Let’s be real here: a cold is never fun. The runny nose, the nasal congestion, the chills, and the fever — the perfect recipe for a miserable and horrible time, really.
Now, of course, you’ve probably taken some over-the-counter medications to combat these symptoms, and you absolutely should. However, you might find them lacking or not working as fast as you’d hoped.
Well, in that case, you might want to make use of some home remedies — in addition to your medications — to help to fight the cold and the symptoms. Below, we share some of these simple DIY home remedies you can try out when you’re feeling under the weather.
1. Drink Your Water
If you’re looking for a miracle fluid, water is perhaps the closest thing to it. It helps to thin mucus, reduce congestion, and prevent dehydration.
If you’ve guzzled down too much H2O and are looking for some varieties, you can turn to juices instead. Apart from that, tea with some lemon and honey would also get the job done. In fact, honey has been known to be an effective cough suppressant.
2. Gargle With Tea Tree Oil
Gargling with tea tree oil can also help to alleviate cold symptoms — especially sore throat. All you have to do is just add a drop of tea tree oil into a glass of warm water. Swish it around and then spit it out.
3. Make Full Use of Essential
Essential oils have long been used to alleviate cold and its symptoms. Different essential oils would help with different symptoms. For instance:
- Lemon helps to clear the nasal passage.
- Peppermint reduces coughs and throat infections.
- Eucalyptus brings down fevers.
- Cedarwood and frankincense loosen mucus.
- Tea tree oil fights infections.
For maximum effect, inhalation is your best bet. Simply sniff the bottle directly or add a few drops of essential oil to a cotton ball or handkerchief and inhale deeply.
Alternatively, place a few drops of the essential oil in a large bowl of boiling water. Carefully lean over the bowl and cover your head with a towel. Breathe in and breathe out deeply.
Apart from that, you can always mix the essential oil with a carrier oil and massage the blend onto the throat and chest area for relief.
And, of course, for something effortless, a few drops of the oil in a diffuser would absolutely work, too.
Now, if you’d prefer to use a specialized blend rather than individual essential oil, you might want to give our Clearing Essential Oil Blend a try. The blend has everything you need to kick colds and flu to the curb.
For instance, cubeb oil boosts the immune system and cajeput oil is a natural decongestant as well as an expectorant. With the blend, you’ll feel better in no time at all.
4. Take A Warm Bath
A warm bath may be exactly what your body needs to recover. The steam helps to soothe the nasal passage, lubricate, and minimize congestion.
For the best experience and effect, add a few drops of the above-mentioned essential oils to your warm bath water and gently mix with your hand. Soak and enjoy the reprieve from the cold and flu.
5. Coconut Oil Helps
Did you know that coconut oil helps with colds, too? Sure, it works best to prevent colds but it’s also great to alleviate the symptoms.
When you’re feeling congested, mix a few drops of coconut oil with either peppermint or eucalyptus essential oils to make your own vapor rub. Massage the blend onto your chest and back.
With these DIY home remedies in your arsenal, hopefully, you will feel better soon. Remember to rest up and take care!
