It’s that time of year again – cold and flu season. It’s also work and school season, meaning there is no time for sickness in your household. If you get sick, who’s going to take care of your spouse, your children, even your dog? Babysitter? Next door neighbor? Tough choice. We understand, you don’t have time to get sick, but if you are sick don’t worry. There is light at the end of the tunnel! Check out these ways to help relieve cold and flu symptoms at home, and get back on your feet in no time.
How to Treat a Cold or the Flu at Home
As most of us know from experience, common colds are a leading cause in doctor visits—which also means missing work. On average, 150 million work days are missed for doctor appointments and recovery time. Nobody has time for that. Here are some natural remedies to soothe your cold symptoms.
Easy Remedies & Tips
Most colds are caused by viral infections, meaning there is no immediate cure. However, there are some easy remedies and tips to help relieve symptoms and get you back on your feet as quickly as possible. We have listed a few ways to help you relieve your symptoms.
- Blow your nose often, and correctly. When you’re sick, it is important for you to blow your nose regularly, otherwise you are sniffling mucus back into your body. Not only is it important to blow your nose often, but doing it incorrectly can cause germs to spread back into your ears, causing an earache. So how should you be blowing your nose? Press a finger over one nostril, while blowing gently to clear the other one.
- Gargle with salt water. Gargling can help to moisten a sore throat, bringing temporary relief. Try gargling with half a teaspoon of salt, dissolved in eight ounces of warm water. You can do this multiple times a day for relief.
- Take a hot, steamy shower. Nasal congestion can be one of the most frustrating things about being sick. Taking a steaming shower will help to moisturize nasal passages, open airways, and most importantly help you to relax.
- Use a vapor rub. Rub a vapor rub onto your chest to help open air passages and deal with a pesky cough. Try the vapor rub on your feet! Many have taken to rubbing a vapor rub onto feet and they claim that it works. We’ll let you be the judge!
- Make a stove top potpourri. By creating a stovetop potpourri, you can help to loosen phlegm to help you feel better, while also creating a fresh aroma. Try our Florida Citrus Stove Top Potpourri.
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What to Eat when you have a Cold or the Flu
Often you don’t feel like eating when you’re sick. You may not have an appetite, nothing sounds good, or you may not think about eating when you feel miserable—but nutrition is essential. Your body still needs food. So why not try eating foods that are suitable for a cold? We have some ideas listed below to help when you are sick.
- Frozen Florida Orange Juice in a Mason jar: Who doesn’t love something frozen (and in a Mason jar)? Especially when you have a sore throat. Frozen treats are a great way to soothe a sore throat and increase fluid intake. Try our Frozen Florida Orange Juice, here. The recipe can help keep you hydrated while getting fluids to keep mucus thin and ease congestion. Florida Orange Juice is the perfect choice to make when hydrating yourself, and it has the added bonus of immune-supporting vitamin C.
- Chicken Noodle Soup: Chicken noodle soup is both tasty and beneficial when you are sick. Chicken noodle soup is a warm liquid, which speeds up the movement of mucus through your nose and aids in relieving congestion. Soups and warm liquids also limit the amount of time viruses are in contact with the lining of your nose. Less time = less irritation. Additionally, the salty broth soothes your throat. Try our Asian-Style Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe, here, which also has the added benefits of vitamin C and ginger!
- Tea: Tea is a well-known remedy for a cough and sore throat, and is delicious. Try our Orange Spiced Green Tea, here, and our Orange Earl Grey Tea, here, which may help fight inflammation and soothe your sore throat. You can even add ginger for added benefits!
- Turmeric Boost: Turmeric is a spice that has been used for ages when people are fighting sickness. Turmeric may act as an anti-inflammatory, which is helpful when fighting a cold and can also be used for headache, fever, and other cold symptoms. Additionally, turmeric oil may be effective against disorders of the respiratory tract, and is active in removing mucus and relieving cough. Sounds powerful to us. Try our Turmeric Boost drink, here.