So you’re sick. It happens to all of us from time to time. Most of us get a cold or two each year. Maybe we get laid up in bed for a couple days, or maybe we have a cold that lingers like a friend who’s overstaying their welcome on your couch. Whatever the case, we know that having a cold and flu basically sucks. We have low to no energy, miss out on work, the gym, and everything in our day to day that usually leaves us filled with energy, fulfillment, and the drive we need to pursue our goals. That can be discouraging, and it’s hard to get back on track.
We want to get over our sickness as fast as possible and limit the symptoms. So where do most of us turn? The drug aisle and the pharmacy, usually. But hang on a second, because that’s not always the healthiest, most cost-effective, or efficient way to knock out whatever you’re battling. There are some great all-natural remedies that’ve been around for decades, and some general best-practices for handling the sick bug, and they don’t involve going to the pharmacy at all.
These are all tried-and-true methods for easing discomfort and speeding recovery, and most of them can be created with ingredients that are already in your home.
1. Liquids, liquids, liquids.
Colds and flus wage a war inside your body that can leave you with headaches, aches, pains, and dehydration. According to this recent New York Times article, liquids and upright sitting position are the most important counterattacks when you’ve come down with the illness, recommending a cup or so of liquid per hour. That’s why liquids in general, even plain water, are first on this list—they are so important when you’re sick. Don’t skimp!
It’s also recommended that you avoid alcohol and caffeine . . . which I know can be difficult for you coffee-fiends out there. If you do need your daily dose of caffeine, try to drink a small cup or see if you can get by with a cup of green tea, which has less caffeine than coffee. The next two numbers on this list are some of my favorite beverage-based remedies.
2. Cayenne Toddy
If you’re looking for something that will boost your immune system, raise your body temperature, clear your sinuses, and soothe your throat, look no further than this cayenne toddy recipe. All you do is plop the following ingredients together in a mug, add boiling water, and stir to mix:
– ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 tbsp organic, raw honey (local, if you can get it)
– ¼ tsp cayenne powder (start here, and increase the amount of cayenne if you can handle it!)
– lemon wedge, squeezed…….
