Taking a day off because you’re sick, even if you’ll be sitting around in bed all day, isn’t as fun as most people think. A killer combination of coughing, sneezing, body aches, and fever could leave anyone down for the count and miserable throughout the entire day. There will even be times where you wouldn’t have the energy to leave your house to go to the drugstore just to treat your symptoms. Fortunately, there are plenty of natural remedies available that could boost your immune system and get you back on your feet sooner. Some of which could be hiding inside your kitchen, just waiting to be found.

When the cold bites, when the flu stings

You’ve probably heard of the saying: “One ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” By giving your body a consistent supply of essential vitamins and nutrients, you could prevent illnesses while supporting your body to function at its maximum potential. Some lifestyle changes you could range from changing your diet to getting regular exercise.

However, if illness does take a hold of you, it is not the cause for alarm. Below you can find a list of 6 natural remedies you probably already have inside the comfort of your own home:

1. Garlic. This health-boosting powerhouse contains a compound called allicin, which has potent antimicrobial properties that can help alleviate the symptoms of the common cold. Some research even suggests that garlic could help you avoid the sickness entirely.
2. Honey. In relation to the aforementioned saying, did you know that the average American consumes a little more than one pound of honey a year? While it may not be a “cure” per se, it is the sweetener of choice for some people due to the many health benefits it provides. Honey contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that help prevent diseases.
3. Hot peppers. While spicy foods may not be for everyone, especially if one is sick, it still proves an effective way to clear your sinuses. Peppers contain a chemical called capsaicin, which is responsible for their heat. What people don’t realize is that this chemical could help thin out mucus and cause your nose to run, clearing out your nasal cavities for easier breathing.
4. Ginger. This root has been used for centuries for the plethora of health benefits it provides. Dropping a few slices of raw ginger in a pot of boiling water could help soothe cough or sore throat.
5. Green tea. A soothing cup of green tea could be the perfect beverage for anyone suffering from the symptoms of the flu. Green tea contains compounds called catechins that could help the immune system fight the flue. A study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that people who gargled tea catechin solutions had a significantly lower risk of influenza infection compared to those who didn’t. Furthermore, taking a hot beverage can help warm up people experiencing chills from either illness.
6. Salt. You can mix a tablespoon of salt with a cup of hot water to make a gargle that can relieve sore throat and stop the development of infection before it becomes any worse.

You don’t have to go all the way to the pharmacy to get the treatment you need to relieve cold and cough symptoms. They might seem a little weird to take at first, but these home remedies could be just as a effective as contemporary medicine.

Sources:

TheOrganicPrepper.com

FamilyEducation.com

PBS.org

CochraneLibrary.com ^[EPDF]

Healthline.com

LiebertPub.com