Editor’s note: Try these home remedies at your own risk. Here’s what the NCCIH has to say on the subject of colloidal silver.
This Christmas, my family received an extra “gift” on Christmas day: the Norovirus. This nasty microbe is responsible for approximately two million doctor visits each year in the U.S. and it’s highly contagious. When our teen was struck with intense stomach cramps, hours of vomiting, and debilitating diarrhea, we were left wondering which of us would fall victim next. So last night, I dipped into my bag of alternative medicine tricks. Here’s what we’re doing to block the virus from sickening another family member.
Elderberry Syrup
One of my go-to home remedies for cold and flu season is elderberry syrup. I blend this cloyingly sugary liquid with any fruit juice and have each family member sip on it throughout the day. According to some virologists, compounds in elderberry help to prevent virus overgrowth in the body. According to me, generous consumption of elderberry syrup when the first family member falls ill keeps the rest of us from getting sick.
Colloidal Silver
Another anti-viral that I swear by is colloidal silver. This watery metallic tasting liquid can be absorbed under the tongue or simply drunk to bolster the immune system. Make sure you get yours from a reputable source, and don’t take massive doses over a long period of time (months to years). “Dirty” silver can turn your skin Smurf blue permanently. But don’t let that scare you. Properly made colloidal silver is a powerful anti-viral substance, and it’s also anti-fungal and anti-bacterial.
Thieves’ Oil
This is my final weapon in the war on germs. I rub thieves’ oil on the feet and wrists of my family as yet another immune system booster. While this is the least scientific of my regular remedies, it really does seem to help. The recipe for this blend is believed to have originated from thieves during the 15th century. According to the most popular story, the concoction was created by a group of thieves and grave robbers to protect themselves from contracting the plague. When apprehended, the thieves admitted to using the formula and disclosed the recipe in order to receive a less severe punishment for their crimes.
Whether or not this story is true, the essential oils in this blend are antiseptic, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial. They will stimulate the immune system, circulation and respiratory systems, and help protect against the flu, colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, sore throats, cuts, and more. Some modern tests have shown the effectiveness of this blend and have found it to have a high kill rate against airborne germs.
This is a classic recipe, but you can customize it by adjusting the quantities or adding other antibacterial essential oils such as tea tree, oregano, thyme, sage, lavender, juniper berry, hyssop, bay laurel, or cedar.
The basic ingredients:
—40 drops organic Clove Bud essential oil
—35 drops organic Lemon essential oil
—20 drops organic Cinnamon Bark essential oil
—15 drops organic Eucalyptus essential oil
—10 drops organic Rosemary essential oil
Mix all essential oils together in a dark glass bottle and blend them with an equal volume of good olive oil for a very potent mix, or nine parts olive oil and one part thieves’ oil blend. Apply to the soles of the feet, the wrists, lower back and belly to get good absorption into the body.
What’s your home remedy for colds and flu? Please share your recipe by leaving a comment.