There is a growing interest in natural remedies. Here we share some of the more popular home remedies that could help freelancers stay healthy and earning during the flu season.
As an independent freelancer, your health is your most valuable asset. Without it, your productivity and earning potential can take a significant hit. While there’s no foolproof way to prevent every cold or flu, incorporating simple home remedies into your daily routine can significantly boost your immune system and keep those pesky viruses at bay.
The pesky sore throat
Sore throats are common but it is only bacterial infections that can be treated with antibiotics. The most common bacterial infection is strep throat which can be a painful infection that causes a severe and uncomfortable sore throat. The lymph nodes in your neck may become swollen and tender, and you may experience pain when swallowing. In some cases, strep throat can also cause a rough, sandpaper-like rash. Some of the following elixirs can be just what you need to keep such illnesses at bay or as ways to ease the symptoms.
Ginger and Honey Potion
A quick version of this elixir is simply grating a teaspoon of ginger into a cup of hot water, adding a tablespoon of honey after the water cools a bit to retain the honey’s potency and letting it steep for 5-10 minutes. Enjoy this warm concoction throughout the day to ease throat irritation and boost your immune system.
Both can also include a squeeze of lemon juice for added vitamin C.
Here is another method.
Ingredients:
1-inch piece of fresh ginger peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup of water
1-2 tablespoons of honey
Instructions:
In a saucepan, combine the ginger slices and water.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Strain the ginger tea into a mug and add honey.
Enjoy warm and soothing sips throughout the day.
Honey-Cinnamon Elixir
Honey, as mentioned earlier, is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. Cinnamon, a warm spice, is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. When combined, they create a soothing elixir for a sore throat and fight off infections.
Simply add a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to a cup of hot water, add a tablespoon of honey, and let it steep for 5-10 minutes. Gargle with this warm mixture several times a day for relief from a sore throat and to combat infections.
Gargle with Listerine or Salt Water
At the first signs of a cold or sore throat, gargling can help stop the germs from spreading. If you gargle twice with a mouthwash such as Listerine which has a bit of alcohol in it for germ-busting power you can kill cold and flu germs on contact. You will want to gargle in your throat a couple of times until you no longer see phlegm loosen and come out into the sink when you spit. The mouthwash should also mildly numb a sore throat.
If you don’t have mouthwash at hand an old-fashioned remedy can do as well. Saltwater is a simple yet effective way to soothe a sore throat, reduce inflammation, and prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth and throat.
Ingredients:
1/2 teaspoon of salt
8 ounces of warm water
Instructions:
Dissolve salt in warm water until it completely dissolves.
Gargle for 30 seconds, then spit.
Repeat every few hours as needed.
Garlic-Infused Honey: Nature’s Antibacterial Shield
Ginger, a culinary powerhouse, is also a potent antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent. When combined with honey, nature’s golden nectar, it becomes a soothing elixir for a sore throat. Garlic, a well-known antibiotic and antiviral agent, packs a powerful punch against cold and flu viruses. When infused into honey, its potency is enhanced.
To prepare this remedy, crush a few cloves of garlic and add them to a jar of honey. Let it sit for a week, allowing the garlic’s essence to seep into the honey. Take a teaspoon of this garlic-infused honey twice a day to ward off infections and keep your immune system strong.
Citrus Powerhouse
Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are packed with vitamin C, a key nutrient that supports immune function and helps fight off infections.
Ingredients:
1 medium citrus fruit
1 cup of warm water
Optional: honey to taste. If you use manuka honey it will pack a punch of healing properties, but will have a stronger likely eucalyptus taste which is not always to everyone’s liking.
Instructions:
Extract juice from the citrus fruit.
Mix the juice with warm water.
Add honey for extra sweetness and soothing properties.
Sip on the citrusy goodness throughout the day.
Herbal Tea Symphony
Herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, and echinacea offer a blend of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease cold and flu symptoms.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon of dried herbs (chamomile, peppermint, or echinacea)
1 cup of hot water
Optional: honey to taste
Instructions:
Place the dried herbs in a mug or teapot.
Pour hot water over the herbs and let it steep for 5-10 minutes.
Strain the tea and add honey for extra flavour and soothing benefits.
Lemon-Ginger Turmeric Tea: A Triple Threat Immune Booster
Lemon, ginger, and turmeric, a trio of superstars in the natural remedy world, combine to create a potent immune-boosting tea. Lemon is rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient for immune function. Ginger, as mentioned earlier, is an antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent. Turmeric, the golden spice, boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
To prepare this tea, grate a teaspoon of ginger into a cup of hot water, add a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of turmeric powder. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes before sipping on this revitalizing brew.
Chicken Soup for the Soul
Chicken soup has long been hailed as a natural remedy for colds and flu. Its warm, comforting broth and nutritious ingredients can help soothe a sore throat, clear congestion, and provide essential nutrients.
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (or what is left over from a Sunday roast)
3-4 carrots, chopped
2-3 celery stalks, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups of water
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Place the chicken pieces in a large pot.
Add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and water.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
A pinch of smoked Spanish paprika and nutmeg adds a warming mellowness.
If you like your soup spicy you can always add chilli flakes.
Enjoy the warm, comforting soup throughout the day.
Prevention is the key
Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by incorporating regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. When feeling under the weather, take rest, hydrate well, and consider these home elixirs to help your body fight off the infection.
If you feel extremely unwell do not leave it to chance. Sometimes sepsis can creep on you especially if you have a weak immune system. Here is a video that explains the signs and symptoms of Sepsis. You will need to be treated right away and if you do expect you have Sepsis be sure to mention that on the phone when speaking to the NHS or your GP office.
Want even more natural recipes, check out Jen Jones on Instagram
