5 Natural Cold Remedies

It's that time of year where germs are being passed around like a hot potato. I despise colds- headaches, stuffed sinuses, fatigue, and everything else that comes with it! Even though I take as many precautions as I can to prevent colds entering our house, it seems inevitable that one sneaks in. There are lots of medicines for colds, but I prefer natural remedies. Not the chopping onions to make your eyes water and nose run, kind of homeopathic medicine. (Even though it works) I prefer the more scientific based remedies.

Drink water.

Staying hydrated is very important. Not only is being well hydrated great for weight loss and general health, it also helps loosen those packed sinus cavities and relieves headaches. Water is the best choice for hydration, but juice and sports drinks are a good second option. Steer clear of caffeinated beverages like expresso and soft drinks.

Steam.

For those of you with a spa membership, this is a great opportunity to head to the steam room! The rest of us will make our own. There are a couple options for homemade steam. 1- Take a hot shower or bath. Not only will the steam loosen your sinuses and relieve that pressure headache but you'll also relax your muscles and body aches. 2- Another option is to boil a pot of water on the stove. Be careful not to get too close to the hot pot! If you're in a pinch I've found running hot tap water will work too.

Honey and Cinnamon.

Mix 1 teaspoon of raw honey with 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and enjoy. If taken 3 times a day, this anti-viral combo should knock out your cold in as little as 3 day! How does it work? Honey and cinnamon both have natural anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It may sound strange but it works! My hubby likes to add it to his morning cup of hot tea as a preventative measure.

Hot tea.

As a cold remedy, tea is mainly used to get rid of that stuffy feeling in your face. It is also good at soothing sore throats, especially if you put your honey cinnamon mix in it. Not a tea drinker? You can substitute hot soup or coffee. If you choose coffee, drink an extra glass of water for each cup of coffee you drink, and skip the cream. Dairy is your arch enemy when you have a cold!

Rest.

It's important to rest as much as possible when you're sick. Your body has a chance to focus on curing your cold instead of completing your to-do list. So take a few moments to relax throughout the day.