By Christine Cioppa

Finals are here. The holidays are here. Who has time for a doctor’s visit?

Earlier this year, I spoke with naturopath Orna Izakson, ND, RH (AGH), who told me about easy home remedies to help fight colds and congestion. One of her recipes is very simple—a garlic and onion broth.

“If you think about the stereotypical prescription of chicken soup for cold or flu, the base of chicken soup is not the chicken; it is the onions and garlic,” Dr. Izakson says. “Onions and garlic are amazing for immune support.”

Immune-Boosting Broth

1/2 of an onion

4 cloves of garlic

1 quart of water

(add some veggies if you want)

Directions: Chop up garlic and onion. Add to water and simmer for 15 minutes.

Dr. Izakson also recommends a thyme steam for nasal congestion, cold and flu, and any sort of “general lung crud” or mucus buildup.

“When you breathe in the steam, the steam itself will get things loosened up,” she says. When you add thyme to the steam it will also help disinfect.  If you don’t have thyme, you can use basil, oregano or rosemary, all of which are antimicrobial.

Antimicrobial Steam

Take a small handful of dried thyme (or a larger handful of fresh) and put it in a bowl. Pour boiling water over it. Breathe in steam under a towel. Do it for 15 minutes.

Here’s to a healthy, happy finals week and holiday season!