Natural Home Remedies to Help Relieve Cold/Flu Symptoms

If you haven't fallen victim to the nasty cold/flu that has apparently been making its rounds, consider yourself lucky. I am personally just getting over a nasty cold, half of my family is ill, there are a few people at work that aren't feeling well and mine started because my roommate was sick. It is a vicious cycle! Fact of the matter is, it sucks and we all ask ourselves, 'what can I do to feel better?' The obvious answer is to go to the doctor.

However, there are a few at home and natural remedies that help me to feel better and gain some kind of relief and they might help you, too.

• Vitamin C: Of course, the obvious. Along with vitamin C pills, things like oranges and orange juice can help to boost your immune system.
• Chicken soup (or soup in general): The warm broth and steam from it can help with congestion and sore throats.
• Hot tea: I keep a ton of this in the house. The steam and warmth from this can help with congestion and sore throat like soup. Adding a little honey would help as well.
• Hot Toddy: One cup of herbal tea, add a teaspoon of honey, a small shot of whiskey or bourbon, and a squeeze of lemon. This is an old nighttime remedy often used that truly does work.
• Humidifier/Saline Drops: These will help with congestion. The humidifier will help with the check and saline drops will help to clear your nose.

One other thing that I have made a ritual when I am feeling congested or stopped up is sitting in a steamy shower for 5 or 10 minutes. You may not have the energy to wash up, but sitting there in the steam will open up your sinus cavities and allow for some relief. It might also help you to relax and sleep better.

The toughest part about being sick is running fever. It is what makes you feel that much worse. Especially with body aches. The trick is to just let your fever run its course. This means that your body is fighting off whatever you have going on.

For a few other remedies and tips, check out this article from WebMD. Also, if you have any of your own remedies that you would like to share, I would love to try them myself!