Easy Home Remedies for The Flu and Colds

Back by un-popular demand, flu and cold season is upon us. While taking the recommended pills and prescriptions can help alleviate your symptoms, there are several natural home remedies that can help double down on those sniffles and aches.

Drink Plenty of Liquids

Resting and staying hydrated are the most important things to do when you begin to feel under the weather. Warm liquids specifically will help relieve congestion and soothe inflammation in the membranes of your nose and throat. Although, any warm liquid will do, whipping up a concoction of beneficial vitamins may help in more ways than one. Try adding the ingredients below to a warm tea to sip on while you rest.

Peppermint

The soothing, natural benefits of menthol in peppermint can help alleviate inflammation as well as break up phlegm and mucus build up. Peppermint is a definite need if your illness worsens from just the sniffles to a cough.

Ginger

The antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties that are found in the compounds of fresh ginger have earned it a well-known spot in the hall of home remedies. Try adding a few slices of fresh ginger to your teas or make a “ginger shot” by blending it with coconut water.

Honey

Honey is also a well-known home remedy that is rich in antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that are like ginger. In addition, it’s an easy way to sweeten up any drink.

Vitamin C and Pine Needle Tea

Loading up on vitamin C can help reduce the length of your illness. Add a wedge or two of citrus fruits, such as lemon or orange, to your beverage of choice. A lesser-known way to stack up on vitamin C is to make Pine Needle tea! Pine needles contain 5 times the concentration of vitamin C found in citrus fruits. However not all pine needles are created equal. The best way to ensure your pine needles are safe is to purchase them from a grower that harvests from the right species. You’ll also find they are surprisingly cheap and easy to find online.