October is in full swing and I am beginning to see signs of Fall all around me. The leaves are changing to beautiful gold, orange and red on the trees, the sun is coming up later each morning, and I can feel the cold and dampness starting to move in. Both of my children have already come home with the dreaded cold that starts to pass from child to child around school this time of year.
So what is the best spice for fighting colds? There are many spices that are popular remedies for the common cold and are believed to help boost your immune system and better protect you from the cold. Cinnamon, sage, rosemary, cloves and nutmeg are a few high on the list. Beyond the regular spices, there is one “super spice” that seems to have incredibly potent antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-cancer and anti-bacterial properties. This amazing spice is turmeric.
Turmeric contains the substance curcumin. Curcumin is what gives turmeric all of its antioxidant properties and is the reason why this spice is considered to be a natural antibiotic. Any parent will tell you that when their child has a cold that lingers for a long time, they sometimes secretly wish they could give their child antibiotics. The common cold is a virus and although taking antibiotics may help their child get better faster, it is never a good idea to take them for a viral infection, because of the many dangers associated with building up antibiotic resistance.
This is where turmeric comes in – the natural antibiotic. As far as I’m concerned, if the spice is providing any amount of natural antibiotic properties, no matter how small, to help my kids get over a cold, or keep them from getting a cold in the first place, I’m all for it.
Turmeric – The Best Spice For Fighting Colds
There is conflicting information about how much turmeric one needs to really gain any significant benefits. Some believe you need a concentrated amount and should take turmeric in the form of an herbal supplement, while others believe that dried or fresh turmeric in your food or special drink will work just as well.
There is a popular drink called “golden milk” that is made with milk, turmeric, ginger and honey. People swear by the recipe and its healing properties, but it tends to taste slightly bitter. I personally prefer a hot turmeric tea. Here’s a recipe for Turmeric Tea on allrecipes that is actually quite tasty! I also recommend you add a pinch of black pepper to this recipe. As strange as that sounds, research shows that black pepper helps aid in the absorption of the curcumin in turmeric.
Enjoy your turmeric tea this Fall and Winter and hopefully you will suffer a few less colds this season.
