While traditional medicine certainly has it’s place, there’s a host of natural remedies you can use to support and boost your immune system too. We have five natural remedies to help you treat your cold or flu, and the good news is, they can all be found in your kitchen!
ALSO SEE: How to fight off a recurring cold
Natural remedies for colds and flu
Salt
Best for?
Getting rid of germs.
Salt is renowned for its antiseptic qualities, so gargle with salt water when your throat is sore to kill any germs.
Apple cider vinegar
Best for?
Preventing and treating a cold.
Apple cider vinegar really is a kitchen cupboard hero! Studies suggest that the blood becomes more alkaline when the body is fighting off a cold. Apple cider vinegar taken medicinally helps with regulating the body’s acidic levels.
Add a little to a bowl of boiling water then breathe in the vapours to help with congestion, or simply take a capful dissolved in water every day to strengthen your immunity during flu season.
Grapefruit
Best for?
Staying healthy.
There’s still no conclusive evidence that vitamin C will sort that cold, but it’s worth incorporating half a grapefruit into your diet each day during the winter, as the flavonoids it contains are known to stimulate and boost the immune system.
ALSO SEE: Try this delicious pink grapefruit, black bean and rice salad recipe
Fresh ginger
Best for?
Bringing down a fever or soothing a cough.
While you’re sick, drinking enough fluids is essential as it helps to break down mucus and keep the body hydrated during a fever. A hot cup of fresh ginger tea will help with dehydration, as well as sorting a shivery fever or tackling that annoying cough. Cut fresh ginger into small pieces then pour boiling water on top, allow to steep and sip slowly.
Top tip: Add some honey to your ginger drink for an additional boost. Honey has been found to have antimicrobial benefits.
Almonds
Best for?
Beating stress.
High levels of stress affect every area of the body – from that tension headache to that cold you can’t seem to shake. Try snacking on a handful of almonds. They’re rich in stress-busting vitamins and minerals.
Winter tonic
Best for?
Boosting your immune system.
Soothe away the remnants of that cold with this delicious, spicy tonic. Combine:
- 1tsp dried ginger root
- 1/2 tsp ginseng powder
- 1/2 tsp aniseed
- 3 cloves
…With a mugful of water. Simmer, strain and drink to soothe a cold and give you a shot of energy.
ALSO SEE: How serious is Swine Flu?
