6 natural cold remedies already in your pantry
You can get a flu shot. You can try every immunity boosting-prevention tip in the book. And still there are going to be those times when the flu hits you -- and hits you hard.
When that unfortunately happens, you'll be willing to try anything and everything that's rumored to help you feel better. The good news is you might not have to trek all the way to the pharmacy for a fast-acting remedy. That's because there are several items right in your own pantry that can alleviate your symptoms just as well as prescription drugs. Check out these six natural cures that could have you feeling better in no time.
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-Chicken soup. This time-honored cure needs no further explanation.
-It's thought that raw garlic, which contains several helpful compounds, including allicin, can fight infection. Of course, chomping on a raw clove of garlic isn't the most appetizing thing in the world, especially when you are sick; instead, try dicing it into basil and tomato bruschetta; blending it into fresh hummus; or juicing it with other fresh veggies.
-Onions have been known to relieve symptoms of the flu including coughs, congestion, respiratory infections, and bronchitis. Toss sliced raw onion into your chicken broth.
-For relief from a sore throat, dissolve a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and gargle four times a day.
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-There are several varieties of tea that may help fight the flu: Peppermint tea is a natural decongestant; ginger tea, chamomile, and cinnamon can alleviate nausea; lemon balm tea promotes sweating.
-Some scientists think that honey contains a natural ingredient that fights against the flu, which is why many people recommend drinking it with lemon and tea if you are feeling under the weather. Even if it doesn't kill flu germs, at least it will soothe a cough, ease queasiness, and make your sore, scratchy throat feel better!
Which remedies from the pantry do you use to fight the flu?
Image via boo_licious/Flickr
Written by Kim Conte on CafeMom's blog, The Stir.
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