5 Home Remedies To Fight Colds & Flu

Winter is here! That means cold & flu season is here too.

If you find yourself battling a nasty cold you may want to run out to the pharmacy and pick up whatever cold medicine you can find.

That may not be the best approach every time.

You need to remember that conventional medical treatments are not natural for the body. If used often enough, they could even lead to unwanted side effects.

Instead, consider trying these natural home remedies for that sore throat or a runny nose.

Here are a few holistic remedies to consider.

1. Try Herbal Tea With Honey

One of the most important things to do when you’re sick is to keep your fluid intake up.

Most people find they aren't as thirsty when they're sick. If you are suffering from diarrhea or vomiting, you’ll be losing fluids too.

Staying hydrated will help keep your energy up. This helps your body fight off whatever it is that’s invaded your system.

Steer clear of caffeinated beverages however as these will only dehydrate you further.

Instead, consider a herbal tea sweetened with a little honey. The honey can help soothe your throat while the warm herbal tea will help clear up your sinuses, provide hydration, and is caffeine free. 

There are a lot of good juice ‘flu shots' like the one below you should try too!

mini green smoothies

2. Turn On The Humidifier

When you’re ill, breathing can be a real challenge. With a stuffed up nose, this makes it a real challenge to sleep – which is just what you need to start feeling well again.

Get yourself a home humidifier and be sure to use it while ill.

This will add extra moisture to the air, which can help ease your sinus congestion while even calming a sore throat. Both of these will make it easier to fall asleep, getting the rest you need.

3. Heat A Damp Towel

If a headache is what’s got you down, try a warm compress.

Simply soak a towel in some water and then wring out until almost all the water is gone.  Then place in the microwave for 60-90 seconds (depending on the power of your microwave) and once finished, place over your head.

It’ll ease your tension, relax your mind, and help that headache go away. This can also work well for those who are heavily congested as well.

4. Try A Mustard Bath

Another quick home remedy trick to help ease sinus congestion is to try soaking your feet in a mustard bath.

To do this, mix one tablespoon of mustard powder in one liter of hot water.

The mustard will increase blood circulation to the feet. This will help relieve congestion taking place in your head.

5. Power Up With Vitamin C

Finally, if you are starting to feel a cold coming on, combat it with a strong dose of vitamin C.

While vitamin C may not stop the cold from coming on entirely, it can significantly reduce the severity and duration of it.

Try taking 500 mg of vitamin C four to six times a day. Also up your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, which contain natural sources of vitamin C.

Just do keep in mind too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea, so if that starts happening, lower your dose.

So keep these holistic strategies in mind this cold and flu season. If you make use of these, you may be able to stay away from conventional medicine entirely.

Yours in Health,

Danette

P.S. Please share this with your friends and I welcome your comments below.