Cold Relief Without The Drugstore: Natural Alternatives For Cold and Flu Symptoms

You already know that nothing except time and rest will cure a cold -- and medicine doesn’t do much for the flu either. Natural remedies can provide symptom relief, however, if you’re willing to put aside your apprehension and try some of these approaches.

No one is suggesting that the ideas below cure anything, but if your goal is to feel better and support the work your immune system is doing for you, these things just might help.

Here are six simple things that could help you deal with your cold and flu symptoms more effectively.

1. A humidifier.

Dry air irritates your throat and nasal passages, making you more susceptible to illness -- and making you feel worse if you’re already scratchy or runny. A simple humidifier (there’s no need to go for a fancy model) can add enough moisture to your home office or bedroom to make you feel better. A drop of eucalyptus oil in the water helps, too.

2. Moist heat compresses.

An aching head and sore muscles are crying out for some gentle, direct heat. A warm compress can be as simple as a washcloth soaked in hot water, and this simple compress can loosen up a tight head and start to free up a blocked nose. Try some peppermint oil on the compress to help clear your head.

3. Herbal tea.

Two approaches work equally well here. Hot ginger tea -- perhaps with added cayenne and cinnamon -- will warm you and clear a stuffed-up head. Or if you prefer, sip chamomile tea, known to help you relax and maybe even get some much-needed sleep.

4. Homeopathic remedies.

Health food stores have all kinds of homeopathic remedies -- that is, remedies that contain small amounts of things that might make you sick in big quantities. It may sound like a strange idea, but homeopathic earache relief medicines and eye drops have gone mainstream in recent years. Drop in and see what’s available.

5. Garlic.

While taking a garlic supplement or including more fresh garlic in your diet won’t immediately make you feel better, this bulb has natural antibiotic properties that pump up your immune system, perhaps making illnesses last fewer days -- and maybe keeping you from getting the next round.

6. Sage.

Disinfect your mouth and aid in healing a sore throat or painful allergy-related mouth ulcers by gargling with sage tea. You can also find sage-based products to inhale that will reduce the inflammation in your head, making breathing easier.

And these six ideas only scratch the surface of home remedies and health food store options than may help you feel better when you have a cold or the flu.

There are hundreds of other ideas, but try these first. You might be feeling better in no time -- leaving you free to get on with your life rather than exploring other remedies.