The change in environmental temperature forces our body to adapt to the change. But our body needs time to adapt, and during the process of adaptation our immune system is weakened. Opportunistic infections see this as the perfect chance to invade thus making us susceptible to different illnesses. Winter ailments are called as such because these conditions are very common during the winter season when the temperature drops and our body reacts to this drop in temperature. The most common winter ailments are influenza, sore throat, coughs and colds. Other illnesses common during winter time are seasonal allergies, sinusitis, and runny nose.

Because getting sick, no matter what season, is never a good thing, it is important that we take necessary measures to prevent illnesses. There are easy preventive ways but if you are already afflicted with either one of winter ailments, here are some natural remedies which you can use to help speed up the healing process:

1. Rest well

   Your body needs time to recuperate, and forcing yourself to get out of bed even if you are not feeling well can only worsen things. Call in sick at work if the need arises because your health is more important than anything else. Besides, you won’t be able to function well at work when you’re not feeling too well.

   Sufficient rest will allow your body to heal, and most of the healing and repair happen when your body is at its most relaxed and rested state – during sleep. So do not deprive yourself of a good night’s sleep especially when you are sick.

2. Improve your Hygiene

   These winter ailments can be easily transferred from one person to the other, and even the simplest acts can transfer the virus from your friend going to you. Shaking hands, holding on to objects found at public places or simply talking to a stranger can make you sick. After all, you don’t really know who’s sick or not.

   Enclosed public places such as trains, bars and restaurants are the best venues where you can catch a virus floating in the air. That is why it is very important that you maintain good personal hygiene especially during winter time. Wash your hands properly using soap and warm water, cover your nose when sneezing and take a bath daily. These may be simple acts but these could go a long way in making you disease-free during this winter season.

3. Wear Appropriate Clothes

   The right clothing will protect your body from the cold and can prevent hypothermia. When going out during winter, thick coats, gloves, mittens, ear muffs and boots are necessary for you to remain warm. Scarves and bonnets are good additions to your winter gear. True, this may be bulky and may make you look big, but there’s no sense in getting sick while being thoroughly focused in fashion. Anyhow, you can still be warm while being stylish, it is just a matter of looking for the right clothes for you.
   
   At home, wear thick clothes and socks, and then snuggle under your comforter. This will keep you warm all night as you make your way towards complete healing. Also, don’t forget to turn on your heater!

4. Eat Right and Cut out on Alcohol

   Your diet plays a very important role in your general sense of well-being, and this is especially vital during winter time when your immune system is weak and you need all the help that you can get. It is advised that you eat fruits and vegetables that are colored yellow, red and dark green as these contain phytonutrients that help boost the function of the immune system. Garlic also has strong antiviral properties and cayenne pepper contains high amounts of vitamin A which has an anti-infective property.

   Cutting out on alcohol is a must. Avoiding it altogether is even better. Alcohol dehydrates your body cells, and it can even cause damage to your liver and kidneys which can be a perfect gateway for infections to occur.

5. Drink Herbal Teas

   Sometimes, the most effective cures are found right in the comfort of your own homes, without you even knowing it. Herbal teas have long been used as a form of treatment for various conditions. Here are some examples of excellent herbal teas for winter ailments:

   • Dandelion Tea – This tea helps in boosting the power of the immune system thereby warding off colds and flu. If you have dandelion, get a handful of its flowers, wash it thoroughly and then put it inside a teapot, pour boiling water over it, cover the lid and let it steep for approximately 5 minutes. You may use honey as a sweetener.

   • Mint tea – Mint tea is good because of its cooling effect, which is very good with the symptoms of colds and flu. A handful of fresh mint added with one cup of boiling water can do wonders for you.

   • Thyme tea – Thyme tea helps with coughs that are associated with bronchitis. Two tablespoons of thyme added with one cup of boiling water, steeped for 15 minutes can be very good for those who have been diagnosed with bronchitis and cannot seem to stop coughing.

   • Oregano tea – Oregano tea, on the other hand, is good for sinus congestion that is very common during winter. Make oregano tea in the same way that you would make thyme tea.

6. Take Fish Oil

   Fish oil has anti-inflammatory effects and it is also good for the skin thereby keeping the skin healthy even during the winter season when the air is so cold and may cause your skin to dry out. It contains essential fatty acids (EFA) that keeps the skin healthy by hydrating the skin from the inside.

7. Choose Cayenne

   As previously mentioned above, cayenne has strong anti-infective properties which help ward off the effects of a viral or bacterial attack. Cayenne has heat which helps you stay warm during the cold season. For easy access, you can incorporate cayenne in your daily meals when you are cooking.

Sources
home-remedies-for-you.com
naturalremedies.org
vitalitymagazine.com
theprovince.com