It's finally winter and with it comes cold and flu season. I will not be getting my flu shot this year but ironically (or maybe it's karma) I came down with a head cold. So I thought I'd share some of my home remedies for feeling better.
I chose to do home remedies because I am personally not a huge fan of taking lots of medicine. It can mess with your stomach and your appetite and your sleep cycle and honestly can cause more issues than it solves sometimes.
So here are 7 of my favorite home remedies that, hopefully, work for you too.
1. Eat Some Soup
GiphyI know that this one is told a lot, but eating soup has been proven over and over to be beneficial. Plus even without science to back it up, it makes you feel good. It's comforting and warm. This advice is typically given specifically about chicken noodle soup, but I personally think that any soup that you think will comfort and soothe you is good.
2. Take A Hot Bath With Essential Oils Before Bed
GiphyNow I don't just mean any hot bath, I mean as hot as you can stand it. The high temperature is needed for two reasons. The first is that the warm water will ease aches and the steam will help loosen congestion. The second reason you want it to be warm is because you're going to add some essential oils that may or may not give a cooling sensation. Everyone has their own favorite recipe but I prefer to use 4 drops of peppermint, 4 drops of eucalyptus, and 2 drops of lemongrass mixed into about a tablespoon of coconut oil and then added to the bath. . One last important step for this is close your shower curtain. It keeps the steam and the scent of the oils closer to you which in turn helps it work better..
3. Drink Some Tea Specific To Your Symptoms
GiphyThis is the one tip that I ignored over the years until this past winter. I always thought that tea wouldn't do anything but boy was I wrong. The warmth of the tea soothes sore throat and depending on the blend you choose, can help with many of your symptoms. Adding honey and some lemon juice also can help you feel better. Drinking some soothing tea before bedtime can also help you sleep. I personally recommend sleepytime sinus soother tea before bed.
4. Drink Lots Of Water
GiphyI know this seems self explanatory but staying super hydrated really helps your body get rid of the virus. It also helps keep congestion loose which can help you avoid that sinus pressure that everybody hates. Adding some fresh lemon juice to your water also helps with hydration and can help with a sore throat. (Sometimes I'll also drink warm water with just honey and lemon-it's not the best tasting but it does help with a sore throat)
5. Take A Shot Of Warm Lemon Juice And Honey
GiphyThis one is nasty. I'll let you know that up front. But if you squeeze some lemon juice into a shot glass (fill it up about halfway) and microwave it for about 10 seconds-you don't want it scalding. Then add a squeeze of honey and stir it up to combine. Next your gonna take this shot but don't throw it back like you would a shot of fireball on a Saturday night at the bar. Let it sit in the back of your throat for a second or even gargle it a little bit if you can stand it.
If you've got a sore throat it's going to sting a little bit but refrain from chasing it with anything. Let the citrus ans the honey do its work and I promise it'll feel better the next day.
6. Shower And Wash Your Hair
GiphyI know this one seems redundant because I already told you to take a bath. But hear me out. First of all, we all know that baths are low key disgusting and you should shower before or after it anyway. But that's not the point. Something about taking a hot shower and washing your hair just refreshes you. Letting the hot water run over your face can help ease a sinus headache and loosen congestion.
Plus, as disgusting as it sounds, it gives you a chance to blow your nose and not have to worry about wiping ~again~ and ,being able to get out all of that mucus. (I know, I know-this one is nasty)
7. Take A Day Off
GiphyPeople tend to discount colds as something that you can power through, but not always. Rest is crucial for getting over colds quickly so by all means, if you need to skip class or call out of work, just do it. Your health is always 100% more important than anything work or school related. Besides, do you really want to spread you sickness to classmates, friends, and coworkers? I didn't think so.
Hopefully, these things help you feel better, I know they've helped me get through some terrible colds.