Getting sick can be the worst, especially if you’re used to always being active and energetic. While we work hard to infuse natural herbs and ingredients into our products, we suggest the same when it comes to dealing with sickness.

It’s true: raw garlic cloves can help cure a cold, but there are a few (more appealing) natural remedies that also work. We’ve created an information resource to share with you, but we ask you not to rely solely on this list for treatment if you’re feeling ill.

When you feel a cold coming on, try these natural remedies:

Go raw.

To get the real health benefits from garlic, you want to keep it raw. Garlic is packed with a sulfur compound that promotes antioxidant activity. Eating a clove of garlic (eek) has been said to help boost your immune system and also may help reduce the time you’re sick if you get the flu. You can also find a great odorless garlic capsule in your health food store.

Sip mindfully.

Drinking warm liquids isn’t just nice and cozy on a cold day but also help to soothe the throat and revitalize the immune system. Rather than reaching for your usual cup of tea or coffee, try drinking warm water with local honey, apple cider vinegar and cinnamon. We also love hot lemon water first thing in the morning to help prevent colds and flu.

Take a spoonful of elderberry.

Elderberries contain a lot of bioflavonoids, which significantly boost the immune system. You can buy elderberry syrup at your local health food store or make your own. The recommended dose is taking 1 teaspoon every 2-3 hours while cold symptoms persist. Because this savory syrup tastes a lot better than medicinal syrups, you can also add it to foods like pancakes and ice cream!

Get clean.

Taking an extra steamy shower or bath helps detoxify, especially when you’re full of bad bacteria. The heat of the steam opens the pores and allows the body to cleanse. Adding essential oils to the water will also help ease the symptoms of a cold and naturally restore the body. We especially love showering with clean, chlorine, fluoride, and chemical-free water. You can ensure your water is pure and clean by using a shower filter like this one from Ava Water Filters. Don’t forget getting clean on the inside is just as important with regular juice cleansing!

Rest and digest.

Without proper rest our nervous system continuously stays in fight or flight mode and eventually wares out our immune system. Practicing deep breathing exercises or yoga (especially restorative yoga) releases anxiety and tension and helps the body digest properly. If you can’t fit in light exercise, be sure to get enough sleep to give your body a chance to reset and heal.

Spice it up.

The spices in your cabinets are more than just packed with flavor, they contain many medicinal properties. Cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, garlic and cumin are a few of the many healing aids that can be a great addition to your meals. Add spices like cayenne or ginger to your morning smoothie or take capsules. Our ginger bomb is super popular especially in the winter for keeping the internal fire strong.