When you've just had enough of that winter cough
If you're anything like me, as
soon as winter hits, you get that
pesky cough that won't seem to
quit. There's no denying that
winter hit us hard this year, so
I'm sure many of you are suffering
from the drastic change in
weather. Over the years, I've collected
a few remedies for the winter
cough and cold that might
help with whatever is ailing you
this season.
Vicks Vapo Rub
Putting Vicks brand vapour rub (or any vapour rub) on your chest and back helps to clear out any builtup mucus that can cause the cough. Putting the vapour rub on the soles of your feet and putting on thick socks before bed can prevent you from coughing throughout the night, allowing you to sleep soundly.
Apple cider vinegar
The effects of apple cider vinegar are similar to those of the vapour rub but are a lot more fastacting. Gargling with the vinegar or taking a drink of it diluted with water will help to clear out any mucus, weakening the cough. I've also seen remedies calling for equal parts apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey and ginger, but I find that just straight-up vinegar is enough for me.
Cayenne powder
This remedy is for the braver reader as it is obviously going to burn your mouth and throat, but it does help with sore throats and colds. Mix just a tablespoon of cayenne with a cup of warm water and use it as a drink or just to gargle with — this will help dull the pain of the sore throat. Adding cayenne powder to various foods can also act as a mild relief.
Onions
Onions can be used in two ways to help with a nasty cough, so your best bet is to cut an onion in half and use each section for a different purpose. Take one half and peel it, then place it in a jar or bowl and put it beside your bed as you sleep. Onions naturally absorb bacteria and will collect any of the germs in your room that cycle around throughout the night. Once you wake up, the onion half will be black. The other half can be eaten, as it offers the same purpose. You can either just eat chunks of onion if you can handle it or cut the onion into large pieces and sprinkle with sugar. If you let it sit, the sugar will extract the syrup from the onion after an hour, which you can drink. This method has a milder taste, but offers the same relief.
Olive oil and honey
I don't mean to take them together, but taking a small dose of either will help coat the throat and ease the tickle. Only a tablespoon of either once a day should be enough to help. But both are harmless (if you're not counting calories), so you're welcome to take as much as you wish.
So far, these remedies have been pretty reliable for stopping winter coughs and colds. These solutions may give you some relief from your symptoms, but it's still important to get plenty of rest and fluids. And chicken noodle soup never hurts, either.
Vicks Vapo Rub
Putting Vicks brand vapour rub (or any vapour rub) on your chest and back helps to clear out any builtup mucus that can cause the cough. Putting the vapour rub on the soles of your feet and putting on thick socks before bed can prevent you from coughing throughout the night, allowing you to sleep soundly.
Apple cider vinegar
The effects of apple cider vinegar are similar to those of the vapour rub but are a lot more fastacting. Gargling with the vinegar or taking a drink of it diluted with water will help to clear out any mucus, weakening the cough. I've also seen remedies calling for equal parts apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey and ginger, but I find that just straight-up vinegar is enough for me.
Cayenne powder
This remedy is for the braver reader as it is obviously going to burn your mouth and throat, but it does help with sore throats and colds. Mix just a tablespoon of cayenne with a cup of warm water and use it as a drink or just to gargle with — this will help dull the pain of the sore throat. Adding cayenne powder to various foods can also act as a mild relief.
Onions
Onions can be used in two ways to help with a nasty cough, so your best bet is to cut an onion in half and use each section for a different purpose. Take one half and peel it, then place it in a jar or bowl and put it beside your bed as you sleep. Onions naturally absorb bacteria and will collect any of the germs in your room that cycle around throughout the night. Once you wake up, the onion half will be black. The other half can be eaten, as it offers the same purpose. You can either just eat chunks of onion if you can handle it or cut the onion into large pieces and sprinkle with sugar. If you let it sit, the sugar will extract the syrup from the onion after an hour, which you can drink. This method has a milder taste, but offers the same relief.
Olive oil and honey
I don't mean to take them together, but taking a small dose of either will help coat the throat and ease the tickle. Only a tablespoon of either once a day should be enough to help. But both are harmless (if you're not counting calories), so you're welcome to take as much as you wish.
So far, these remedies have been pretty reliable for stopping winter coughs and colds. These solutions may give you some relief from your symptoms, but it's still important to get plenty of rest and fluids. And chicken noodle soup never hurts, either.
