Cough & Cold Solutions: Nurse-Approved Remedies
As the weather changes, coughs and colds seem to sneak up on us. But don't worry, you're not alone! If you're looking for effective relief, you've come to the right place. In this post, I'm sharing my 30+ years of nursing experience – especially my time working with patients facing respiratory challenges – to bring you tried-and-true solutions for those pesky coughs and colds.
FEEL BETTER/ REMEDIES
Chef LaQuita Marie
5/8/20243 min read
COVID "Cures"
Whether you're dealing with a simple sniffle or something a bit more stubborn, I'll guide you through natural remedies, soothing techniques, and even some delicious recipes that can help your body heal. Start by reading this story and playing the game to help you remember why these foods work.
Step 1: Read this Story
In the vibrant town of Nutriville, where health and well-being were paramount, a peculiar ailment known as COVID had begun to circulate. The townsfolk, renowned for their love of all things nutritious, quickly sprang into action. Word spread through the cobblestone streets of a natural remedy: a delightful combination of mullein tea, broccoli, cabbage, kale, green vegetables, avocado, and a whole rainbow of fruits and vegetables, all brimming with vitamin C.
Every kitchen in Nutriville transformed into a bustling hub of culinary creativity. Aromatic mugwort tea and mullein tea steamed in every home, while vibrant salads and stir-fries bursting with color filled plates. Children giggled as they solved crossword puzzles, each clue cleverly hinting at a FAVES-rich ingredient. Soon, the streets were abuzz with tales of recovery, of coughs subsiding, and energy returning.
COVID may have tried to dampen their spirits, but the citizens of Nutriville, armed with their FAVES and a sprinkle of ingenuity, emerged victorious, their laughter and vitality echoing through the streets once more.
Step 2: Play the Game
Step 3: Put in Work
The CDC reports that COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Infected people have had a wide range of symptoms reported – from mild symptoms to severe illness. This COVID "Cures" game shares health benefits from Healthline, Harvard, the National Institute of Health, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and other medical sources. These foods from the game have the nutrients zinc, iron, vitamins A, C, E, D, & K that help with recovery. Put in the work to eat these foods as often as you can:
Pomegranate
Ginger
Thyme, Licorice Root
Dandelion
Cruciferous Vegetables (broccoli, kale, cabbage)
Curcumen ( in turmeric, peppers)
Beans, Chickpeas
Seeds
Nuts
Mugwort
Recipe: Chickpea Potato Masala
Instructions:
Sauté aromatics in water: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped onions, cabbage (if using), turmeric, and curry powder. Sauté with the 1/2 cup water (with bouillon paste dissolved, if using) for 3-5 minutes, or until softened.
Add potatoes and seasonings: Add the potatoes, dried basil, Adobo seasoning (or salt), and Garam Masala (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer, cover cook 7-9 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
Add chickpeas: Stir in the cooked chickpeas and simmer for another 3-5 minutes.
Finish with coconut milk: Turn off the heat and stir in the coconut milk. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Serve and enjoy: Serve hot with rice, naan, or your favorite sides.
Taste the nutritional benefits of this respiratory-friendly chickpea potato masala recipe today!
Ingredients
3 cups cooked chickpeas (drained and rinsed if using canned)
1 onion (chopped)
2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
3 potatoes (peeled and diced)
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
1 cup chopped green cabbage (optional)
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp bouillon paste (optional)
1 tsp dried basil
1 - 1 1/2 tsp Adobo seasoning (or salt to taste)
1/2 - 1 tsp Garam Masala (optional)
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp curry powder
Recipe: Ginger Tea with Dandelion and Mugwort
Instructions:
Combine the ginger, dandelion root, and mugwort leaves in a saucepan.
Add the water and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Strain the tea into mugs.
Add honey or lemon, if desired.
Tips:
For a stronger flavor, use more ginger, dandelion, or mugwort.
You can also use a combination of fresh and dried herbs.
If you don't have fresh ginger, you can use ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon).
If you don't have dandelion or mugwort, you can make the tea with just ginger.
Benefits:
Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe sore throats and coughs.
Dandelion: A natural diuretic that can help flush out toxins and support liver health.
Mugwort: May aid in digestion and promote relaxation.
Sources:
National Institutes of Health (NIH). (Date of Publication or Last Update). Relevant Title of Page or Article. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2023, March 22).
Vitamin C. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
Taste the nutritional benefits of this respiratory-friendly ginger tea recipe today!
Ingredients:
1-inch piece fresh ginger root, sliced or grated
1 teaspoon dried dandelion root (or 2 teaspoons fresh dandelion root, chopped)
1 teaspoon dried mugwort leaves (or 2 teaspoons fresh mugwort leaves, chopped)
4 cups water
Honey or lemon (optional, to taste)