Wintertime is great for snuggling indoors and sipping warm beverages, but it can also mean cold and flu season. While viruses and flu bugs can’t be prevented, there are some simple home remedies for cold and flu that can help ease symptoms, making this season a little more bearable. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most effective DIY home remedies, such as syrups, tinctures, and steam inhalations, that can help you get back on your feet faster.

1. Destress and Detoxify with DIY Cold and Flu Remedies

Generally, we wait until we have already been touched by the cold or flu season to focus on our bodies. Keep ahead of the curve and try some simple do-it-yourself remedies for calming your body and pampering your system.

Herbal Teas are a great way to target and treat specific illnesses. For example, when suffering from a cold, try a tea concoction that contains ginger, lemon, cardamom and honey. This blend will help to soothe your sore throat and clear the nasal passages. For the flu, the combination of Tulsi, Licorice and Turmeric is a great choice for reducing flu symptoms such as coughing and a blocked nose.

Inhaling Essential Oils is another useful way to clear and address the respiratory discomfort that comes with a cold or flu. Add around five drops of essential oil like Eucalyptus or Tea tree to a bowl of hot steaming water. When inhaled, the vapors from these oils will help to break up congestion and clear airways.

Also, don’t forget the importance of food and nutrients in building your immunity and naturally detoxifying your body. Add immune-boosting foods like spinach, garlic, bananas, pumpkin, and papaya, to your diet. Additionally, drink lots of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and flush out toxins.

2. Create Natural Syrups and Tinctures for Healing

Turn off the synthetic medication and reach for back-to-basics ingredients to create a healing remedy. With natural syrups and tinctures, you can prepare your own medicine with honey, vinegar, and herbs from the garden. Here are a few ideas for making homemade remedies to naturally support your body’s balance.

• Syrups – Heat up honey with water to create a sweet syrup. Add gardens herbs to boost its medicinal power. Adaptogens such as ashwagandha, astragalus root, and licorice root are all known for their adaptogenic properties.
• Tinctures – Steep herbs such as lemon balm, mint, or calendula in an alcohol-based liquid, such as vodka. This process can preserve the potent healing powers of your herbs for up to two years.

With syrups and tinctures, you can customize your medications to your specific needs and pick ingredients that go best with your health goals. A honey syrup can be a great way to add sweetness to drinks, while a tincture can serve as a strong medicine added directly to a glass of water.

Both syrups and tinctures can be used as topical applications. Apply syrups to wounds and skin or use as a hair mask. For tinctures, use a clean cloth soaked in the liquid to soothe sore muscles and skin rashes.

3. Make Your Own Steam Inhalations for Pressure Release

Steam inhalation is a great way to relieve sinus pressure and other forms of congestion. If your nose and throat are feeling clogged, here’s how to make your own steam inhaler:

• Choose your vessel: You can use either a pot or a bowl from your kitchen. Fill it with boiling water, and add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or menthol for added relief.
• Cover your head: Either place a thick towel over your head or poke a few holes in the top of a smaller bowl. This will help to trap the steam and make it rise.
• Time to Inhale: Put your head above the hot water and the bowl or pot. Keep your face at least 6 inches away from the water so you don’t get burned. Slowly inhale and exhale the steam for 5-10 minutes and try to relax.

You will notice a significant difference in your breathing almost right away. The effects of the steam may last for up to an hour, so make sure to take your time and enjoy it. This is a great way to relieve sinus pressure and congestion naturally and conveniently.

Steam inhalation is a quick and easy way to soften the mucous membranes and reduce inflammation. It is safe to use for all ages – even young children – and can be a great way to relieve sinus pressure or the symptoms of a cold or flu.

4. Cold and Flu Prevention with Homemade Remedies

Herbal Tea
Hot teas can do wonders for keeping colds and flus at bay! Make a hot cup of tea using herbal remedies like Echinacea, ginger, garlic, and thyme to help boost the immune system. All of these herbs are natural antibacterial and antiviral agents, and will help ward off any potential illnesses.

Steamy Shower
A steamy shower can help improve respiratory symptoms. The heat and steam can help clear the nasal passages and reduce inflammation, making it easier to breath. If you can, add a few drops of eucalyptus or tea tree oil to your steamy shower for an even more invigorating experience.

Vitamin C and Zinc Supplements
Take a daily dosage of vitamin C and zinc to give your immune system an extra boost. Vitamin C helps with healing and fighting off infection, while zinc helps with the production of antibodies.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture helps regulate immune functions and has been proven to be effective in cold and flu prevention. With the use of acupuncture, you will be able to build up resistance to germs and reduce the number of colds and flus you get.

When you’re feeling under the weather, there are plenty of home remedy options that could just have you feeling better in no time! From DIY syrups, to tinctures and steam inhalations, there are a range of natural remedies to assist in relieving cold and flu symptoms – no matter what takes your fancy! Get creative with these natural remedies and start feeling yourself again.