You can’t cure a cold, but you can make yourself—or a loved one—less miserable
By Katrina Caruso
With this winter already breaking cold-weather records, it’s no surprise that a lot of us are catching a winter cold. These classic home remedies can help you feel better faster.
Take Your Vitamins
It’s important to consume a daily dose of Vitamin C (in the form of citrus fruit, leafy greens, or tablets), while you’re sick. And adding lemon to your tea helps to reduce phlegm.
Drink Lots of Water
Increase your intake of fluids for hydration while you are under the weather—especially water, as it can help clear up congestion and moisten your throat. If you’re sick of water, herbal teas, ginger ale, and coconut water can be soothing.
Humidity
Increasing humidity levels can help with breathing and nasal inflammation. Ideally, getting yourself a humidifier to put in your bedroom is the best trick, but if you don’t have one, breathe in the stream of a shower or a bowl of hot water.
Enjoy Warm baths
If you’re getting body aches, it’s time to make yourself a bath. Epsom salts can further the process of soothing the aches and pains. You can also add essential oils to your baths for added relaxation and better respiration.
Rinse or Gargle with Salt-Water
Salt can be used mixed in water for use in a neti pot for congestion or as a gargle for a sore or scratchy throat. If using a neti pot, be sure to use distilled or previously boiled water (make sure the water’s not hot!) to avoid infection.
Photo: iStock/Paul Bradbury.
