We’re still knee-deep in cold and flu season, and that means sniffling, sneezing, coughing and a whole lot of sleeping (if you’re lucky). When you’re feeling run down, there are a ton of ways to get relief using some of the things you probably already have in the kitchen.
Here are our top 5 cold and flu remedies using food that’s in the fridge or cupboard:
- Honey. Honey’s anti-inflammatory properties make it the perfect remedy for your sore throat. It can also help ease an upset stomach and chest congestion.
The taste doesn’t hurt either – especially compared to a few of the other things on this list. Just mix a few teaspoons of honey into your tea or take spoonfuls directly from the jar.
- Garlic. Garlic’s a powerful antioxidant, and its antiviral and antimicrobial properties can really kick a cold in the butt. It has a powerful compound, allicin, that’s released when it’s crushed or chewed. Allicin has been shown to boost the immune system and fight cold and flu germs.
And since you’re probably not planning on getting too close to another person while you’re fighting a nasty cold and flu bug, you don’t need to worry about the effect it has on your breath.
Don’t feel like just eating a clove of raw garlic? Make a garlic tea.
- Bring 3 cups of water and 3 cloves of crushed garlic to a boil
- Turn off the heat and add 1/2 cup of honey and 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice
- Strain and drink
- Salt Water. Gargling with salt water can ease a sore, scratchy throat by helping to pull out that flemmy liquid from inflamed throat tissues, making them less irritated and painful.
Mix half of a teaspoon of salt in a cup of water and gargle three times a day.
- Citrus Fruit. Both oranges and lemons are packed full of vitamin C, while oranges’ antioxidant properties will help the body heal and lemons’ microbial properties can help fight those cold germs. Squeeze some into your water or tea and drink up. And remember, fresh is best so skip the bottled lemon juice if you can.
- Ginger. Ginger’s a warming spice and it’s well known for its power against the common cold and the nausea that often accompanies the flu (think about all that gingerale you were given as a kid to soothe an upset tummy). It’s also a powerful anti-inflammatory to help ease your symptoms.
Ginger tea is easy to make and is spicy and delicious.
- Bring 3 cups of water to a boil
- Add some fresh chopped garlic and let steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain and add a tablespoon of honey
So, next time your throat starts to feel sore or your nose starts running, head to the pantry and whip up some soothing ginger tea or get gargling! Your body will thank you.