Fight minor illnesses with these natural recipes

Fighting a cold, sore throat, blocked sinuses, or a runny nose? You don't need to go to the pharmacy and you don't need to suffer: here are some simple remedies that you can make with items from your pantry or garden.

• Garlic and onion have long been recognized for their antibiotic qualities. When combined with a regular intake of Vitamin C they can help keep winter ailments at bay.
• Here's another daily tip for cold prevention: drink several cups of warm water containing 1 teaspoon each of fresh lemon juice, honey, finely chopped fresh ginger, and dried cinnamon powder. Put the ginger and cinnamon into small muslin tea bags and cinch tight for ease of use. Add a teaspoon of glycerine if you have a sore or scratchy throat.

• Echinacea is a herb prized for its ability to provide infection resistance and fight throat inflammation. It's available from health food stores in liquid or in dried form.
• Be sure to follow the dosage instructions from the herbalist: generally .5 - 1 gram of dried root or its equivalent can be taken three times a day.
• If you're looking to soothe a sore throat, gargle with a strong infusion of rosemary, sage, or thyme several times a day.

• Add three drops of basil oil, two drops of lavender oil, and two drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl containing two cups of boiled water.
• Place a towel over your head and the bowl and gently inhale the vapours. Do this for a maximum of ten minutes and repeat several times a day.

Don't let cold season get you down! The next time you're feeling under the weather, give these natural remedies a try. They're mild, soothing, and should help you feel a lot better.