Even if you’re a relatively healthy adult, you’re still probably going to get 2-3 colds each year — sometimes, they’re just unavoidable.
Cold symptoms can be pretty miserable, but, fortunately, there are lots of things you can do to help speed up recovery and feel more like yourself as you let your cold run its course. Don’t miss these five tops tips that will help make your cold a little more tolerable.
1. Drink Bone Broth
Broth made from chicken or beef bones is a delicious remedy that will help you stay hydrated while also boosting your immune system and fighting off inflammation.
Organic, high-quality bone broth is filled with essential nutrients that are easy for your body to absorb in order to recover quickly. Research has also shown that the collagen found in bone broth can provide relief to people with autoimmune disorders.
You can buy bone broth at most grocery stores. Just check the ingredients list to make sure it’s as simple as possible. Ideally, your bone broth will only be made with ingredients like these:
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Bones from pasture-raised, grass-fed cows, chickens, or other animals
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Organic vegetables (carrots, onions, and celery are the most common)
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Apple cider vinegar
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Organic herbs (parsley, bay leaves, and thyme are popular)
2. Stay in Bed
When you have a cold, it’s important to give your body plenty of rest, too. Since colds are considered a minor illness, it’s tempting to try and shove your symptoms aside and go to work or school. Do your best to resist this urge, though.
Not only will you expose your coworkers or classmates to your germs, but overexerting yourself when you’re sick will likely end up extending your illness or making your symptoms worse.
If you’re bedridden but still need to work, you can use a laptop desk to catch up on projects from home. That way, you’ll still be making progress, but you won’t have to worry about spreading germs around. Just make sure that, in addition to working, you’re also resting as much as possible to expedite your recovery.
3. Drink Ginger Tea
Ginger has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve your immune system function. It can also clear up congestion, so it’s the perfect thing to consume when you’re dealing with a cold.
Ginger tea is one of the easiest ways to consume ginger when you’re feeling sick and don’t have much of an appetite. Steep some fresh ginger in hot water, or buy pre-made ginger tea bags.
If you don’t like the taste of ginger on its own, try mixing in some raw, local honey. High-quality honey is packed with antioxidants and also has antibacterial and antiviral properties to help you feel better, faster. You can add some lemon juice, as well, for an extra hit of vitamin C, which is also known for boosting the immune system.
4. Try Nasal Irrigation
Nasal irrigation can relieve a stuffy nose and sinus headaches. You can use a neti pot to do this or a bulb syringe.
Simply mix about ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of baking soda with eight ounces of lukewarm water. Then hold one nostril closed and pour or squirt the solution into the other nostril. Tilt your head to let it drain, then repeat 2-3 times before switching and repeating with the other nostril.
5. Steam Eucalyptus Oil
If nasal irrigation doesn’t appeal to you, eucalyptus essential oil is another, less-invasive option for clearing out your sinuses and eliminating a stuffy nose.
The easiest way to reap the benefits of eucalyptus oil is to put a few drops on the floor of the shower before you step in. The steam will help open up the nasal passages, so you’ll be breathing easier before you know it!
You can also fill a bowl with boiling water and 4-5 drops of oil. Simply place a towel of your head, then leave over the bowl and breathe in the steam for 5-10 minutes.
If you want to kick a cold fast, be sure to give these five remedies a try today. You’ll be feeling more like your old self in no time!
