By Paula Dispa
A runny nose, sore throat, a pile of used tissues and an ache in every bone, all make for a nasty cold. Don’t let the germs take over. Instead, take charge with easy home remedies for instant relief.
First things first, drink up. Fluids can help relieve a sore throat and reduce headaches. Adding lemon to water or making a hot cup of tea, such as a relaxing herbal tea, can also bring some relief.
“I drink a lot of tea to calm my sore throat and keep myself hydrated, so I don’t get headaches throughout the day,” Rachel Morris, senior, said.
According to Healthy Holistic Living, honey has many anti-inflammatory properties that work to decrease inflammation and swelling while soothing any irritation within the internal glands, mucus membranes, and skin. Honey contains an enzyme known as ‘glucose-oxidase’ which works to fight against infections, and has great antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help to fight against and eliminate bacterial and viral infections.
“Since I was a little kid, my mom mixes some honey and lemon together to help soothe my sore throat,” Justin Madrigale, sophomore, said.
Vitamin C plays an important role in your body and has many health benefits. Along with limes, oranges, grapefruits, leafy greens and other fruits and vegetables, lemons are a good source of vitamin C. Adding fresh lemon juice to hot tea with honey may help reduce phlegm build up when sick.
“When I have a cold, I eat oranges and bananas that are high in vitamin C because it boosts my immune system to fight off my sickness,” Maximus Campbell, freshman, said.
The old-fashioned topical ointment VapoRub can help distress a tight chest. Just one or two applications before bed can help open air passages to combat congestion, reduce coughing, and improve sleep.
“When I was little, my mom used to rub some VapoRub on my chest to help me breathe and sleep better,” Taylor Boren, junior, said.
Warm baths can lessen cold symptoms; by adding Epsom salt and baking soda to the water, it can diminish body aches. A few drops of essential oil such as tea tree, juniper, rosemary, thyme, orange, lavender, or eucalyptus can also have a soothing effect.
“My favorite thing to do when I have a cold is take a warm bath. It’s a perfect time for me to relax and to genuinely feel better. I add some salts and aromatherapy to create a really soothing environment that I can completely focus on myself,” Hannah Grossman, junior, said.
