No matter how advanced our medical research gets, there will always be those old wives’ tales and remedies that we turn to again and again. Given the wisdom of those who have gone before us, these natural winter cold and flu remedies are definitely worth a try.
1. Take a hot mustard bath
Apparently, adding mustard to a hot bath will not only help with your blood circulation, but it should also help to clear that stuffy nose and congestion.
2. Don’t set foot outside with wet hair
They say that prevention is better than cure, and walking outside with wet hair is only tempting fate. Even if you really need to make a last-minute dash, you should really wrap up in a hat and scarf.
3. Try a hot toddy
Possibly the most famed old wives’ tale, a hot toddy is said to work wonders to shake a cold. It’s a simple enough recipe – one cup of boiled water or milk, sugar to taste, and a splash of whiskey. This is likely to guarantee you a good night’s sleep.
4. Sip chicken soup
Not just good for the soul, chicken soup has actually been scientifically proven to help you recover from a cold. The key to the cure-all capabilities of chicken soup lies in the combination of fats, spices and hot water – all central to breaking up that pesky mucus.
5. Inhale steam
As uncomfortable as it may be, holding your (covered) head over a bowl of steaming hot water is great for shifting congestion in your passages. This will provide instant relief.
