried). Steep for five minutes and then strain. Add lemon and agave syrup.

 

·         Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

Homeopathic practitioners believe this to have a myriad of health benefits from improving digesting to clearing your skin. For me it works wonders on a sinus infection or sore throat. Add 2 tablespoons of raw, organic ACV to a cup of water. If desired, sweeten with a splash of apple juice or a little agave. Try drinking this every morning until you feel better. Actually, it wouldn’t hurt to keep this healthy ritual going even after you’re back on your feet!

 

·         Echinacea

Drops, tea, or supplement, Echinacea has long been used to prevent colds. Lucky for us, clinical trials have shown it to also be effective at reducing the duration of colds by 1-4 days when taken at the first sign of one. Having done a degree in performing arts I started using this at University when we did show after show and my throat was aching – wonder product!

 

·         Golden Milk

I first tried this in India and feel head over heels in love with it. Turmeric is an amazing spice, perfect for helping colds, congestion, headache, and sore throats

 

2 cups of almond milk

1 teaspoon dried turmeric  

1 teaspoon dried ginger

A sprinkle of black pepper.

Agave syrup to taste

 

Place milk, turmeric, ginger, and pepper in a saucepan over medium heat.

Stir well and let the milk begin to simmer — small bubbles will form on the sides of the saucepan. Allow to heat for another minute or two. Turn off heat, cover, and allow the mixture to sit for ten minutes or so to improve the infusion. Pour into your favourite mug and enjoy!

 

·         Soup

Nothing is better than a warming bowl of nourishing soup. Make sure you pack in lots of veggies and add noodles / pasta / tofu to bulk it out and build you back up. Click here to make my simple squash soup http://thesunnyvegankitchen.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/simple-squash-soup.html

 

·         Layers, blankets and the cat (optional!)

Rest as much as you (around work, family, life etc), layer up in warm layers and cuddles the cat or a hot water bottle in the absence of one….

 

 

*maybe not immediately but very soon after!