It's that time of year again. The kids are back in school and it seems like every type of cold, flu, or virus is going around. Try these simple home remedies to help get through those sick days and nights. Also, find out how to prevent getting sick all through the cold and flu season. Over the years, many home remedies have become the first place people turn to when they are sick. Here are just a few home remedies for you to try the next time you find yourself coming down with something.
Get Rid of Cough or Sore Throat
Apple cider vinegar is known for helping with numerous ailments such as: killing bacteria. Honey is very soothing and helps with mucus.
- drink warm tea mixed with a squirt of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey (sore throat)
- mix equal parts honey and apple cider vinegar (best when 'mother' is still in vinegar) 1 tablespoon every 3 to 4 hours
- mix one cup water with 1 teaspoon vinegar and gargle to ease sore throat
- mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 8 ounces of orange juice to drink
- drink ginger tea
- dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of powdered licorice root into one cup of hot water add 1 teaspoon of honey and drink
- spicy gargles like: cayenne pepper or Tabasco sauce mixed with warm water
Get Rid of Fevers
It is best to let infections run their course. Unless a fever is higher than 102, it may be best not to take antibiotics and let your body defend itself. If you have a condition that can be worsened by infection, consult your doctor immediately. Otherwise, try the home remedies below:
- combine 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cream of tarter, 1/4 teaspoon honey, and 2 cups warm water. Sip on this mixture to help bring down fevers.
- cold wet cloths placed on forehead, neck, stomach, and bends of arms and legs
- cool shower or bath
- drink ice water
Get Rid of Colds
- for congestion, mix 1/4 cup vinegar into a vaporizer and turn on for about 1 to 2 hours at a time
- for mucus, mix apple cider vinegar and salt together and gargle (some people add a dash of black pepper to the mix)
- drink plenty of clear fluids
- drink warm green tea or matcha tea
- drink enchinacea tea
- take zinc
How to Prevent Getting Sick
The best way to stay healthy is to not get sick at all. Right? What is the best way to prevent getting sick? Natural herbs. There are many herbs that help keep people healthy throughout the cold and flu seasons. Here are two of my favorites that have worked for my family and I. For example, once my two kids and my husband all had the stomach virus. We live in a small house and I was in charge of clean-up duty, if you know what I mean. I was taking the first herb listed below and I did not get even the slightest bit sick.
Enchinacea. Herb used for skin problems, infection, circulation, and above all it supports the immune system. I take this herb during the cold and flu seasons. At the hint of a cold, take this herb to help prevent getting sick. When my kids come down with a runny nose, I immediately turn to the enchinacea to keep my immune system at its best.
Elderberry. This herb is good for many things, but is great to take throughout the cold and flu seasons to help prevent colds and flus. This is great not only for adults, but for the kids too. Taking elderberry will boost the immune system and will help keep you from getting sick.
If symptoms are severe or last more than a few days, consult your local natural health care provider or family doctor.
Sources:
Balas, Kimberly ND, and Horne, Steven (AHG). Comprehensive Guide to Nature's Sunshine Products Second Edition, Tree of Light Publishing, 2006.
Annette Phillips - Annette Phillips is the Topic Editor for Natural Disasters. Phillips is also the author of Willow's Ride and a licensed Cosmetologist.
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