Cold season is upon us and sometimes no matter how many times a day you wash your hands and stay away from people with a cold it’s a matter of time before you catch it yourself. One way to build resistance to catching the common cold is to eat foods that protect you from the effects of the cold. Here are some helpful tips to make the common cold not so common.

Onions benefit colds and flu due to their sulfur compounds. Sulfur is what gives the onions the pungent aroma as well as the health promoting benefits (antimicrobial properties). A recommended dosage would be 2 to 3 onions per week.

Garlic has allicin as an active ingredient giving it antiviral and antibacterial properties. Garlic cleans your blood and stimulates the white blood cells and in turn boosts the immune system.

The benefits of honey are that it acts as a natural antibiotic. There are vitamins such as B-complexes, C, D, E, minerals enzymes and propolis. There are different types of honey: locally grown is best for seasonal allergies, asthma and respiratory conditions. Honey soothes a sore throat, but also helps colds, the flu, headaches, and nausea. Dosage would be a tablespoon 4 times per day taken straight or in tea.

Cayenne has a high vitamin C content making it a natural choice for a cold, plus it increases the circulation in the body. Add it to your hot water or gargle with it to relieve sore throat.

Stay healthy this season!