It’s the time of year again when holiday excitement too often becomes paired with a case of the sniffles. Despite their strongest efforts, many people find that it impossible to battle the yearly bout of the cold, even with medications. However, there are some tried and true home remedies that are making a resurgence, and which seem to help fight the symptoms of the common cold rather well.
Citrus Fruits
Aside from helping to prevent a cold, vitamin C can also help to shorten the duration of the sickness itself. Oranges, lemons, ginger, grapefruits and others help to give your body this much-needed vitamin.
Raw Honey-Infused Garlic
While this combination might not seem ideal at first, it can work wonders. Garlic has been a longstanding charm against both vampires and sinus blockage, thanks to its strong taste/scent. The honey helps to lessen nighttime coughing, and can soothe a sore throat.
Star Anise
This is a spice which helps greatly with congestion, but which is largely unknown to many people. The spice may be used in practically anything – just add it to something you were cooking anyways, or perhaps make it into a tea for added benefits.
Tea
When it comes to what type of tea you drink, it doesn’t particularly matter; just get plenty of it. As long as the tea is hot, it will do its job. Breathing in the hot steam while drinking is a great way to relieve congestion in the chest and head, reduce swelling or soreness in the throat, and temporarily relieve you of coughing.
Turmeric-Yogurt Smoothie
Turmeric has long been believed to fight inflammation, while the probiotics found in yogurt can help give your body a much-needed boost to the immune system as it fights off this small plague.
While these foods cannot entirely cure the cold, they can help you make it to the other side of the sickness in one piece, and can assist you with getting on with your life.
