Cold Remedies – You Can Grow That!

4 January 2013, by gj

This post is part of a collaborative effort by a growing group of gardeners to help you learn to grow more.

One of my cousins is a teacher and recently commented on how to avoid catching colds from the kids.
To paraphrase her:
“Don’t touch your face, wash your hands, don’t touch your face, don’t touch your face, wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands…
and don’t touch your face.”

Of course prevention is best.

homegrown cold prevention

To get more vitamin C, eat lots of cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, kale and chard. Fresh sweet peppers are loaded with vitamin C, so add a little to your salad or slaw.

In case prevention is not sufficient, there are a few things you can grow in your garden to help you get better faster.

Onions and garlic, both alliums, are thought to have anti-bacterial properties. At the first sign of a cold heat up a little chicken or veggie broth, and add some fresh garlic cloves and raw onions.
At the very least, it will keep others far enough away.

Horehound is an easy to grow herb that has cough suppressant and expectorant properties. It’s quite bitter though, so if you make a tea or cough syrup from it, be sure to add a lot of sweetener.

homegrown horseradish

Horseradish is also high in Vitamin C, is a good anti-oxidant, and has long been thought to have antibiotic properties.
If you’re feeling congested, try a little freshly grated root to clear your sinuses and help break up mucous.
Be careful, a little goes a long way.

homegrown eucalyptus

Eucalyptus can also be grown in many home gardens. This herb is well known for helping to relieve congestion. Learn how here.

Since food really is medicine, there are many more edibles that could be added to this list.
Eating a variety of veggies is important to help keep your body strong and better prepared to fight off the nasties.
Eat right and stay healthy my friends!

Categories: gardening, you can grow that

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