5 Natural Home Remedies for Fall Illnesses

Every fall and winter, people flock to doctors’ offices to get treatment for common fall illnesses, like the common cold and the flu. However, many of these people leave the doctor’s office without a prescription, because their doctor told them to simply rest, drink lots of fluids, and wait for the cold or flu to pass. Before you run out to the nearest drug store to stock up on over the counter medicines, try a natural home remedy. Here are five natural home remedies that you can try at home to reduce your symptoms and to speed up your recovery.

1. Honey and Cinnamon

This natural home remedy is sure to be a hit with the kids. Simply mix 1 teaspoon honey with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. And then consume! You could also add it to a hot cup of tea or serve it with sliced fresh fruit.

WHY IT WORKS: Cinnamon is anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial, and it also helps to relieve congestion and encourages circulation. Honey has anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties.

2. Salt Water Rinse

Reduce nasal congestion with a homemade salt water rinse. Warm up 8 ounces of distilled, sterile, or recently boiled water and add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. Mix until blended and then pour it into a bulb syringe. Lean over a sink, put the bulb syringe into a nostril, close the other nostril with your finger, and slowly squeeze the bulb syringe. Let drain and repeat two or three times. You could use a Neti Pot instead of a bulb syringe.

WHY IT WORKS: A salt water rinse breaks up nasal congestion and pushes out bacteria and virus particles that are hiding inside your nasal passages.

3. Salt Water Gargle

Get a glass of warm water and dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in the water. Take a sip and gargle for a few seconds. Repeat at least three times a day. For a better tasting gargle, try using lemon juice and honey instead of salt. Gargle and then swallow.

WHY IT WORKS: Just like putting salt on eggplants will dry them out, salt water can remove excess fluid from the inflamed tissues in your throat. Less inflammation means less pain. Also, the act of gargling can loosen up mucus. When you spit out the salt water, you’re also removing bacteria and other irritants from your throat.

4. Hot Packs

For congested sinuses, put hot packs on your sinus area. Store-bought reusable hot packs are always efficient, but you can use what you already have at home. Dampen a washcloth and put it in a microwave and heat it for around 30 seconds or when it is adequately heated for you.

WHY IT WORKS: Heat helps to loosen congestion. Drinking hot fluids, such as tea, coffee, and chicken soup, will also reduce congestion to give you some relief.

5. Hot Toddy

This is one of the oldest natural home remedies that is used to treat nasal congestion and sore throats. Make a cup of hot herbal tea and add 1 teaspoon honey and 1 ounce of whiskey or bourbon. If you prefer, you could use lemon juice instead of honey. Enjoy your tea late in the day to have a good nights’ sleep!

WHY IT WORKS: The alcohol helps to slightly dilate the blood vessels, which makes it easier for your mucus membranes to fight against the infection. Also, the steam that comes from your hot toddy will help reduce congestion. Just limit yourself to one, since too much alcohol can be counterproductive.

Want more all-natural life solutions that you can make yourself? Try this non-toxic bug spray and these 25 natural cleaner recipes.

SOURCES:

https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/12/08/cold-remedy-cocktails-do-they-work/
https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/cold-remedies
https://www.healthhomehappy.com/2010/09/honey-and-cinnamon-a-simple-cold-home-remedy-that-kids-love.html

Title Image and Featured Image Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens