Warm liquids provide relaxation and take the edge off a chill under any circumstances. But when it comes to illness, heat is especially soothing; scientific research now supports this age-old belief.
Virus transmission increases in cold weather, and with the recent outbreak of the H1N1 virus, relief is especially sought after. There are many combinations of household ingredients easily transformed into warm home remedies for cold and flu when medicine simply doesn't work fast enough.
Potion for Sore Throat Relief
This may not be the tastiest of treats, but this recipe will soothe an irritated throat and help with painful swallowing.
- 8 Ounces Hot Water
- 1 Tablespoons Honey
- 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
Combine all ingredients and stir together. Sip slowly.
Simple Hot Toddy for Cold Relief
The traditional hot toddy was highly valued in previous generations as a sleep aid and treatment for throat pain.
- 8 Ounces Hot Water
- 1 1/2 Ounces Whiskey
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1 Tablespoon Honey
Combine all ingredients and drink slowly before bed. This recipe does have a medicinal and strong alcohol taste. It can be varied if it is intolerable. Try adding extra honey, using tea as a base, or spicing the drink with a cinnamon stick or cloves.
Herbal Teas for the Common Cold
Herbal Teas and Infusions can boost the immune system and provide relief for many symptoms. There is a wide range of popular produce and garden herbs when it comes to homemade teas, but ginger is historically favored for an upset stomach treatment.
Ginger Tea for Congestion or Upset Stomach
- 10 Ounces of Water
- 1 Handful of Chopped Ginger Root
- 1 Tablespoon Sugar
Boil ginger in water until soft. Turn off heat. For congestion, cover head with a towel and breathe in the steam. For nausea, strain and stir in sugar. Sip slowly.
Rosemary and Sage Tea for Head Cold Relief
Rosemary is known for its pain relieving qualities and can be used to relieve the pain of headaches, while sage is useful in treating head cold symptoms.
- 10 Ounces Water
- 1 Handful Fresh Rosemary
- 1 Handful Fresh Sage
Boil herbs in water for five minutes. Strain and sip slowly. It is also helpful to breathe in the steam as this beverage heats, as this assists in clearing nasal passages.
Hot Limeade for Cold Relief
Vitamin C packed citrus fruit juice is very helpful in relieving many cold symptoms, and also helps support good spirits. Citrus fruit can be eaten as an immune supporting snack, and orange and grapefruit juices can be drank for a mental and physical boost.
- 8 Ounces Hot Water
- 1 Tablespoon Lime Juice
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 Tablespoon Honey
For a quick citrus fix, add a tablespoon full each of lime and lemon juice to a cup of hot water. Stir in a tablespoon of honey and sip slowly.
Other Popular Hot Treatments for Cold and Flu Relief
There are endless options for hot symptom-relieving beverages. Extremely easy drinks include hot water mixed with a tablespoon of honey, or a mugful of hot chicken broth.
Much of the relief hot drinks provide for patients is psychological. This means that, while it's better to stay away from dehydrating sugar and caffeine rich drinks like coffees and hot cocoa, most hot drinks will provide temporary relief or at least a soothing feeling. Teas and warm fruit juices are always great options when faced with a cold.
Drinking an abundance of water is extremely important in recovering from a cold or flu, and plenty of rest is also essential.
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