How to fight a cold naturally
Catching a cold can bring your body down and make you feel weakened. As your body attempts to fight off the virus, you’re likely to feel fatigued, achy, or congested. While there is no quick fix to instantly make your cold disappear, there are several natural remedies you can try to help support your immune system and help your body fight off the virus. From specific nutrition choices to herbal support, these six tips and tricks can help you fight a cold off naturally.
1. Stay Hydrated! Staying hydrating while your body fights off a cold is vital. When you’re not feeling well or experiencing congestion, you may unintentionally drink less water than usual. However, your body needs more water to help flush germs out of your system. Aim to hit at least 64 ounces of water each day to help promote good health while sick.
2. Honey and Tea: Not only is honey delicious, but it also has natural properties that help support your body’s ability to fight off your cold. Honey has anti-viral and anti-microbial properties, plus it’s all-natural. A great way to consume honey is in hot tea. If you’re experiencing throat soreness or a cough as part of your cold, honey and tea can also help soothe your throat.
The warmness of tea plus the sweetness of honey tastes great, while also helping to fight your cold naturally.
3. Rest and Sleep: Did your parents always tell you to “rest up” when you were sick as a child? This is more than an old myth or legend. Your body needs restful, high-quality sleep to help your immune system function effectively. If possible, take time off work or school to allow your body to rest. Rest will ultimately help you fight off you're cold sooner rather than later.
4. Vitamin C: Consuming enough vitamin C helps support your body’s immune system needs. For double effects, add lemon into your honey tea for extra support. You can also get vitamin C through limes, grapefruits, leafy greens, and oranges.
5. Chicken Soup: When you get sick, it seems everyone offers up “chicken soup”. You may have wondered where this common suggestion came from and if there is any real science to support this claim. However, it turns out that warm chicken soup can slow the movement of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in your body. Neutrophils help to protect your body from sicknesses; therefore, slow-moving neutrophils can help these white blood cells stay concentrated in your body, promoting great healing. Plus, chicken soup is delicious and an excellent source of protein. The warm liquid from the broth component will also help keep you hydrated and warm.
6. Salt Water Gargle: Gargling with salt water is effective in thinning the mucus that may have built up in your chest with a common cold. It can help to loosen up bacteria and allergens, allowing you to clear them from the body. A simple salt water gargle requires minimal effort. Just mix ½ teaspoon of salt in warm water and gargle thoroughly.
Support and Heal your Body
Next time you have a cold, give these six natural steps a chance to help support your body’s healing! While a cold must run its course naturally, these supportive efforts can help reduce time spent sick so you can get back to feeling great quickly.
