The cold and flu season is back. Cold viruses love this time of year when temperatures are falling, but the good news is that there are effective and natural cold remedies you can use to boost your immune system while easing the annoying symptoms of the common cold and flu.
According to the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University in the UK, a simple hot drink can provide immediate and sustained relief from the symptoms of a runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, chilliness and tiredness, all signs of a cold or the flu.
So, whether you just need to warm your bones, or you are nursing a cold, try these tasty drinks to take the chill out of your frozen bones:
Ginger and turmeric honey drink: This is sure to open up your breathing and get you feeling good again.
To make half a cup of this mixture, you’ll need half a cup of honey (unheated), two to four tablespoons of freshly grated or ground ginger depending on how strong you prefer it, two teaspoons of ground turmeric, the freshly grated zest of one lemon and two pinches of ground black pepper.
For a really strong flavour, stir all the ingredients in a bowl, taste, and add more ginger or turmeric if needed. Then store the mixture in a glass container. Boil a cup of water and let it slightly cool (to keep the benefits from the honey intact) and then stir in a few teaspoons of the mixture and drink. You can also add it to your favourite brewed tea.
Lemon water: This gives your immune system a Vitamin C boost and helps your body stay hydrated.
Lemons are high in pectin, a prebiotic that assists good gut health by feeding healthy gut bacteria. They also contain large amounts of citric acid, which can increase urine output and decrease kidney stones, as well as aid in digestion.
Squeeze a fresh lemon in hot or warm water. A daily glass of lemon water, perhaps first thing in the morning, may be just what is best for your immune system and your overall health.
Thyme tea: This clears up your congestion and brightens your mood.
Thyme is packed with disease-fighting antioxidants and is particularly useful for colds and flu and easing coughs and sore throats. Thyme also has mood-boosting effects, so it may be able to help pull you out of the sickness blues.
To make thyme tea, combine about one tablespoon of dried thyme with hot water. Let it steep for about ten minutes and then strain. Drink the tea frequently throughout the day. You can also add some peppermint or spearmint for more of a healing boost.
Honey, lemon and ginger jar: This is a simple homemade cold and flu remedy.
All you need is one cup of honey, two lemons (sliced), one inch of fresh ginger (sliced), and one 500 ml jar with a lid.
Add the lemon, ginger and honey to the jar in layers. Place two to three slices of lemon in the jar and add a couple of pieces of ginger and then a few spoonfuls of honey. Repeat until the jar is full. Screw the lid on tightly and put in the fridge for at least 12 hours before using to allow all the ingredients to combine and the flavours to infuse. Shake the jar well, then add one or two teaspoons of the mixture to a mug of warm water and drink immediately.
Ginger tea: This is super easy to make, lightly spicy and warms you up quickly.
Ginger contains many vitamins and minerals, including chromium which can help prevent chills and fevers. It can be useful for a bad cough or a sore throat and the headaches that often accompany illness. It can also help break down toxins and cleanse the body.
To make ginger tea, cut up a raw ginger root, put it in a pot of water, and then bring to the boil before simmering for about 15 minutes. Ginger powder can also be used.
Hot cocoa: Cocoa contains substances that can help your body fight off cold symptoms.
According to the British National Health Service, the cocoa in chocolate might help cure a persistent cough and has been found to be as effective as cough medicine. Chocolate is also a top antioxidant, and it releases feel-good chemicals in the brain. But stick to dark chocolate (at least 70 per cent cocoa is best) and pure cocoa powders without added sugar as these have the most nutrients and antioxidants.
For a healthy and easy hot beverage, just combine cocoa powder and hot water with milk. Adding some cinnamon is also a great idea.
*A version of this article appears in print in the 6 February, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.
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