Old-Timey Remedies For Colds And Flu

The common cold and flu are two of the most common illnesses in the world. They come on with an array of symptoms, including a runny nose, congestion, sore throat, headaches, fatigue, fever and chills, as well as nausea and vomiting. Of course, certain symptoms are more common with one or the other. Fever and chills, for instance, are far more often seen in the flu. Congestion and a runny nose occur with both, but even more often with the common cold.

Everyone looks for multi-symptom cold and flu relief, there is no question about that. There are options for cold and flu day and night medication that can reduce symptom severity for sure. But what’s more, there are countless old-timey remedies out there that make for extremely effective cold and flu treatments!

Inhaling Steam

Clogged sinuses and noses are incredibly annoying to deal with and can make a common cold feel like the end of the world. Most people have a memory of their grandma sticking them in the hot shower or bath. The heat from the water helps clear the sinuses. Taking a hot shower or bath is the most common old-timey way of inhaling steam. However, it’s not the only method! Leaning over a bowl of hot water with a towel behind the head to keep the steam contained is another great way to clear the sinuses with steam. In addition to clearing nasal congestion, steam can also loosen mucus in the throat. Both of these common cold and flu symptoms are now gone!

Get Into Garlic

Garlic is best known as a pungent ingredient. But it also has healthy properties, such as being a natural antiviral. It boosts the immune system, flushes the body of toxins, and gets rid of nasal congestion. All of these help treat the common cold and flu! Although raw and fresh garlic does work, it is too strong for some. A good alternative is boiling water with cloves of garlic and then drinking the water. Honey can make this sweeter if needed. Garlic can also be added to dishes like spaghetti or simple stir-fries. And don’t forget about garlic bread!

Soothe The Stomach With Ginger

When it comes to getting rid of nausea and vomiting due to the flu, there is no better old-timey remedy than ginger. Ginger is incredible at settling an upset stomach and even treating diarrhea, which are quite common when dealing with the flu. Ginger tea is the easiest way to get ginger in. It also helps keep people hydrated, which is crucial when they are sick. Flat ginger ale, as long as it is made with real ginger, can also help. Ginger ale must be flat when it’s to treat the common cold or flu, as carbonation can upset the stomach further. Ginger supplements also work wonders, and these can be found with other supplements in grocery stores or at health food stores and pharmacies.

Eat Some Chicken Noodle Soup

Perhaps the most iconic old-timey remedy for the common cold and flu was homemade chicken noodle soup. Chicken noodle soup is full of protein, fiber, and healthy carbohydrates. It’s also a great hydrator, especially with the sodium content. This is great if people find themselves vomiting. Hydration is vital in treating the common cold and flu, after all. Chicken noodle soup is also easy to digest. This means it won’t irritate any nausea that may be present. It may even get rid of the nausea! Although homemade soup is the best remedy, and certainly the most old-timey, canned chicken noodle soup will work. Try it with crackers!

Drink Herbal Tea

It’s been mentioned several times: staying hydrated is the best option when recovering from the common cold or flu. This is a clear reason why tea has long been considered a cure-all. Feeling sad? Tea. Anxious? Drink tea. Everyone with a cold should be drinking herbal tea. It does not contain caffeine. This is good, as caffeine can be dehydrating and prevent people from sleeping. Herbal teas are also delicious with honey, which naturally soothes a sore throat and can even stop a cough.

Great herbal teas to try include chamomile, lemon, and echinacea. Echinacea has antiviral properties, which can shorten the length of illness. It also boosts immune system activity! Those who are having trouble sleeping should try chamomile or even valerian root tea. And yes, ginger tea is also an excellent choice! All of these teas help people stay hydrated, and thanks to the herbs they contain, they also pack an additional punch. This puts them a little ahead of water when it comes to curing the common cold and flu.