Top 5 foods to take when you feel you are getting sick

In the past I have misused antibiotics.  The result was problems with digestion, breakouts on my skin and an overall tiredness.  My journey to herbal medicine began because my doctors said I was fine, but I knew I did not feel well.  Two years later, I am healthier, happier and my digestion has improved.  So what do you do when you are sick? In the past, my first response was to call the doctor and get antibiotics.. knowing I had a sinus infection.  I now know there are alternate ways. 

The CDC states that antibiotics will not cure viral infections like:

•  The common cold
• Flu
• Most coughs and bronchitis
• Most sore throats (not strep)
• Most ear infections 
• Runny noses

Also, taking antibiotics for the viral infections will not:

• Cure the infections
• Keep others from getting the illness
• Help you feel better
• (http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/antibiotic-use/know-and-do.html)

Any cold is a viral infection and can take 7-14days to complete.  It can be exhausting and depressing.  Here are my top 5 foods/herbs to take when I feel a cold coming on.

1. Echinacea- "Echinacea has been found to contain substances that stimulate our immune system and help fight off infections".  Take echinacea tincture 2-3xday when you feel a cold coming on and up to 7-14days if you feel it is an infection.   
1. "People are more likely to experience allergic reactions to echinacea if they are allergic to related plants in the daisy family, which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies. Also, people with asthma or atopy (a genetic tendency toward allergic reactions) may be more likely to have an allergic reaction when taking echinacea." http://nccam.nih.gov/health/echinacea/ataglance.htm
2. Ginger tea- it is a diaphorectic which means it promotes sweating.  Have a cup of tea, wrap yourself up and go to bed:)
3. Burdock Root- an alterative which restores the proper functioning of the body.  I add dried and cut burdock root to homemade chicken soup!
4. Raw Garlic- Anti-microbial.  When eaten raw it may be just as effective as anti-biotics!  Yes the breath is a little rough but hopefully your friends will understand. Cut up the garlic into little pieces, toast some bread and cover with olive oil and place the garlic on top.  Yum! 
5. Raw Honey-Anti-bacterial, Anti-viral and Anti-fungal.  Take a tablespoon a day for good health!