Use Dried Orange Peels For Cold Prevention
You can prevent a cold 85% of the time using dried orange peels. In TCM dietetics dried orange peels are “kitchen herbs" and they are in many formulas. Simply save the peels from your oranges to make a tea the moment you feel a cold coming on. Toss a handful in water, add a little honey or sugar to cut the bitterness of the peel, and cut a small piece of fresh ginger.
A kitchen herb is any plant or its seed commonly used in cooking. Some kitchen herbs are seasonal but most are part of everyday meals throughout the year.
As a kitchen herb, orange (or tangerine) peels are loaded with vitamin C and vitamin K. Dryin the peels concentrates these vitamins, enough to help prevent a cold from becoming full-blown, or stopping it before it takes hold.
If you haven’t begun to save your citrus peels, you can start the next time you eat a tangerine or thinner skinned orange:
Stash the peels in a paper lunch bag
When the peels are fully dried, store them in a glass jar
Orange Peel Tea Recipe
Place a handful of dried citrus peels, about 1 ounce (they’re very light), in a small saucepan.
Add 1.5 – 2 cups water and when it starts to boil, lower to a simmer for 45 minutes.
Roughly chop a 1″ piece of fresh ginger (optional)
Sweeten with honey or sugar to taste.
Strain out the peels, and you should have enough for two doses. Sip while warm for soothing relief.
Add this tea to your regular arsenal of Vitamin C, zinc, and herbs to fight the oncoming cold or limit its severity should it slip past your defenses.
Cold Prevention Herbal Formulas and Acupuncture
Chinese herbal formulas focus on preventing respiratory infections. with others that speed recovery if you do fall sick. It’s always a good idea to keep a small supply in your medicine cabinet, since colds are fast moving.
One of acupuncture’s many benefits – and side effects – is a boost to the immune system. Depending on the condition, cupping done properly will open up the airways and remove congestion during and after a cold.