Winter Wellness: Effective Natural Remedies for Cold and Flu by Empire Mercante

Using natural remedies for cold and flu is essential due to their gentle approach to symptom relief, minimal risk of side effects, and immune-boosting properties. These remedies work in harmony with the body, supporting its natural healing processes and promoting overall health and resilience.

Here are some of the effective natural remedies you can try:

Blow Your Nose Often

Hey sniffle-fighter! When battling a cold, skip the sniffling routine and embrace the nose-blowing strategy. Beware of blowing too hard – it can usher germs and phlegm into your ear passages, causing an annoying earache. The winning move? Cover one nostril with a finger, blow gently, and let the other nostril breathe easy. Stay well, and keep those tissues close!

Gargle

For a quick and temporary reprieve for a sore throat, consider gargling. Simply dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and use this saline solution for gargling four times daily. It's a simple remedy to soothe and moisten that irritated throat.

Stay Warm and Rested

When you find yourself in the initial grips of a cold or flu, prioritizing warmth and rest serves as a strategic move to assist your body in channeling its energy towards the ongoing immune battle. Recognizing that this skirmish can take a toll on your system, offering a helping hand in the form of adequate rest becomes crucial. So, snuggle up, stay warm, and give your body the downtime it needs to conquer the invaders effectively.

Drink Hot Liquids

Staying well-hydrated is key when dealing with a cold or the flu, preventing dehydration and aiding in mucus loosening. Opt for abundant liquids, with hot options like tea or the classic comfort of chicken soup being especially effective in alleviating nasal congestion and providing soothing relief for the inflamed membranes in your nose and throat. Keep the fluids flowing to help ease the discomfort and support your recovery.

Take a Steamy Shower

Indulging in a steamy shower offers a double benefit by moisturizing your nasal passages and promoting relaxation. If flu-induced dizziness strikes, consider running a steamy shower while comfortably seated nearby for a soothing sponge bath. Alternatively, placing a cool mist vaporizer near your bed or couch achieves a similar effect, ensuring a comforting atmosphere to aid in your relaxation and recovery.

Use a Salve Under Your Nose

Applying a small amount of mentholated salve beneath your nose can effectively clear breathing passages and alleviate irritation at the nose's base. With ingredients like menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor, these salves offer mild numbing properties that can ease the discomfort of a raw, irritated nose. Remember, apply externally or under the nose, avoiding direct application inside the nostrils for safe and effective relief.

Apply Hot or Cold Packs Around Your Congested Sinuses

Whether it's warmth or coolness you seek, options abound. Grab reusable hot or cold packs from a nearby drugstore, or get creative and make your own. For a quick heat solution, warm a damp washcloth in the microwave for 55 seconds (check the temperature to ensure it's comfortably warm). Alternatively, a small bag of frozen peas serves as an effective makeshift cold pack. Tailor the temperature to your preference for soothing relief.

Sleep With an Extra Pillow Under Your Head

For relief from congested nasal passages, elevating your head is a simple yet effective solution. If the angle feels awkward, consider placing pillows between the mattress and the box springs to create a more gradual slope. This adjustment can enhance comfort and provide a gentle elevation to ease congestion.

Keep It to Yourself

While tending to your well-being, it's crucial to prevent the spread of cold and flu germs to others. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth with a tissue or your sleeve. Prioritize hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If a sink isn't accessible, opt for an alcohol-based sanitizer and rub your hands thoroughly. Keep in mind that certain conditions, such as sinus infections, bronchitis, meningitis, strep throat, and asthma, can mimic common cold symptoms. If serious symptoms persist or improvement is slow, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor for guidance.

Use Nasal Spray

Nasal spray provides effective relief for cold and flu symptoms, offering a targeted solution to alleviate congestion and discomfort. Formulated with active ingredients, this nasal spray works by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages, easing congestion, and promoting easier breathing. Its quick and precise application delivers fast relief, providing a convenient way to combat nasal symptoms without the need for oral medications. The gentle mist soothes irritated nasal tissues, helping to relieve runny noses and nasal congestion caused by colds and flu. Compact and easy to use, this nasal spray is a must-have during the cold and flu season, offering you swift relief so you can breathe freely and feel more comfortable throughout the day.

Hold your nasal spray canister in one hand. Insert the canister tip into your nose, aiming the tip toward the back of your head. Use a finger to close the nostril on the side not receiving the medicine. Press down on the canister as you begin to breathe in slowly through your nose.

Infection-Fighting Foods

• Bananas and rice to soothe an upset stomach and curb diarrhea

• Vitamin C-containing foods, such as bell peppers

• Blueberries curb diarrhea and are high in natural aspirin, which may lower fevers and help with aches and pains

• Carrots, which contain beta-carotene

• Chili peppers may open sinuses and help break up mucus in the lungs

• Cranberries may help prevent bacteria from sticking to cells lining the bladder and urinary tract

• Mustard or horseradish may help break up mucus in air passages

• Onions contain phytochemicals that may help the body clear bronchitis and other infections

• Black and green tea have catechin, a phytochemical that may have natural antibiotic and antidiarrheal effects