3 Homemade Remedies for Fighting a Cold

With the weather changes comes colds and illnesses.  There are many over the counter cold and cough medicines on the market,  but many of us may prefer to try homemade remedies to help us fight those nasty cold bugs.

Of course, you should always consult with a doctor before trying any remedies to be sure that your illness is not serious.

Here are some remedies that I like to use when I am feeling under the weather.

1. Ginger Tea

Wash and peel ginger.  

Take a 1 inch thick piece of ginger root and slice it into 4 or 5 pieces 

Boil 2 cups of water with ginger added.

Strain into a cup

Add honey and lemon (if desired)

Read about the benefits of ginger

2. Homemade Chicken Broth

1. 3 lb  chicken 

3 stalks of celery cut into 2 inch pieces

3 medium carrots peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces

1 medium onion peeled and cut into quarters

6 cloves of garlic peeled

1 small bunch of fresh parsley

6 sprigs of fresh thyme

1 tsp of kosher salt

4 quarts of water

Combine all ingredients in a large stockpot and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours.  Strain broth into a large bowl and use a wooden spoon to press the ingredients to extract broth from them as well.  

Using a ladle, spoon broth into jars  3/4 full, and allow to cool.  Cover them loosely and refrigerate them overnight.  In the morning remove fat that sits at the top of each jar.

Serve as needed.

Not sure what to eat when you have the flu?  Check out this article from Webmd.

3. Warm Salt Water

Combine 1/2 tsp of salt into an 8 ounce glass of warm water

Gargle as needed to reliever itchy or sore throat.

Read about the benefits of gargling with warm salt water on Webmd.

What homemade remedies do you like to use when you are feeling under the weather?