Nothing can stop you in tracks during the holiday season like a cold. There’s no worse time for a sore throat and stuffy nose to set in than when you have Q4 projects to wrap up, gifts to purchase, and planes to catch. Instead of rushing to your local pharmacy to get an over-the-counter medication, shop your pantry. Some of the most effective and cost-efficient immunity boosters are kitchen staples that you might already have.
The best part is the quality control. You get to dictate what is going in your body and know precisely what ingredients you are digesting. No more confusing labels. Check out these seven at-home immunity boosting hacks perfect for cold season.
1. Ginger Tea
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that make it great for warming and soothing a sore throat. It also helps alleviate congestion and nausea. If you’re feeling sick, try drinking two to three cups of ginger tea daily. For the best results, you can grate ginger directly into a cup of hot water.
2. Saltwater Gargle
Simply add half teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds. Repeat a few times for the best results. The salt is great for reducing inflammation and that sore, achy feeling in your throat. This at-home immunity booster is great to relieve sinus pressure and clear out all the gunk that is making you feel congested.
3. Hot Toddy Recipe
One DIY immunity booster that our founder, Rachel Hollis, swears by is the Hot Toddy. It’s perfect for soothing a sore throat and suppressing a bad cough. If you are looking to kick the common cold, this drink, which can be made with or without whiskey, might do the trick. The best thing is that most of the ingredients are likely in your kitchen cabinet.
Here’s the recipe:
- Hot water
- Lemon juice (for Vitamin C)
- Honey (to soothe a sore throat)
- Cinnamon stick (known for anti-inflammatory effects)
- Cloves
- Optional: A shot of whiskey
Here’s how to make it:
- Boil water, then remove it from the heat.
- Add the lemon juice, honey, cinnamon stick, and cloves, and let the mixture steep for five to seven minutes.
- Serve warm with a lemon slice.
4. Elderberry
Research shows that black elderberry extracts and flower infusions can lessen the intensity and duration of the flu and sinus infections. Elderberries are also packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but you’ll want to be cautious with this powerhouse fruit. You should never eat elderberries raw. Keep in mind that only blue and purple elderberries are edible.
For an easy at-home immunity booster, grab some elderberries from your local market. Boil them with simmering water and sugar. Once you have a thick liquid consistency, strain the liquid to reduce it into a yummy syrup, perfect for breakfast.
5. Essential Oils
Essential oils can be a game changer when it comes to nixing the common cold. Since they are derived from plants, they are powerful agents to attack cold and flu symptoms. Eucalyptus’ antiviral and antimicrobial properties make it a longtime staple for treating the common cold. Peppermint is ideal for reducing fevers and unclogging congested noses.
You can use essential oils several different ways: by diluting it with water and applying it directly to your skin, inhaling it through a diffuser, or combining it with other natural ingredients to make a spray.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar Tea
It’s hard not to brag about apple cider vinegar considering all its health benefits. Not only is it good for boosting immunity and lessening the effects of a cold, but it’s also great for digestion and weight loss. You can make a simple apple cider vinegar tea at home. Beware, it has a strong taste, but the stronger the drink, the faster it will work.
Here’s the recipe:
- Two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- One to two tablespoons of honey
- A squeeze of lemon
- Hot water (fill up as much as you want to dilute)
7. Epsom Salt
If you want to detoxify your body from germs, run hot water for a bath and add some Epsom salt. The minerals in the salt actually work to purge your body of toxins that are released into the bath. Not only is it relaxing, an Epsom salt bath is good for you. It will boost your immunity and have you back on your feet in no time. Pro-tip: Add lavender oil for increased relaxation.
