Natural Remedies For Colds
This post of Natural Remedies For Colds is a list that I have compiled of my best go-to moves for natural ways to fight a cold or even flu symptoms right in your own home.
We have all been there. We start to feel a bit down and then slowly the symptoms begin to creep up on us. Next thing we know we are headed to a store, sick and miserable. In search of some relief from the discomfort. One of the best parts of home treatments is that most are perfectly natural and effective when done correctly. But you can make them yourself with little ingredients, you likely have on hand.
Knowing what is in anything you take or put on your children’s bodies or yours, is a great benefit. I find it disturbing to read a list of ingredients that I have no idea what they are and yet still hand over my money in the name of relief. But also who can sift through them when sick? Not many I know. It’s miserable enough to be sick. This list is in no way intended to be a substitute for medication but rather to provide extra ways to help alleviate those cold or flu symptoms naturally.
Why I Love These Remedies
Many of these remedies below have been used for decades. They are likely remedies our grandparents used as children. Which to me means, they are tried and true. I have quite a list of my go-to’s when either of us starts to feel down. I love the fact that these methods are safe and effective at the same time. Any ingredients suggested here are natural and ones that I don’t have to worry about when using.
Natural Chest Rub Recipe for Congestion and Cough
This is a great natural alternative to Vicks Vapor Rub and takes just a few minutes to mix up. You can find the full recipe here. Or watch the step-by-step video instruction below.
Salt Water Gargle for Sore Throat
This one is an oldie but a goodie. It is a simple method to help soothe a sore throat. By taking a teaspoon of salt and dissolve it into an 8 oz glass of warm water to create a gargle. Then standing over the sink area, take a bit in the mouth and gargle. Repeat until the entire mixture is gone. You can do this 3 x a day for symptoms.
Hot Water with Honey
Honey has many amazing benefits but a major one is that aids in respiratory infections. Honey has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that have been used to help fight off a cough. Drinking the hot water and honey mixture also helps clear away mucus and is very soothing. Warm water is a great way to keep the body hydrated as well.
Homemade Saline Solution
Having a clogged nose is no fun at all. Thankfully, making a nasal solution is simple. Combine 1/2 tsp baking soda with 1/2 tsp of non-iodized salt into an 8 oz glass of distilled or filtered water. You may need to warm the water up a bit for the salt to dissolve. Once combined allow it to cool. Then pour it into a nasal device and use it as you would a saline rinse. This solution can be stored for up to 3 days in a cool dry place.
Steam
A method that has been used for centuries to relieve congestion or a stuffy nasal passage is steam. Fill a large bowl of water about halfway and place it on a solid surface like a table. Lean over the bowl and put a towel over your head like you’re forming a tent. Breathe the steam in deeply for several minutes to help relieve symptoms. You can opt to add a few drops of essential oil to help increase the impact of the steam treatment. See the Essential Oils section below.
Essential Oils Eucalyptus, Lavender, Peppermint
Adding a few drops to the steam bowl of either one of these essential oils is another great method. Peppermint and Eucalyptus essential oils have been known to promote clear breathing and open airways.
Peppermint is also a great alternative to aspirin when treating a headache. Topically you can apply peppermint to the temples and behind the earlobes to help ease the tension from a headache often a side effect of a cold. Be cautious when applying as you don’t want to get it too close to your eyes.
Lukewarm Baths or Showers for Fever
An old way to help break a fever is to soak in a lukewarm bath or take a lukewarm shower. It is a misconception to take a cold one. The lukewarm one will drop your temperature without dropping it too quickly.
Elderberry Syrup
A great remedy that has also been used for centuries is Elderberry Syrup. This has been known to help boost the immune system naturally and is a simple syrup you can make right at home. For the full recipe, you can go to How To Make Elderberry Syrup.
If you don’t want to make your own, you can of course purchase it at specialty food stores, and farmers’ markets sometimes will have a vendor selling it. For dosage, I follow a simple rule. We take 1 tablespoon a day to keep healthy during the cold and flu season. If we experience any symptoms we take 1 tablespoon every 4 hours until the symptoms subside.
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