It’s that time of year again! When the flu runs rapid through our residence halls and apartments alike. Sure, eating a healthy diet and getting good exercise will all increase your chances of going cold free this winter, but sometimes even cavemen and women get the sniffles. However, we don’t recommend that just because you get a little cold, you should give up on this lifestyle and proclaim it false whilst running to the drug store to pick up all the decongestant you can get your hands on. As we’ve said before, we like to take a more “holistic” or natural approach to health. Here are 5 remedies to relieve that cold:
1.Salt Water Gargle
One of the most common ways to cure a soar throat without downing that nasty syrup is to simply gargle some salt water. It’s easy, quick and really works. All you need is some salt, about a tablespoon, and 3 cups of warm water. I like to mix it up and take a few separate gargles with this concoction. If you don’t know where to get salt from, take some from your dining hall, I won’t tell 😉
2.Coconut Oil/Honey
Coconut Oil and Honey both have antibacterial properties to them that can actually cure your cold. Mix either of them with green tea to get some extra antioxidants as well.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is fermented, which means that it has some probiotic properties to begin with. It is also an antiviral, which means it will give your immune system a nice boost. Take a teaspoon or two with some water.
4.Vitamin C
The first thing anyone wants to do when flu symptoms arrive is take some vitamin C. Chances are, if you catch it early with some vitamin C, you might be able to miss the cold in its entirety. Those EmergenC packets tend to be pretty useful and handy for any dorm room medicine cabinet. Things like elderberry extract were always a great source.
5.Neti Pot
Using a Neti Pot is another great way to get rid of congestion. Your sinus’s will have never felt any clearer before you try this thing. Daniel Vitalis, world renowned health guru, shows you how here:
As one college student to another, thank for the article and this great site!
Another one to add: taking some rose hip or vitamin c supplements for anyone who dislikes the taste of emergen-C (is that just me? yes? oh….)
I use to get cold easily maybe because of my week immune system or just a hyper-sweating body !
One of the best way for me is to do “steaming machine”!!!!!
Hot milk
I heard “rose hip” is full of Vitamine C!!!
Interesting idea, Pouyan. I will have to try it out!