Cough and Sore Throat Remedy: Garlic

Photo Credit: Liz West

Ingredients:

1 clove of garlic

Method:

1. You can suck on the garlic clove or chop it up and consume it as is
2. Take 2-3 times a day

Caution: Garlic will cause unpleasant breath. Also garlic taken in excess can cause stomach problems. Do not use garlic if you are on blood thinning medication

Why it works:

Garlic has sulfur-containing volatile oil which gives it its aroma and medical properties. It is an anti-infective agent so it is able to kill the germs in the throat and soothes it.

Cough and Sore Throat Remedy: Turmeric and Honey

Ingredients:

Photo Credit: Steven Jackson Photography

• 1 tsp of Honey
• Turmeric

Method: 

1. Spoon 1 tsp of honey 
2. Sprinkle turmeric to cover the honey
3. Consume mixture every 2 hours

Why it works

Honey has anti-bacterial properties to kill the bad bacteria and prevent infection. It is also a humectant, it gives moisture and soothes a dry throat and cough. It is also a hypertonic osmotic (it draws fluid from inflamed tissue). This reduces the swelling in the throat. Turmeric is also an anti-bacterial substance. It's able to prevent the condition from worsening.

Caution: Turmeric can leave a yellow stain. Do not use turmeric if you have gallstones or are taking blood thinners.

Cough and Sore Throat Remedy: Saltwater Gargle

Photo Credit: Chris Blakeley

Ingredients:

• ½ tsp salt
• 1 glass of warm water

Method:

1. Dissolve the salt in the warm water
2. Gargle the mixture and spit out 
3. Repeat 4-5 times a day until soreness recedes

Why it works:

Salt is mild antiseptic so it kills the germs that could cause your cough and sore throat to worsen. The salt also draws fluid from the mucus membranes and clear the phlegm. The warm water helps soothe the throat and provide moisture. 

Nasal Congestion Remedy: Neti Pot

Photo Credit: Joelk75

Ingredients:

• 1 Clean Neti Pot
• Saline Solution

 Method:

1. Fill your neti pot with the saline solution and stand over your sink
2. Lean your head forward and start breathing through your mouth. (Breath through your mouth during the whole process so the passage from your nose to mouth is closed and the solution can’t pass.) 
3. Put the spout/nose cone into your right nostril 
4. Bend  forward and roll your head to the left. Make sure your left nostril is the lowest point. Your forehead and chin should also be lowered. Experiment with the position to see what works for you 
5. Tilt the pot so the solution is entering through your right nostril and emptying through your left. Hold your head in this position for 20 seconds and only move the pot to empty the solution. 
6. Remove the pot from your nostril and let all the solution flow out. Blow your nose very gently. Do not close one nostril and blow hardly because the water can escape to your ears.
7. Repeat the process with the left nostril, tilting to the opposite side 
8. You can move your head around to let the water out. You can also use tissue to dry up your nose. 
9. If your nasal passages are still congested you can repeat the process
10. Clean the neti pot after use

Why it works

The saline solution is an antibacterial and kills germs in the nasal passages. The liquid flow removes dirt and accumulated mucus. It also removes the infectious microorganisms. It also reduces the dryness in your nasal passages and overall, improving your breathing.

Nasal Congestion Remedy: Ginger Chew

Ingredient:

Photo Credit: joshbousel 

• Ginger Root

Method:

1. Chew the ginger root until your sinuses feel clear 
2. Repeat as needed

Why it works:

The strong aroma of the ginger reduces the accumulation of the mucus and allows you to expel it easily. Ginger contains acids and other compounds that give it it’s strong smell.

Nasal Congestion Remedy: Eucalyptus Steam

Photo Credit: yewenyi 

Ingredients:

• 1 pot of water
• a drop of eucalyptus oil
• 1 bath towel

Method:

1. Boil 1 pot of water and add eucalyptus oil as needed
2. Take the pot and use the towel to create a tent over you and the pot. The towel concentrates the steam 
3. If it is too strong then wait for it to cool down a bit 
4. Inhale the steam from the pot for 5-10 until your sinuses feel clear
5. Repeat as necessary

  

Why it works:

The hot steam helps break down the mucus blocking the airways. The airways open up allowing you to breathe easily. The pungent fragrance from the eucalyptus reduces the swelling of the mucus membranes freeing your airways and decongesting your nose.

Caution: Be careful not to burn yourself. Eucalyptus oil in excess can cause headaches. Patients with epilepsy and high blood pressure should avoid this oil.

Tired Eyes Remedy: Cold Spoons

Photo Credit: PMillera4 

 Ingredients: 

• 6-8 metal spoons

Method:

1. Place the spoons in your refrigerator for about 10 minutes
2. Take 2 of them out and place the convex side against your closed eye until they become room temperature
3. Switch them out for the other cool spoons that are in the fridge

Why it works

The coldness from the spoon helps tighten the skin around your eyes and reduce the puffiness. This will also relax the blood vessels around that area so your eyes aren’t that red and tired.