Herbology 101: Natural Remedies for Coughs, Colds & Sore Throats

Early Spring isn’t exactly cold and flu season, but since everyone around me has come down with something lately I’ve definitely had my herbalist hat on! Here are a few remedies that work for me, but it’s important to note that this post is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any illness, and you should always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional for treatment.

Before we get started, let’s talk about smudge sticks.
Burning a bundle of garden sage (not white sage, which is becoming increasingly endangered) in your home is great for your health, and I actually credit it for how infrequently I’ve suffered from colds over the past few years. Sage smoke is naturally anti-microbial, so as well as cleaning the negative energy from your home and telling the local ghosties that you mean business, it will also clear away any ick in the air!

Eucalyptus for Aches and Congestion

If you’re feeling achy, try this simple muscle soak to relax and unwind. Simply fill your bathtub, add the salts and oil (I like to mix them beforehand), give it a stir and soak your troubles and aches away.

Ingredients: 1 cup epsom salts & 15 drops eucalyptus oil

We’ve probably all used a petroleum jelly-based vapour rub at some point in our lives when we’ve felt congested, and whilst they can be helpful at the time, petroleum jelly isn’t something we want to be putting on our skin on a regular basis. It has its uses, but because it acts as a barrier, it blocks pores and can prevent toxins from being released. It is also known to prevent cell regeneration, so can lead to premature aging. With this in mind, if there’s an alternative out there then you probably want to use it!

I’ve found that our Magick Balm or Tattoo Balm makes a great base for a eucalyptus rub. If you don’t have the oil to follow this recipe yourself, just contact us and I’ll be happy to make a tin up for you.

Take a small tin of our Tattoo Balm, heat, add eucalyptus oil, stir and allow to set. Rub generously on your chest when you begin to feel congested, and breathe deeply.

Ingredients: 1 tin Tattoo Balm & 15 drops eucalyptus oil

Peppermint & Lavender Sinus Opening Compress for Headaches

If you’re struggling with a sinus headache or need to cool down when you’re feeling feverish, this compress is pure magick. Bonus: I’ve found it helpful for migraines, too!

Simply mix the oil with the water (oil and water won’t mix-mix, but just get a good dispersion of the oil throughout), soak a face cloth in this suspension, give it a squeeze and apply the compress to your head. Lie back, breathe deeply and relax.

Ingredients: 15 drops peppermint oil & 15 drops lavender oil, face cloth and warm water

Fresh Ginger & Lemon Tea for a Sore Throat

You’ve probably got ground ginger in your spice collection, but you’d be amazed at how different the fresh stuff is! Once you’ve tried it, you’ll likely never go back to ground ginger. It can be difficult to get hold of from standard supermarkets, but try your local co-operative (the community run store, not the brand), or if you’re in the North West then you can usually count on Booths to stock it. I promise, it’s worth the effort! Fresh ginger is cheap, sweeter than the ground stuff, and a little less harsh whilst providing the same healing properties.

To make this tea, just use a cheese grater to shave off a handful of ginger, and allow it to steep in a tea pot for a few minutes. Add freshly squeezed lemon (use your best judgement here on how much you need), and serve. If the taste is too harsh, try adding a little honey; also known for its soothing properties.

Ingredients: fresh ginger & fresh lemon, honey (optional)

…and Turn the Tea Into Cough Syrup!

Need to soothe a tickly cough?
Steep your tea with half a jar of honey and a pinch of black pepper over a low heat.
Allow this to cool, pop it in an empty (sterilised) jar, and you’ve got a slightly tastier than usual cough syrup! Make sure to keep this in the fridge as it contains fresh ingredients.

Ingredients: fresh ginger & fresh lemon, honey, black pepper

Do you have any special herbal remedies for when you’re feeling under the weather?
Tell us about them below!

If you’re feeling rough, above all make sure to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids ❤