Headache? Runny Nose? Sore Throat? Cough? Don’t reach for over the counter symptom cover ups – try these home remedies for winter colds before you head to the pharmacy!
Home Remedies for Headaches
Electrolyte replacement drinks – Dehydration is one of the top causes of headaches and migraines. Drink lots of water and electrolyte replacement drinks to stay hydrated and reduce mucous build up in your body.
Caffeinated drinks – Caffeine has long been used as a home remedy for headaches and migraines. Try black tea mixed with beneficial herbs, like peppermint, ginger or lavender, instead of coffee or sodas.
Cold washcloths – Run a washcloth under cold water and squeeze out the excess. Place the washcloth in the freezer for 10 minutes, then lay the frozen washcloth over the nape of your neck and allow it to rest there until it is no longer cold.
Home Remedies for Runny Nose
Saline solution – A saline nose mist, such as those available from Ayr or Arm & Hammer Saline Solution, is great for a minor runny nose. For extreme congestion, try a NeilMed Sinus Rinse Bottle or a Navage Nasal Irrigation system instead.
Home Remedies for Sore Throat
Salt and/or Vinegar Gargle – Combine 1 teaspoon of sea salt or 2 teaspoons raw, organic apple cider vinegar and 8 ounces of warm water in a small glass. Gargle until the entire glass is gone. Repeat several times a day until your throat is no longer sore.
Tea with Honey – Any hot tea with honey with help soothe a sore throat, but for the best results try Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat Herbal Tea. This tea is specially formulated with licorice root, slippery elm powder, marshmallow root and more to help soothe a sore throat.
Gelatin – Get those jigglers out, my friend because gelatin is a great way to soothe a dry, scratchy and sore throat! For minor sore throats, make your standard gelatin and enjoy it throughout the day. But, for a severe sore throat, mix a package of gelatin with 4 cups of hot water. Allow it to cool until drinkable and then, enjoy! While gelatin doesn’t have any real health benefits, the thick, warm liquid helps to coat and soothe your throat.
Frozen fruit pops – Stock your freezer with frozen fruit pops and enjoy the throat numbing effect of the ice cold pop!
Home Remedies for Cough
Pineapple juice – Not only is pineapple packed full of Vitamin C, but it’s also got this fun little enzyme called bromelin. According to recent studies, bromelin may help reduce the mucous and inflammation causing you to cough. So, drink up and enjoy!
Homemade cough syrup – There’s lots and lots of homemade cough syrup recipes out there, from those that are packed full of sugar to those that are packed full of whiskey. But, honestly, you don’t need either one! Just combine 1/4 cup of honey with 1/2 cup pineapple juice and drink by the tablespoonful, as needed to reduce your cough.
Please Note: I am not a medical professional. Just a random herbal medicine nerd sharing what works for ME. This might not work for you. ALWAYS see your personal doctor to discuss your options before taking any sort of medication, home remedy, herbal remedy or supplement.
I hope these home remedies for winter colds help heal your body and soul from whatever nasty illness might be ailing you.
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Have an Amazing Day!
~Vanessa
Vanessa Hamlin is the owner and founder of Food Life Design and VLHamlinDesign. With her passion for frugal living and homesteading, Vanessa loves to write about easy recipes, making money, gardening, home remedies and everything else that a good life entails! When she’s not writing for Food Life Design or creating products for VLHamlinDesign, you’ll find Vanessa reading, drawing, gardening, cooking or spending time with her family.