I wish that being a doctor meant that my family and I would never get sick. Unfortunately, viruses, bacteria and other sources of illness do not discriminate based on profession. Here’s what’s in my toolkit to keep us going in sickness and in health.
Natural remedies for cough and sore throat
- Tea – teas with ingredients like licorice and slippery elm have throat-coating properties that help reduce irritation.
- Honey – its throat-coating properties can soothe sore throats and suppress coughs. Have some on a spoon or stir it into tea.
- Echinacea* – can reduce the duration of cold symptoms, particularly if used during the first day or two. It is available as tea, drops or pills.
- Elderberry syrup* – has antiviral properties, making it helpful for colds and influenza. Follow dosing on the package.
- Pelargonium* – a plant used in some natural cold/cough remedies. It shortens the duration and severity of colds.
*Try each of these individually and see which you like best; don’t use all three together.
Digestive home remedies
- Ginger – helpful for upset stomach, nausea and motion sickness. Available as a tea (look for medicinal brands), or try candied ginger when you’re on the go.
- Probiotics – live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your digestive system. Probiotics can help with diarrhea caused by infections or related to antibiotic use. Available as supplements and in foods like yogurt, miso paste, kombucha, kimchi and raw sauerkraut.
