Waking up with a stuffy nose, sore throat, and all the other symptoms of a cold is not fun!  These are some remedies that I like to use to boost my immune system and get back to feeling better fast.

Rest

This is obvious, but often difficult to do when we have such an active life. However, even going to bed an hour earlier can help give your body more energy to fight off the germs.

Water

And a lot of it! We all know we are supposed to drink 6-8 glasses of this essential liquid every day, but we rarely do. In times of sickness it is even more necessary, especially if you want to thin out some of that congestion.

Hot liquids

I don’t know what it is about chicken broth (especially homemade!), but it alway makes me feel better. Hot tea is alway soothing as well. I like green tea with lemon and honey…

Eucalyptus

Many people have used this herb to help with congestion by using a Homemade Chest Rub in place of Vicks vaporub. I haven’t tried this yet, but it sounds wonderful. And it’s so easy!

Steam

Another way to rid your body of unwanted congestion is to steam it away! I explained how I use this method in a previous post. I’ve also heard that adding a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to the water helps quite a bit too. You can also just take a hot shower, but I haven’t found that it is nearly as effective.

Licorice

No, not the candy! You can buy licorice root and make your own tea or just buy the tea. Either way, drinking a hot mug of this brew will aid it healing a sore throat and also help calm coughing. (Note: It is not recommended that those with high blood pressure use this remedy!)

Garlic

There are plenty of tasty things you can make with raw garlic. For example, bread topped with this Garlic Herb Butter. Doesn’t it sound tasty? Of course, I like garlic.. But not quite enough to eat garlic clove whole. Although, you can do that and it will give your immune system quite a boost. And there’s always the option of taking it in pill form. If you do this, be sure to take it with some kind of food to avoid indigestion.

Probiotics

Apparently, 80% of your immune system is located in your gut, so keeping it healthy will help you stay (or get) healthy. Probiotics can be found in yogurt, kefer or naturally fermented vegetables. My personal favorite is plain yogurt with fruit and granola!

Gargle

Most of us have gargled salt water to help heal an inflamed throat. You can also try adding lemon and honey to some warm water to gargle.

Avoid sugar

Sugar is not good for us… We all know this. However, did you know it really does affect your immune system? Avoiding excessive amounts of sugar at any time is key to a healthy body.   Avoiding any sugar is especially important when trying to boost your immune system and fight off illness. You really can get used to the taste of things with little or no sugar! I promise…

This something I learned on a mission trip to Central Asia. One of the girls on our team became sick with a bad cold and the missionary had her try a local home remedy.  I had never heard of it at the time, but now realize that it is a great way to get rid of unwanted nasal and chest congestion.

Steps for Steaming Your Face

• Boil water and let it sit for a few minutes
• Pour steaming water in a large bowl
• Place chamomile tea bags in water (I omit this step because I’m allergic!)
• Stand over bowl with a large towel over your head
• Breathe in steam (in through nose, out through mouth)
• Stay under as long as possible (I have to lift the towel up once in awhile)
• When finished, splash ice cold water on your face
• Dry your face

I consider this a concentrated version of taking a steaming, hot shower. It’s very refreshing and really helps with congestion.

An Added Bonus

You get a facial at the same time! This is quite helpful if you tend to get break-outs when sick.