Natural remedies for the common cold

3 habits to boost your immune system

Rest and relaxation

Have you noticed that when you’re sick, your body simply aches for sleep? Restorative rest helps your immune system fight off illnesses like colds and flu. You can boost your immunity further with stress-relieving activities like getting a massage, practicing meditation, or even spending time with friends. A little R&R can help keep you healthy.

Exercise

Exercise can reduce inflammation, relieve stress and boost your immune system – giving your body a fighting chance against a cold. Any amount of exercise is good, but it’s good to aim for about 30 minutes a day, 3 to 5 times per week. But if you do get sick, maybe go for a walk instead of hitting the gym!

Good hygiene

Our hands are always picking up germs, and it’s all too easy to transfer them to your eyes, nose, and mouth, which can make you sick. Wash your hands often and keep a bottle of hand sanitizer with you for the times when there’s no sink nearby.

Cold-fighting foods

What you eat can affect your immune system. Try to eat healthy and stock your kitchen with some of these foods:

• Colourful veggies like carrots, kale, tomatoes and sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants and nutrients.
• Citrus fruits, red peppers, broccoli, and cranberries are all good sources of vitamin C, which is thought to boost the immune system.
• Vitamin C supplements may help too; just don’t overdo it, as they can cause gastrointestinal distress.

Home remedies for colds

If you do catch a cold, there’s no miracle cure. Just rest up and wait for it to pass. In the meantime, try some of these home remedies—at the very least they’ll make you feel better!

• Drink a cup of hot water with a little lemon juice and honey to help a sore throat.
• Take a teaspoon of honey, which seems to be a good remedy for coughs and sore throats. Just remember—never give honey to children under 1 because of the risk of infant botulism.
• Eat chicken soup if you have a blocked nose. Red (chili) pepper flakes will also increase the broth’s decongestant power.
• Use saline nasal drops to help relieve congestion. It’s also safe for children.

With any luck, you can stay one step ahead of viruses and bacteria this winter with these strategies. And if you do get sick, you’ll have some common cold remedies up your sleeve.

For more on this topic, visit:

The common cold: diagnosis & treatment

How to boost your immune system

Foods that fight cold and flu

Just 20 minutes of exercise enough to reduce inflammation

Is it OK to exercise if I have a cold?