DIY Remedies For The Common Cold

Brrrrr! There’s a distinct chill in the air these days!

Perhaps you have started wearing socks to bed or pulling on an extra blanket at night. It’s getting that much harder to jump out of bed and into the shower in the morning!

Yes, winter is here.

For many of us, that means the common cold is lurking out there ready to make our lives miserable for a week or so. While there’s no guaranteed cure for the common cold, there are plenty of natural at-home remedies that may help boost your immune system or reduce the length or symptoms of the common cold.

Read on for our top DIY remedies to help your body do battle against unwanted germs this winter.

What Exactly Is A Cold – And Is There A Cure?

The common cold is a viral infection, similar to the flu. The difference is that colds are generally less severe and resolve more quickly.

Sadly, antibiotics can’t prevent or cure a cold, so the best thing you can do is boost your immune system to help it fight the virus. However, there are a variety of medications or natural remedies that will soothe the annoying symptoms such as headaches, blocked noses, coughs or fevers.

We think some of the best remedies are the natural ones, so that is why we have put this list together.

Chicken Soup

Not just for the soul, the tradition of gifting unwell people chicken soup is actually well-founded!

A home-cooked bowl of chicken soup (not a cup from a packet) filled with nutritious vegetables can have an impact on the neutrophils (white blood cells) in your body, ultimately aiding them in fighting infection.

On top of that, research has shown that chicken soup is especially good at soothing upper respiratory symptoms. Plus, it helps keep you hydrated and reduce mucus buildup.

Let’s warm up the crockpot now!

Increase Your Vitamin C Intake

Is the Vitamin C old wives tale true? After all, there has to be a reason that people always name drop this vitamin when the common cold season is in full swing.

Mother Nature, in her wisdom, designed cold season to coincide with citrus season. So there's plenty of vitamin C to be had! While science hasn't proven it can prevent a cold, vitamin C does boost your immune system. And research shows it can shorten the duration of cold symptoms.

It is not just oranges, lemons and their citrus cousins that do the trick. Strawberries, blueberries and blackberries are good sources of Vitamin C too. So don’t be shy about adding the frozen varieties to your morning porridge for a tasty, healthy boost.

Sip On Ginger And Honey

Ginger is fantastic for soothing a sore throat - and good for an upset tummy, too. It’s anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory – as is honey.

Honey may also help to stop coughs by soothing mucous membranes. Put a few slices of ginger in boiling water with a generous dollop of honey. Add some lemon for vitamin C, and you’ve got a delicious hot drink to cradle.

Dose Up On Garlic

Garlic may have potent antimicrobial properties. Some research even suggests it may stop you from getting sick. If you can bear the bad breath, slice up a garlic clove and swallow it, or simply add extra garlic to your meals.

Plus, it keeps you safe from the vampires too, right?

Get Steamy

Hot, moist air is fantastic for soothing the irritated linings of your throat, nose, and lungs.

The great thing is that you don’t need a humidifier to get it. Boil some water and pour it into a bowl. Add an essential oil like peppermint or eucalyptus oil, put a towel over your head, shut your eyes, and inhale the vapours.

Or, simply take a shower as that works too.

Have A Salty Gargle

While the taste isn’t amazing, a saltwater gargle is great for soothing a sore throat and clearing out excess mucus. Mix ½ tsp of salt with a cup of warm water, gargle at the back of your throat, and spit it out.

It is true that there is no magical cure for the common cold. So, the best way to bolster your body for cold-season is to consume plenty of fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables that will stock you up with a range of immune-boosting vitamins and minerals.

Check out our range of seasonal fruits in store now. The bonus is, you don’t even have to go out in the rain to get them, we deliver them right to your doorstep!