Tis’ the season for catching the common cold! While it may be tempting to reach for the usual over- the-counter medicine, MOLLY MAID suggests trying these homemade remedies to help alleviate your cold symptoms this winter.
Congestion:
Hot Ginger Tea
Hot ginger tea is a great remedy for congestion. The aromatic parts in ginger, called ‘gingerol’, help alleviate congestion, while the hot water hydrates your body. Here’s a recipe for you to try:
Ingredients
- 6-8 tbsp of freshly grated ginger root
- A dash of cinnamon (optional)
- A squirt of lemon juice (optional)
- 1 tsp of honey (optional)
- 4 cups of water
- Strainer
- A jar with a tightly sealing lid
Directions
- Bring water to a boil. Once boiled, add ginger and cinnamon to the water.
- Cover liquid and let it steep for 30-40 minutes.
- Strain liquid into a mug and reheat the tea if necessary. Add honey and lemon to taste.
- Refrigerate the left over tea in the jar, for up to 24 hours.
- Reheat and drink 3 times throughout the day.
Peppermint Chest Balm
Homemade peppermint chest balm is a great remedy for congestion, and can be used in conjunction with ginger tea. The menthol in the peppermint essential oil creates a cooling sensation that makes it easier to breathe. You can also use eucalyptus, rosemary or thyme instead of peppermint, as these essential oils produce the same effect.
Ingredients
- ½ cup of coconut oil
- 15 drops of peppermint essential oil
- An airtight container, preferably metal
Directions
- In a pan, heat coconut oil until melted.
- Remove from heat and pour coconut oil into the airtight container.
- Add peppermint essential oil, stir, and seal until cooled.
- Once cooled, rub the balm on your chest. Wash your hands after application, to prevent the balm from coming into contact with your eyes.
- Keep peppermint balm in a cool, dark place, out of direct sunlight. The balm can be kept for up to 3 years.
Cough / Sore Throat:
A Honey-onion Syrup
This all-natural recipe is great for fighting a nasty cough and a sore throat. The honey helps sooth your throat, while the onion helps remove bacteria and decrease swelling. It can also help loosen up phlegm in your chest.
Ingredients
- 1 red or yellow onion, sliced
- 1 cup of organic raw honey
- A jar with a tight fitting lid
Directions
- Slice the onion evenly. Place a quarter of the onions into the jar and layer them with a ¼ cup of honey.
- Continue layering, until all of the honey and onion has been placed into the jar.
- Close the lid tightly and let it sit for 8-12 hours.
- After, take 1 tbsp. of the liquid created, as needed, and let it dissolve in your mouth to coat your sore throat and help control your cough.
Simple Syrup
All-natural syrups are another great remedy you can use to combat a cold. The marshmallow and liquorice root in this remedy provide a soothing coat for your sore throat, while the cinnamon and ginger help relieve congestion and soreness.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp liquorice root
- 1 tbsp marshmallow root
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon OR 6 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp chopped ginger
- 4 cups of water
- 1 cup of organic raw honey
- Strainer
- Glass jar with a tightly sealing lid
Directions
- Add liquorice root, marshmallow root, cinnamon and ginger into a saucepan and cover with 4 cups of water.
- Over low heat, simmer the mixture until reduced by half.
- Strain the herbs and pour liquid back into the saucepan.
- Over low heat, stir in honey and simmer gently, for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and place liquid into the jar.
- Take a maximum of 1-2 tbsp, 3 times daily.
- The syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 weeks.
