As winter sets in, so does the cold and flu season. Red noses, watery eyes, achy muscles, and that dreaded icky feeling, becomes as common as snow and snow angels. But a few home remedies can help you kiss that nasty cold good-bye.
Hot Toddies: Taste of Home featured this warming drink in their December/January issue. This cold fighter is easy to make and packs a healing punch. Simply add the juice of a lemon and honey to taste to a mugful of boiling water. Next, add 2 teaspoons of elderberry syrup (available at health food stores). According to Martha Howard, medical director of Wellness Associates in Chicago, the toddy’s hot steam and liquid help clear your head, the lemon clears mucus and gives you vitamin C, and the antiviral, antibacterial honey soothes your throat. I like to make this healthful drink right before bed, and often add a splash of whiskey or bourbon to the mix. Howard says the alcohol acts as a mild sedative and may even help you sweat out the cold.
Chicken Soup: You can’t get any more classic than a steaming bowl of chicken soup to help ease away the symptoms of a cold. While it’s debatable whether or not there is medical proof that a bowl of chicken soup can help cure an illness, this old folk remedy is warm and comforting – just what you need to overcome those aches and pains.
Grapefruit: When a cold sets in, strike back with grapefruit. The Vitamin C in a grapefruit can help lessen your cold symptoms and it helps boost your immune system. So whether you enjoy a grapefruit whole or by the glass, fill up on this tart cold-fighter.
Oatmeal: This whole grain favorite is full of selenium and zinc, both big immune boosters, that can help fight off your cold while filling and warming you up. Need an extra boost of cold-fighting power? Add a handful of blueberries for an even bigger immune-boosting punch.
What are some of your go-to home remedies for kicking a cold to the curb?
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