I’m slowly transitioning to the more natural route.. I’ve started with my skin care routine, which honestly has shown me such amazing results lately I’m so excited to share. This small step led me to be more conscious of the harmful chemicals used in our day to day products.
So of course at the moment, I have this nasty cold that is keeping me from my day-to-day tasks. I usually opt for the DayQuil and NyQuil combo which does make me feel better, I won’t lie.. but once I took a look at their list of ingredients I was immediately ready for a change. An active ingredient in both DayQuil and NyQuil which is responsible for alleviating coughing is dextromethorphan. The side effects alone of this chemical include nervousness, restlessness, vomiting, dizziness and can actually lead to respiratory depression, hypo & hypertension, hallucinations, black outs and skin rash. I won’t bore you with the details, look into it if that interests you but least to say.. doesn’t it seem more simple to just avoid these side effects and additives?
Over the counter medication in general tends to be packed with sugar like high fructose corn syrup which is a highly processed sugar.
It is filled with inactive ingredients that are usually used as fillers or for preservation which haven’t actually been tested on people.
Also filled with parabens which are used as a preservative. One of them being propyl paraben which has been linked to hormone disruption and is actually banned from foods in the European Union.
All I can say is check out those ingredients next time you are trying to heal yourself with over the counter drugs, you might be surprised.
I recently made the switch to all natural cold medicine and I couldn’t be happier. Filled with natural remedies from healing herbs and oils with the cleanest ingredient list. Here are the ones I am currently loving with a link to purchase! If you have any recommendations I would love to hear them.
Cough Syrup: Herbion All Natural Cough Syrup (Sugar Free)
Okay this one actually has a way better taste than any flavoured cough syrup I’ve ever tried. I usually have to plug my nose followed by me gagging at how gross the taste of cough syrup is but this one is quite tasty (Never thought I’d associate cough syrup with the word “tasty” but here we are). It is sweetened with stevia so you get a bit of a sweet taste but is completely natural!
Holista Organic Oil of Oregano
This has always been my go-to when I’m sick or when I feel a cold coming on. It contains an antibacterial compound called carvacrol which makes oil of oregano antibacterial, antivirus, antifugus anti-inflammation.
Pretty cool right? You can buy oil of oregano in either liquid or capsules. The liquid form is actually disgusting and very harsh.. it is recommended you dilute it with another carrier oil or include it in food or a liquid that is not water. I actually put my 4 drops (daily dose) in my all natural syrup and it hid the taste so perfectly! Kay the natural chemist over here.
Mentholatum Natural Menthol Rub
Mentholatum Natural Menthol Rub Ointment uses all natural menthol to help you break up nasal congestion. This does tend to be a better alternative to Vix, since the company can confirm that the menthol is all natural and not synthetic but it does still include petroleum and fragrance. There are plenty of DIY Vapour rub recipes online which I will have to give a try for next time. But, if you are looking for a more natural alternative, I would recommend this product that has actually been around since the 1800’s!
blend from petroleum jelly, natural menthol, eucalyptus and extracts of pine. The natural menthol and eucalyptus provides penetrating aromatic vapors that help break up nasal congestion and ease coughs due to colds. The vapors are so soothing it makes you feel warm and comfortable inside.
Vitamin C
Of course this is a given for any common cold. It is a vitamin and antioxidant that helps keep you strong and healthy. Not getting enough Vitamin C weakens your immune system so in order to help shorten that cold of yours, make sure you are getting your proper daily dose.
Ahhhh good ol’ David’s Tea. This tea is always my go-to for the flu/cold season. I try to always have it on deck incase I start feeling a lil sniffly. It includes: Peppermint, apple, juniper berries & natural eucalyptus and orange flavouring. Yasssssss… that peppermint to help sooth your throat + it’s actually super yummy.
I love oil of oregano. But after the first time I tried it, I did not feel like putting oregano in my foods for days. It’s so strong!