Winters can be tough and can be even worse when you aren't taking care of your body the right way. No one likes being sick and when we are, we are miserable. This post is designed to help all who have come down with the winter blues and who are on the verge of rising back to their best self this winter. Take a look at these simple home remedies to help you win the battle between the cold & flu. BLOW YOUR NOSE OFTEN & DO IT THE RIGHT WAY - It's important to blow your nose regularly when you have a cold rather than sniffling mucus back into your head. But when you blow hard, pressure can carry germ-carrying phlegm back into your ear passages, causing earache. The best way to blow your nose is to press a finger over one nostril while you blow gently to clear the other. KEEP YOURSELF ELEVATED - Make gravity work in your favor to help ease the nasal pressure. Raising your head when congested helps to drain sinus passages. Using an extra pillow or two to lift your upper body can keep things moving in the right direction. STAY HYDRATED - A better hydrated body helps the immune system stop the cold symptoms. Orange juice is packed full of vitamin c and may help shorten a cold’s duration. You'll want to make sure that you are also drinking lots of water so that it can help loosen up the mucus in your nose and head. GARGLE WITH SALT WATER - Gargling can moisten a sore throat and bring temporary relief. Try a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water, four times daily. You can also add a pinch of salt and some cider vinegar to help loosen phlegm. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before gargling. CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP - GOOD FOR THE SOUL - Chicken noodle soup is one of the time-honored home remedies for cold and flu. It stops certain white blood cells from congregating and causing inflammation, thus preventing large amounts of mucus from being produced. The hot soup also thins the mucus. Adding freshly chopped garlic to your soup gives the system a powerful boost, too. Chicken noodle soup is not for just when you are sick, it also has many important health benefits. CARROTS, ONIONS & CELERY - strengthens immune system, helps fight off viruses, speed recovery (especially when you are sick), and improves health in eyes, teeth and gums. CHICKEN BROTH - provides hydration and stimulate nasal clearance. CHICKEN - supports immune system, helps building blocks for bones, muscle, skin and blood. HONEY, HONEY HONEY! - Honey is part of the long history in traditional Chinese medicine for cough and cold. Here's a simple recipe: Mix about half a teaspoon of honey with a warm glass of milk, water or a cup of tea. This is a hydrating, cough-soothing, antibacterial drink.Honey has antibacterial effects and stimulates the immune system and honey acts as a natural expectorant, promoting the flow of mucus. It can also help relieve coughing in children over 12 months of age. HUMIDIFY THE HOME - Ever wonder why the flu tends to strike in the colder months? Part of the reason is your furnace. Artificial heat lowers humidity, creating an environment that allows the influenza virus to thrive. (Colder outside air also pushes people together in confined indoor spaces, making it easier for the flu bug to spread). Adding some moisture to the air in your home during the winter with a warm- or cool-mist humidifier may not only help prevent the spread of flu, but it may also make you feel more comfortable if you do get it. GET TONS OF REST - Ignoring your body’s need for sleep can be the root cause of your sickness. When your body doesn’t get enough sleep, your immune system starts to suffer. Studies have shown that those who get less than 6 hours of sleep are more likely to get sick than those who get a full night’s rest. Proper rest can boost your immune system to get you feeling better sooner. Sleep helps your body better fight infections that cause you to get sick, along with staying hydrated and taking medicine that helps with common cold symptoms. Sleeping allows your body and mind to rest by providing your body with energy to be more productive and boosts your mood that helps you feel refreshed manages stress. The next time you get sick with a cold, don’t ignore your body. Allow your body to recover by getting the proper rest. ELDERBERRIES - A lot of good things have been said about this tiny "super-berry". The elderberry is well known for supporting the body, especially during flu. Elderberries contain ‘Sambucol’ extract which is a helpful substance in fighting flu. Herbalists report that elderberries relieve upset stomach, gas problems and nasal congestion. You can find conventionally made elderberry syrups at many stores near you. ESSENTIALS OILS - Believe it or not, research shows that theses oils can help you do the trick, especially when you're sick! Take a look below at some who have been known to help those who have had the cold & flu.

1. LAVENDER OIL - lavender oil is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to heal minor burns and bug bites. Research suggests that it may be useful for treating anxiety, insomnia, depression, and restlessness. It can also help with headaches, help's improve sleep, good for acne, useful for cuts and wounds, helps ease menstrual cramps, can help with fevers, and can help relieve stress and anxiety.
2. PEPPERMINT OIL - peppermint oil has a wide variety of uses. For example, it can be used as a treatment for a variety of conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, and other digestive issues, as well as the common cold and headaches, a topical application for relief from itching, muscle pain, and headache.
3. LEMON OIL - lemon oil is antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which makes it ideal for fighting viruses as well as reducing cold and flu symptoms such as coughing, congestion, swollen glands and body aches. It can also help with cleansing and detox the body, it can help break up mucus, helps with digestion, stomach aches, and nausea.

We hope that these simple home remedies come in handy and are able to do the job the next time you come down with the cold/flu. Sources https://share.upmc.com/