5 common cold cures

Although winter is taking a quick roundabout and the chills are receding, there’s still that nagging cough, or that painful sore throat that somehow retains its zeal. Whether you’re suffering from a cold or a sore throat, here’s a quick listing of five ways to make the most of things you have at home to not only keep the cough and cold at bay, but perhaps also help relieve some symptoms. Remain hydrated First and foremost, begin with keeping yourself hydrated this winter. This one’s a no brainer, but it’s one reason why we are more prone to the cold and flu in winter. Try to keep the caffeinated drinks at bay. Try to aim for eight to 10 glasses of water per day. Alcohol, caffeine and sugar laden drinks will only suppress your immune system, making you more prone to illnesses. Make your own nasal concoction For winter ailments – salt water is your go-to cure. If you’re suffering from nasal congestion, create a solution of the following: ¼ teaspoon of salt mixed with ¼ teaspoon of baking soda in 8oz of boiled or distilled warm water. Use a bulb syringe to squirt this mix into one nostril, while holding down your other nostril. Allow one nostril to drain before doing the same for the other. Opt for DIY cough syrup

Most cough syrups come with its fair share of side effects – drowsiness, mild sedation and even nausea. Make your own homemade cough syrup to beat those dry hacking coughs. Combine ¼ cup of honey with ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar well. Take 1 tablespoon of this every four hours.

Invest in raw, unpasteurised honey Honey contains compounds such as phenolic acid and flavonoids that can quickly turn your cold around. A new study has found that two ounces a day reduces the length of the common cold by two days. Invest in unpasteurisd honey and mix it with warm milk, warm lemon water or ginger tea. Raw honey has antimicrobial agents and antioxidants that can boost immunity and suppress coughs.

DIY sore throat gargle

To help you clear a sore throat gargle with a mixture of salt water and apple cider vinegar. The salt will help draw excess fluid out of the tissues in your throat, to help soothe the uneasy swelling that’s causing you discomfort. Apple cider vinegar, on the other hand, may aid in killing the bug while also soothing you of the pain. Mix 1 cup of water with 1 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of salt and gargle thrice a day to relieve the pain.

Resign to the old fashioned hot water bottle

If your DIY concoctions aren’t really helping, you can try to loosen up with some heat. If you’ve got really deep congestion, use a hot water bottle. The trick is to fill it halfway, and then allow the rest of the air to escape. Continue filling it afterwards, leaving an inch or two space to ensure that the bottle isn’t too hard or stiff, rather squishy and flexible. Cover this in a thin cloth and place it between your shoulder blades on your back, or on your chest.