Spring has finally arrived, and a lot of us have gotten sick due to the weather changing. It is the worst feeling to get the cold or flu unexpectedly, especially with exam season approaching. I am currently sick with the cold, but I do have a few home remedies for when you just want to stay in your PJs and watch movies all day.
Chicken Noodle Soup
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Chicken noodle soup is a common remedy people use when they are feeling under the weather. Enjoying a bowl of chicken soup with vegetables can slow the movement of neutrophils in your body. Neutrophils are a common type of white blood cell. They help protect your body from infection. When they’re moving slowly, they stay more concentrated in the areas of your body that require the most healing. Chicken noodle may not completely cure you, but will definitely help prevent sickness in the future.
Ginger
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There is scientific proof that ginger has curative properties. Research suggests that it can also ward off the feelings of nausea that so often accompany influenza. I put a few slices of raw ginger root in boiling water to help soothe a cough or sore throat.
Echinacea
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It has been said that Native Americans used the herb and root of the echinacea plant to treat infections for more than 400 years. It’s active ingredients include flavonoids, chemicals that have many therapeutic effects on the body. For example, flavonoids can boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. I would definitely use this herb in hot tea and mix it with honey.
Vitamin C
Photo via Keilidh Ewan
Another common remedy is Vitamin C. Drinking plenty of orange juice helps with my cold whenever I have a sore throat or cough. Lemons, along with limes, oranges, grapefruits, leafy greens, and other fruits and vegetables, are a good source of Vitamin C. Add some fresh lemon juice in a hot tea with honey, it will reduce phlegm when you’re sick.
Honey
Photo via Sonja Langford
Honey has a variety of antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Drinking honey in tea with lemon can ease sore throat pain. Research suggests that honey is an effective cough suppressant too. I always add honey and lemon to my tea to help when I have a bad cough and sore throat.
Hopefully these remedies help with whatever symptom you may have and prevent you from getting sick in the future. Stay home, relax and get well!