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November 2020

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Reliable Relief
Home Remedies for Cold and Flu Symptoms

Cold and flu season is here and, this year, we have to contend with COVID-19 as well. Thankfully, it is possible to manage many of the symptoms of these viral respiratory infections with some simple home remedies. The following suggestions can help you find some relief, allowing you to rest comfortably and get better as soon as possible.

1. Drink plenty of fluids

You likely often hear the advice to drink a lot of fluids when you are sick, and that is because there are important benefits to doing so. For one, staying properly hydrated reduces congestion, relieving stuffy noses and sinus pressure. It is also easy to become dehydrated if you have a fever, which commonly accompanies the flu and COVID-19. Make sure you are replenishing your fluids regularly.

2. Sweeten your favourite tea with honey

Drinking warm tea is a good way to stay hydrated and to relieve a scratchy throat. Sweetening it with a bit of honey can soothe your throat even more, and it may even reduce the severity of a cough. Drinking a cup of honey tea in the evening will help you wind down and hopefully sleep more soundly at night.

3. Boil up some ginger tea

Another effective option for staying hydrated, soothing a sore throat, and calming a cough is ginger tea. Plus, it couldn’t be easier to make. All you have to do is boil a few slices of ginger root, let the tea cool, and enjoy. Ginger is widely known for reducing nausea as well, which is a common symptom of the flu.

4. Gargle with salt water

Gargling with salt water is also a common suggestion for easing a sore throat, as it is thought to reduce swelling. An additional benefit of a salt water rinse is that it can loosen mucus at the back of the throat which may be causing congestion and discomfort. To try it at home, simply dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a small glass of water, gargle, spit, and repeat until the glass is done.

5. Increase your home humidity levels

Dry air can further irritate inflamed throat and nasal passages, so seek to make your home environment as humid as possible. Setting up a humidifier or vaporizer in the bedroom might help you breathe and sleep easier at night. The vapour from a long and hot shower will provide relief from many cold, flu, and COVID-19 symptoms as well.

6. Take a warm bath with Epsom salts

Running a warm bath and relaxing in it for a while is another way to increase humidity and help with congestion. It is also an effective remedy for easing body aches and pains, which may occur with the cold, flu, and COVID-19. Adding in some Epsom salts can be even more soothing for your muscles, and the nice smell makes for a more relaxing bath as well.

When you have a viral infection, there’s not much to do but let it run its course. By managing the symptoms, however, you can enjoy a smoother recovery and have an easier time getting the rest you need.

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