Sniffles, sneezes, phlegm, and a scratchy throat. Sounds like cold season is upon us, making the nasty weather and shorter days all the more intolerable. Nearly everyone catches the common cold once, if not multiple times per year, but popping all those OTC pills that can cause drowsiness and other unpleasant side effects isn't always what the doctor ordered. Try some natural cures this time around and watch your cold warm up in no time!
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
It's been said "an apple a day keeps the doctor away," and apple cider vinegar falls from the same (apple) tree.
As perNatural News, when the body has the cold virus, it goes into an overly acidic state. This makes it harder for the immune system to fight disease. "Taking apple cider vinegar, a powerful alkalizing food, will help not only kill a cold but also squash its miserable symptoms. Mixing a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with warm water, honey, and lemon, and drinking the concoction several times a day will have you back to health in no time."
Some opt for a straight spoonful of the stuff, but that can be gag-inducing for the faint of heart. This warm drink actually tastes great even when you're feeling well. Bottoms up to something warm to cure that cold!
2. Honey
Honey tastes great and is good for you all the time, but come cold season, its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and antioxidant-rich gooeyness help relieve colds in the sweetest way possible!
According to Healthline, "Drinking honey in tea with lemon can help ease sore throat pain. Research suggests that honey is an effective cough suppressant, too."
Try honey in tea as mentioned, take it by the spoonful, spread some on toast, or mix into oatmeal. Not only is honey versatile, but delicious. You may even look forward to curing that cold with such a sweet solution No wonder honey has such a positive buzz!
3. Ginger
You may have heard ginger is a blessing when it comes to fighting nausea or other stomach ailments, but it's also an effective cold reliever. Healthline notes, "We have scientific evidence of its curative properties. A few slices of raw ginger root in boiling water may help soothe a cough or a sore throat."
Natural News adds, "Ginger root is a powerful healer with amazing anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger also helps warm the body, which is highly effective at promoting perspiration and the expelling of toxins and other harmful invaders."
Try some ginger tea, shave some over your food, go for a piece of candied ginger, or opt for an all-natural ginger ale. It's incredibly refreshing and healing and the vibrant taste will knock that cold out!
4. Garlic
While your breath may ward off loving kisses, you probably shouldn't be swapping spit with a cold invading your system anyway. Try garlic as an alternative cold cure and like a vampire, it'll be gone in no time.
According to Healthline, "Garlic contains the compound allicin, which may have antimicrobial properties. Adding a garlic supplement to your diet might reduce the severity of cold symptoms. It might even help you avoid getting sick in the first place."
The Chalkboard adds, "Garlic contains vitamin C, a slew of enzymes, and minerals such as sulphur and selenium." All play a significant role in fighting off the common cold.
Add chopped garlic to sauces and stews and not only will you delight your belly, but before you know it, your cold will be long gone… just like that pot of penne primavera!