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Four DIY Remedies for Cold & Flu Season

By Jessa McClure
Mother Taking Her Daughter's TemperatureIf winter illnesses have left you feeling fluish, then try some of these home remedies. They could help relieve those aching muscles and congested noses without ever leaving home.

Despite thorough hand-washing, a daily crop-dusting of disinfectant and a bottle of hand sanitizer in every room, you soon find yourself lying in bed, suffering from a winter illness. Cold and flu season returns with a vengeance every year, and sometimes getting sick is unavoidable.

If you're looking for a more cost-effective DIY approach to getting back to normal, and off of the couch, then try some of these tips and you might just feel better faster.

1. Raid the kitchen
Your instinct might be to run to the medicine cabinet when you feel a cold coming on, but you might have therapeutic items in other rooms of the house.

  • Lemons
    If you have a lemon, then you have a good source of vitamins B and C, and a fruit full of germ-killing abilities that can be added to a tasty tea.

  • Honey
    Honey is another great food item to keep on hand. It can be added to a cup of tea, and can help to coat a sore throat and might even help kill bacteria.

  • Salt
    Adding a little salt to some warm water can become a great remedy for a sore throat (if gargled) or a great sinus rinse when used in a bulb syringe or Neti pot.


2. Make some congestion-relieving shower bombs
As a child, your mother probably slathered your chest with Vicks VapoRub before bed to help relieve congestion and coughing. While you might be too old to be tucked in with VapoRub, you aren't too old for a Vicks-themed shower bomb that can have the same benefits.

3. Make your own heating pad
The flu is a tough opponent that often leaves you feeling down for the count. This can mean sore, aching muscles. Sometimes the best remedy for hurting hamstrings and other body aches is a heating pad. You can find them in virtually every pharmacy, but most require you to leave them plugged in to the wall while they are in use. If you'd rather not rely on your ability to remember to turn off the heating pad, then you can try your hand at creating your own microwaveable heating pad.

4. Make some chicken noodle soup
Your mom was right. Chicken noodle soup does make you feel better. Not only does the steamy dish help to open sinuses, its healthy ingredients and nostalgic taste make it the perfect food for when you're feeling fluish. Here's a great recipe for the classic comfort food that will fill your belly and delight your soul.

 

**Note: These suggestions are just for relieving symptoms. If you think you have the flu or your symptoms worsen, then please consult your doctor.

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Categories:  Kid's Health & Safety

About the Author

Jessa McClure

Jessa McClure

Jessa is the Editor-in-Chief of Hooray for Family and the mom of three energetic children. She has a BA in Mass Communication/Journalism from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and is a long-time resident of Central Texas. When she isn't writing and editing, she enjoys playing board games with her kids, teaching Sunday school and channeling her creativity into craft projects. 
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