I’m always impressed by how effective natural, plant-based remedies can be in combating sickness and want to share my favourite home remedies in hopes that they will make cold season a little easier for you this year. These tried-and-true cold remedies really work for me and I hope they do for you as well.
I’m part of that unlucky percent of the population that has an adverse reaction to cold medication so, needless to say, I don’t use it.
Since I became a mom, I’ve become something of a cold virus connoisseur. I can tell when one virus has morphed into a different one and really get deep into the experience of what symptoms come with which virus.
Runny nose, sore throat, sinus headaches, achy skin, coughs, itchy eyes, and being so stuffed up I sound like a duck—some are mild, and others knock me out. I will say that some of the symptoms can really be a pain without some sort of relief!
No matter what the case, I’m grateful to have some healing home remedies on hand for relief. I have been using many alternative remedies for years to get through the cold season, and I have honed them to help with the varied symptoms brought on with each new year.
Here they are!
Throat Relief Tea
Having a sore throat is the worst. When it hurts to swallow or talk, it’s tough to go on with your day. Luckily, you can get some relief from the pain with simple ingredients that you probably have on hand already in your kitchen. Ginger, honey, lemon, and sage are all natural anti-inflammatories and work wonders to soothe sore throat pain when brewed together in tea.
To make sore throat relief tea, add the juice of half a lemon, one slice of fresh ginger, a few fresh sage leaves, and a half tablespoon of honey to boiling water. Allow the mixture to steep for about five minutes before drinking.
Chicken Soup
Everyone knows that chicken soup is an age-old remedy for colds, but not that many people know why. Chicken contains carnosine, an immunity-booster, and the heat of soup works to relieve congestion and soothe throat pain. While any kind of chicken soup will bring some welcome relief from cold symptoms, I like to add these other ingredients to really amp up its symptom-thwarting power.
- Chili flakes: decongest
- Black pepper: reduces mucus
- Garlic: boosts immune system
- Turmeric: reduces inflammation
Echinacea Tincture
Echinacea is widely used to help boost immunity and fight off sickness. Follow this recipe from Herbalist Colleen Codekas and take the tincture at the first signs of a cold.
Essential Oil Roll-On Remedy
I add a blend of cold-fighting essential oils to a carrier oil and keep the mixture in a roller bottle so I can conveniently roll it onto my chest and the soles of my feet when I feel a cold coming on. You can also make essential oil roll-ons for insomnia and headache. Head over here to get the recipes.
Sage Candy
Do you like to use Halls or Fisherman’s Friend? Before cold season begins, make up a batch of these sage candies for sore throats. They’re so tasty and help lessen your sore throat conditions.
Decongestant Steam Treatment
The humidity from warm steam helps to soothe coughs and dry sinuses, and you can make your own cold-fighting humidifier by adding decongestant and anti-inflammatory ingredients to boiling water and breathing in the steam.
Start by making my Cold Relief Simmering Spices recipe, then pour just-boiled water over the simmering spices in a large bowl. Position your head over the bowl and cover both your head and the bowl with a towel to keep the steam in. Breathe deeply for about ten minutes and you will feel instant relief.
Eucalyptus Shower Steamers
These eucalyptus steamers turn your whole shower into a decongestant steam treatment! Whip up a batch using this recipe, then pop one on the shower floor, and when you run the warm water, it will cause the steamer to fizz and melt, releasing soothing eucalyptus into the steamy air.
Taking a hot foot bath reduces inflammation in the head and chest by drawing blood towards the feet. The steam from this healing foot soak also helps with congestion.
To make the foot soak, you will need:
Make It!
Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container such as a Mason jar. To use, add about ½ cup to a warm foot bath and soak for at least 15 minutes.
Thieves’ Oil Hand Sanitizer
I am normally sick all the time in winter, but since I have been using a homemade Thieves’ oil treatment on my hands I get sick wayyyy less often.
Maybe it’s from the essential oils, or maybe it’s just luck, but all I know is I’m rubbing this essential oil blend on my hands regularly and I’m feeling great. At the very least it smells good and feels nice, and it’s handy to have when I can’t wash my hands. See how to make your own here.
I also have an alcohol version here you can try if you want something more powerful.
Homemade Vapor Rub
This DIY vapor rub balm can be applied to your chest to help soothe congestion and coughs. You can also rub it under your nose for a stuffy nose and sore skin from scratchy tissues.
Or have someone rub some on your feet just because it feels good to get a foot rub when you have a rotten cold.
Cold Remedy FAQ
First, keep hydrated and rested. Give your body the energy it needs to fight off this cold by eating well. The next thing you want to do is boost your immune system. I like to take the echinacea tincture at the first sign of a cold, as well as make some chicken noodle soup. I also try to increase the humidity around me and have found my steam treatment a great thing to do daily while feeling cold symptoms.
The first stages of a cold occur in the first 3 days, where you have a hint of symptoms, including a mild sore throat or a running or stuffed nose. After 4-7 days, it progresses into the active stage where the symptoms worsen including aches, fatigue, and fever. After a week, the late stage is where most of your symptoms are gone, minus a lingering cough or stuffed nose.
Vitamin C is known to help boost the immune system. Getting adequate doses will help prevent you from getting a cold. However, there is limited research indicating that it can speed up the recovery from a cold. The best thing to do is ensure you’re getting the right amount of Vitamin C every day. Most people get enough from eating fruits and vegetables, but some people may want to consider taking a supplement.
I hope that some of this helps you get through the cold season as well. It’s very important to note that cold viruses are common and unpleasant but if you have any question that you are seriously ill, get yourself to a doctor.
These recipes are not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and you should always check with your health care professional before trying any home remedies. Use your common sense and please be well my friends!
More Healing Remedies to Try
