Quick ways to alleviate symptoms with items you have in your kitchen!

Getting sick is hard enough, but the one thing that can make it more complicated is opening your medicine cabinet and realizing that you don’t have what you need. Traditional medicine wanes in efficiency when left on shelves, and when you have various symptoms, it can be difficult to find an over-the-counter solution that fits your needs. Luckily, there’s an alternative—natural remedies!

Natural remedies, often called herbal medicine, are treatments for common ailments made from all-natural sources, such as plants, herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Herbal medicine utilizes ingredients you likely already have right in your kitchen, saving you time, money, and a trip to the pharmacy!

So whether you have the chills, the sniffles, or an achy body, fret no more because we’ve got remedies that’ll have you feeling better in no time! Check out these five all-natural cold and flu remedies down below!

Plus, we need you in perfect condition for the upcoming #PGSFest this September! Got your tickets yet?

1. For Sinus Relief

Nasal congestion, or a stuffy nose, is one of the most common cold and flu symptoms. Nasal congestion can leave you feeling very uncomfortable, making it difficult to breathe, sleep, and more. If you’re experiencing nasal congestion, then a respiratory steam is what you need. Respiratory steaming is exactly what it sounds like—it’s the practice of inhaling steam to cleanse and heal your respiratory system, meaning your nose, throat, and lungs! Respiratory steaming can be done right at home. Bring a pot of water to boil, add herbs of your desire, and then place your head over the pot and inhale.

2. For Sore Throat

Achy throat? No problem! A sore throat is nothing that a good salt-water gargle can’t fix. Gargling with salt water is an age-old practice for providing throat relief. Simply mix 2 tbsps. of salt into 8 oz. of water, and gargle until the cup is empty. Repeat this practice daily until your throat is relieved.

3. For Body Aches

If you’re experiencing aches and pains in the body, then Epsom Salt is your go-to.

4. For Lack of Appetite

When you’re sick, it’s not uncommon to lose your appetite. If your throat is sore and you’re feeling drowsy, you probably won’t want to eat much. However, it’s still important to make sure that you’re nourishing your body and receiving vital nutrients—after all, that’s the only way to heal. Bone broth is an excellent solution when you’re sick and don’t have much appetite. Drinking bone broth will keep you both hydrated AND satiated while also providing essential vitamins and minerals to help you see a speedy recovery. Check out this simple bone broth recipe below.

Vitamin supplements are another great way to ensure you receive the nutrients you need while sick. Check out some of our favorites below!

5. For Chills

When your body temperature feels out of whack, an easy and straightforward way to help regulate it is to soak and submerge your pulse points. Your pulse points are places in the body where your blood vessels are closest to the skin, and submerging these points in water can help regulate the body’s internal temperature and mitigate chills.

The hands, feet, and forehead hold several pulse points each. So, try soaking a washcloth in lukewarm water and applying it to your forehead. Also, fill a basin with lukewarm water and dip your hands and feet in it for at least 15 minutes.

What do you do when you’re not feeling well? Chime in down below!