The seasons are changing, and the sounds of coughs and sniffles echo loudly across the office, at restaurant tables all around you, and even in the isles of Clicks and Dischem.
It seems coughs, flus, and sinus problems are back with a vengeance once more. And with masks out of the legal equation, these sounds now become a little bit triggering, like a Coronavirus PTSD, or something to that effect.
Since we’re in for a few more sniffles before summer arrives, here are four home remedies to help fight coughs and flu:
Good ol’ faithful Vicks
There are parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents who have sworn on Vicks to cure coughs and flu ever since its establishment over 25 years ago.
Smothering your sick beloved with Vicks VapoRub to soothe their chest, throat, and back or entrapping them over a Vicks-infused steam bath to open their nasal passages is a time-old practice.
But this Twitter poll from @gays4gojo shows a slightly different Vicks-approach.
Did your mom/grandma ever put vicks on the soles of your feet and then make you wear socks when you felt bad???
— z (@gays4gojo) July 12, 2022
See, we weren’t joking when we said it’s the remedy of parents across multiple generations.
What actually makes it so versatile? Well, each tub contains a powerful blend of eucalyptus, camphor, menthol, eucalyptus, nutmeg oil, cedar leaf oil, petrolatum, turpentine oil, and thymol.
These work together to loosen phlegm and also have a cooling effect, which can bring some much-needed relief. Whether it can do that by rubbing Vick VaporRub on the soles of your feet, who knows?
Lemon and ginger in all its goodness
An equally beloved go-to remedy for colds and flu is a mixture of lemon and ginger available in a plethora of forms. Most popularly, as hot tea infusions and cold-pressed juice shots.
Cape Town’s very own Pomegranate Wellness offers this freshly juiced lemon and ginger mixture in bite-size gummy form with added halaal hydrolyzed bovine collagen and raw honey for an extra punch of health benefits.
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News24 suggests that ginger’s natural spiciness can help clear congestion. It is also packed with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. lemon is rich in vitamin C, antibacterial properties, and protective bioflavonoids, especially in its skin.
Synergistically, they work together to boost our immune systems and relieve cold and flu symptoms.
Sweet and spicy, honey and pepper
According to TikTok user @glowingnaturallyuk, the answer to a persistent nighttime cough and a peaceful sleep is this simple recipe:
- mix one tablespoon of honey and one tablespoon of black pepper – substitute the tablespoon for a teaspoon for children
- Take it each night before bed, without eating or drinking afterwards.
@glowingnaturallyuk #pcosproblems #pcosawareness #coughremedy #SuperShow #hairlossremedy #hairoil #diyfacemask #skinwhitening #pti #naturalskincare #indiannaturalproducts #skincare #skincareroutine #coughsyrup #naturalcoughsyrup #naturalcoughremedy #naturalcoughremedy ♬ Sunroof – Nicky Youre & dazy
NDTV suggests that black pepper is antibiotic and antibacterial in nature, thanks to the immunity-boosting Vitamin C in it. Honey is a well-known sore throat soother, and cough suppressor and can boost the cold-fighting action of black peppercorn.
You can even add a few drops of warm water to the crushed peppercorns and honey to dilute it and make it more palatable.
Stoney brings the kwesta and the remedy
We all know that an ice-cold throat-tingling Stoney on a hot summer’s day is the epitome of refreshing, but did you know that a concoction of boiled Stoney, a med-lemon, and a dispirin is said to be a remedy for colds and flu?
In this Facebook ad post from the Gauteng store, President Hyper provides the quick flu recipe:
- boil the Stoney
- add Med-Lemon and one Disprin
- allow the mixture to boil for 2-5 minutes
- pour in a cup and drink whilst warm
News24 suggests that Med-Lemon is a well-known mixture for combating flu and colds. Dispirin contains acetylsalicylic acid which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties that relieve flu symptoms. Stoney, besides tasting good, contains the health benefits of ginger.
A note to keep in mind:
Remember that remedies are anecdotal, and while they may be beneficial to many it is always a good idea to check with your doctor first.
Also read:
Pertussis cases are rising,mostly in Western Cape. Should we worry?
Picture: Unsplash