The temperature outside my house this morning was negative 9 degrees. Brrrr. We are all going to be cooped up inside for the next few days until the temperatures rises and we can thaw out. Usually that is when everyone in my family comes down with a cold. The kids can’t go outside for recess after lunch and we spend all our time in close proximity to one another. It is likely my kids are going to catch a cold from someone at school and bring it home.
I do my best to help prevent colds in our house. We wash our hands often and try to get enough sleep and exercise to help boost the immune system. The spices we put in our foods can also help. Healers and traditional medicine practitioners have touted the benefits of spices for many years in helping to fight the common cold.
Here a 3 spices that help fight the common cold
Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant. Studies have shown that this antioxidant may help ward off colds and naturally acts as a decongestant. It is also believed to help reduce allergy symptoms.
Cumin contains magnesium, potassium and calcium – all of which contribute to boosting your immune system. This can help you fight off the common cold and sinus infections. This seed is also rich in vitamins A and C.
Who doesn’t want a hot bowl of chili on colds days? Not only will it taste delicious, but the spices in your chili will also help fight off a cold. The blend of spices in chili powder including chili peppers, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and garlic powder all help keep your immune system healthy. And if you already have a cold, skip the sinus medicine and eat something with chile peppers instead. Capsaicin, the chemical that makes chilies hot, acts as a natural decongestant and expectorant.
