To say the least, there is a glorious side to the cold weather. Hot tea, cuddling up with warm blankets, and binge-watching every movie or TV series that you have been dying to watch for months or even a snow day if you’re lucky. All of this sounds ideal until the throat becomes scratchy, an annoying cough interrupts every conversation, and a runny nose pours like Niagara Falls. These are the times that stocking up on medicine and tissues becomes necessary to live. Sometimes it really seems like weather is out to get you, but we can’t let it get the best of us! Fight back this season with these home remedies to cure the common cold.
While there may be many hypotheses drawn to explain why sicknesses spread faster in colder months, scientists are still working out the kinks to these observations.
Many people claim that it is caused from the fact that more people are stuck indoors in tight corders, breathing the same air for extended periods of time. It turns out that being cold, wet, and stuck in the “breathing zone” aren’t the main causes of sicknesses. The sole culprit of this matter lies in the hands of viruses.
Viruses thrive in bitter weather because they love the cold and dry environment. Scientifically, this occurs because exhaled viruses are able to stay suspended in the air for longer amounts of times because of the moisture around them evaporate, leaving the viruses to hang out all around where we inhale. However, these droplets fall to the ground in the summer, which is out of the “breathing zone,” meaning that the chances of catching a virus are much slimmer.
It’s very important to try to take as many preventative measures as possible to avoid catching a nasty viral infection. This is when we are supposed to listen to the wise words that we have been hearing since we were little kids. The best ways to try to avoid the cold and flu are by getting vaccinated for the flu, frequently washing hands, avoiding touching the eyes and nose, staying hydrated, eating healthy, sleeping an adequate amount, and trying to avoid people who are sick.
Even when we follow most of these preventatives, sicknesses finds us anyway. No need to fear because there are many home remedies to cure the common cold.
1) Honey Lemon Ginger Tea
All it takes is just a couple simple ingredients to help cure a sore, scratchy throat. Honey soothes the throat by coating it and the lemon offers a healthy amount of vitamin C, while acting as an antioxidant. Ginger acts as an anti-inflammatory, which helps to relieve the soreness and salt is a beneficial mineral that helps to balance fluid levels.
Ingredients
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 Tablespoon honey
• 1/2 Lemon – 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 1/2 inch slices fresh ginger
• Dash of salt
Add all the ingredients into a mug and stir to dissolve the honey. Next, let the tea sit for about 5 minutes to infuse the ginger. After this time passes, push the ginger to the bottom of the mug to help bring out the juice and enjoy!
Other variations of this recipe include bourbon, which is typically called a “Hot Toddy.” This recipe includes water, herbal tea bag, tablespoon of honey, lemon wedge, and a couple tablespoons of bourbon. This beverage can work similarly to the NyQuil that you buy over the counter since the whiskey acts as a decongestant, fights off infection, and acts as a sleep promoter.
2) Vicks VapoRub on Feet and Chest
One fantastic remedy to help cure coughs lies within Vicks VapoRub. This product is a well known topical cough suppressant, and it really does wonders. It has been around for more than 100 years, and is one of the most popular cough suppressant products. The key to using Vicks VapoRub for curing your cough symptoms is to apply it to your chest and the soles of your feet.
Once this product is applied to your chest and throat area, the medicated vapors enter your nose and mouth to help soothe the cough. It’s ideal if your clothing is loose fitting in order to easily allow the vapors to reach your nose and mouth area. While this is the most popular use of Vicks VapoRub, people also apply this product to their feet.
For best results, it is beneficial to rub the cream on the soles of the feet and cover with socks while you sleep. While there isn’t any direct evidence to prove that applying Vicks to your feet really works, people have been using this method for decades. Many users have found this technique to help cure cough symptoms over night. Personally, I believe this is one of the best home remedies to cure the common cold. Works every time!
3) Chicken Noodle Soup
Easily the most basic, well-known cure to the common cold. Your loved ones have been serving this to you since you were a little kid because they know the benefits and cures that chicken noodle soup offers. The chicken broth helps to keep your body hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids is crucial for your body to recover and defend itself more effectively. It also acts as a stimulate to clear nasal congestion.
The vegetables in this soup contain vitamins A and C, which help to build a strong immune system. The noodles provide a strong source of carbohydrates, which make the body feel full and satisfied. Of course the best part about chicken noodle soup is the great taste! Pairs perfectly with toasted bread and warm tea.
While you always have the option to purchase canned chicken noodle soup at the grocery store, another healthier alternative is to make it from scratch. It’s easier to make than you think!
Ingredients
• 1 Tablespoon canola oil
• 2 Celery ribs, chopped
• 2 Medium carrots, chopped
• 1 Medium onion, chopped
• 8 Cups chicken broth
• 1/2 Teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 Teaspoon pepper
• 3 Cups uncooked whole wheat egg noodles
• 3 Cups coarsely chopped rotisserie chicken
• 1 Tablespoon minced fresh parsley
Directions
1) In a medium pot, heat oil on medium-high heat. Add celery, carrots, onions. Then, cook and stir for 5-7 minutes, or until tender.
2) Add broth, basil, and pepper; bring to a boil. Stir in noodles and cook for 12-14 minutes or until al dente. Stir in chicken and parsley to heat through. Enjoy!
4) Water and Baking Soda
Many home remedies exist to help ease the feeling of nausea. The easiest and most effective of them all: water and baking soda. The baking soda is able to lower stomach acid, which helps to relieve pain. Almost everyone has baking soda sitting in their refrigerator or pantry. Just a cup of this magical concoction and your nausea will be cured in no time.
• 1/2 Cup water
• 1/4 Teaspoon baking soda
5) Sleep
It may be no surprise to you to hear that sleep is one of the most powerful cures to any sickness. Our bodies rely so heavily on receiving a sufficient amount of sleep on a daily basis. Sleep deprivation is an invitation for illnesses to come into our bodies and take advantage of our weak immune system. In times where our bodies are weaker than normal, it is even more important to get an extra amount of sleep.
Along with this, another way to help cure your cold symptoms is to prop your bed up with a pillow at night. This allows for your nasal passages to drain more easily, resulting in less congestion when you wake up in the morning