Sniffles season is upon us and many are feeling the effects. The good news is there are a bunch of ways to ease symptoms at home. These easy natural remedies for flus and colds are safe for the whole family, giving everyone the health boost they need to battle the bugs this winter.
All-natural hot drink
This one might be hard to swallow, but it works wonders! It’s a revved-up version of the classic hot toddy, with a few natural remedies for flus and colds all in one. Although we have omitted the tipple, we won’t judge you for including it. It’s tough out there when you’re sick and rundown.
To one cup of rooibos tea add:
- peeled and sliced ginger, roughly 4 slices
- peeled whole clove of garlic that has been slightly pressed with the back of a knife to open it up
- a heaped teaspoon of pure honey
- juice of half a lemon
Let all the ingredients and tea bag draw for at least five minutes before drinking. This hot drink packed with plant power that can reduce congestion, soothe a sore throat and cough as well as keep you hydrated.
Load up on probiotics
The ‘friendly’ bacteria found in probiotics are essential in keeping your gut, and therefore your immune system, healthy. Because most of our immune system lies in our gut, it’s important to ensure it is supported. A good probiotic like Rawbiotics Daily (R299 for 1l) will restore balance in your gut and strengthen your immune system’s ability to fight off infection.
Rawbiotics Daily
Blow your nose
You want to get rid of the infection, not keep it inside. It’s much better to blow your nose regularly than sniffling mucus back into your head. So stock up on gentle tissues and blow your nose as often as needed. However, there is a right way to blow your nose. Blow too hard and the pressure can carry germ-filled phlegm into your ear passages. This will just result in an earache on top of everything else!
Blow your nose properly by pressing a finger over one nostril while gently blowing out the other. Just enough to clear it, then swap. It’s a good idea to throw away your tissues as soon as possible too. This will help contain the germs.
Relax with a warm bath
This is not just to ease body aches and warm up your limbs. Although it will do a fabulous job of that! Increased humidity and a steamy bathroom can reduce nasal inflammation, making it easier to breathe when you’re sick. To get the most out of your soak, add other relaxing natural remedies for flus and colds. Epsom salts and baking soda will help with those body aches, while certain essential oils can help your breathing and have an all-round soothing effect.
Try local brand SOiL’s organic aromatherapy blends of essential oils. We suggest the SOiL Easy Breath Blend (R75 for 10ml) containing cajeput, eucalyptus, peppermint and clove oils, as well as the SOiL Immunity Blend (R85 for 10ml) containing lemongrass, benzoin, tea tree and thyme oil.
SOiL Easy Breathe Blend
SOiL Immunity Blend
Nothing like chicken soup
When it comes to natural remedies for flus and colds, chicken soup is probably the oldest in the book. Far from being just an old wive’s tale though, chicken soup has some real benefits if your health is run down. Not only is a hot and steamy bowl ultra-comforting, it can help open up the nasal passages and ease congestion. Sipping the nutritious broth can keep your energy up and keep you hydrated too.
Try this Thai Ginger-Chicken Soup Recipe for something a bit different packed with nutrition.
Cover image by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.
