While most of us will do just about anything to avoid getting sick, sometimes falling ill is just unavoidable. Avoidance is always better than a cure, so ensuring that you have a healthy balanced diet and are getting plenty of regular sleep is always a good course to follow.

Unfortunately, we can’t live our lives inside a bubble, but when you do fall ill, there are a number of simple home remedies that are tried and true. It’s always important to realise the importance of consulting a medical practitioner, especially if symptoms persist or worsen.

The following remedies can help alleviate the symptoms of a common cold and help get you back on track by supporting the body’s natural healing process, resulting in a happier healthier you. Best of all many of these items are easy to find – you may even already have some of these laying about your house already!

1. Lemon and Honey tea to soothe a sore throat. Make yourself a simple cup of tea, stir in some honey and add a squeeze of lemon. The medicinal properties of honey have been used for over 8000 years as a natural anti-inflammatory as well as offering antibacterial properties. Honey is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, iron, zinc and antioxidants, and when combined with Lemon, a natural source of vitamin C, it can quickly reduce inflammation while giving you a vitamin boost to support your immune system. You can gargle it, but given it tastes great I’d recommend drinking it!

2. Eucalyptus Steam for Congestion. Eucalyptus oil is a natural decongestant, and the best way to administer it is by adding a few drops to a large bowl or pot of boiling water.  Breathe in the vaporised steam and pop a towel over your head to ensure you capture as much of the steam as possible.  After a minute or so of this treatment, you will be able to breathe fresh air once again!

3. Ginger for Nausea. Eating raw ginger isn’t really the nicest taste, so a ginger tea or candied ginger might be easier to chew on, but they will all achieve the same result. Ginger helps treat nausea from motion sickness, pregnancy, or even chemotherapy. The natural compound of gingerol can help soothe an upset stomach and get your digestive system back on track.

4. Chamomile for Sleep Troubles. Chamomile has long been known for its calming properties which help promote relaxation. You can make yourself a nice cup of chamomile tea, or if you have a diffuser, burn some chamomile essential oil. Another trick is to mix some of the oil with water and spray it on your pillow or even a heat pack.

5. Turmeric Milk Immune Boost. We all know the expression “prevention is better than a cure” and this is exactly what Turmeric Milk does best. Turmeric contains curcumin which is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. By warming up a cup of milk and stirring through a teaspoon of turmeric, you will create a nice, comforting beverage (known as “golden milk”) which will support your body’s natural immune system. For extra benefit (and flavour) you could also add some honey.

6. Saltwater Gargle for a Sore Throat and Cough. Try dissolving half a teaspoon in a glass of water and then gargle the solution to soothe a sore throat and settle a dry cough. The salt instantly helps reduce inflammation. Saltwater can also be a good treatment for a headache caused by dehydration, as it helps your body absorb the water quicker (exactly why it is used in sports drinks like Gatorade). You’d best use a much smaller amount of salt as the taste isn’t fantastic.

All these remedies can help you soothe a cough or relieve some of the symptoms of a common cold, but of course it’s always best to consult your GP or a healthcare professional when you are very sick or for a prolonged period. Hopefully by incorporating some of the above natural remedies it will help you manage the symptoms and decrease your level of discomfort while sick. As well as adding these into your wellness routine, it’s always advisable to get plenty of rest, as this is your body’s natural way of recharging your batteries.

We also have a range of sprays and creams to help boost immunity.