We recently got over our first nasty cold of the season. The runny noses and coughs have been making the rounds in D’s toddler group, and us adults have been taking hits as well. I figure this would be a good time to share some of my favorite home remedies for colds. Disclaimer: These suggestions are solely informational and are not meant to be a substitute for your own doctor’s medical care or advice.
- A humidifier is a must! I even add some essential oils to the water to help increase its effectiveness. D’s pediatrician recommended lavender oil for a spasmodic cough and eucalyptus oil to help aid in relieving congestion. I didn’t have eucalyptus oil on hand, so I tried a couple drops of peppermint oil in the humidifier which seemed to help. Make sure to use a cool mist humidifier if it will be within reach of little ones.
- I love tea when I have a cold. Chamomile is one of my favorites. I add in a healthy dose of raw honey and fresh lemon juice. Other times I simply do hot water with honey, lemon, and apple cider vinegar. My husband is not a fan of the apple cider vinegar, but even he will drink this mixture when a cold has him down. Make sure not to give honey to infants under 12 months old.
- For some reason it’s harder for me to remember to take in extra fluids when I have a cold. I try to make sure I have my water bottle near me as a reminder to keep drinking. D always wants to nurse more when he has a cold, so he doesn’t really need much prodding to stay hydrated.
- For this last cold, D was rubbing at his ears a lot and was very irritable. His pediatrician saw some inflammation in his ears and some fluid in one of his ears. She recommended getting him a chiropractic adjustment to relieve the pressure. My friend, who happens to be our chiropractor, adjusted both of us to get the gunk flowing. By the next day we were both 90% better and D was no longer rubbing at his ears. While this isnt quite a home remedy, it is a natural one.
- Lastly, my most favorite way to calm a cold is found at a Thai restaurant. When I have a particularly nasty cold, nothing hits the spot more than a big bowl of Tom Yum Soup. The warm, layered flavors and the spice of this soup temporarily relieves any congestion I have, and it leaves me feeling comforted, warm, and happy.
A big bowl of Tom Yum Soup
How do you beat a cold? Do you have any favorite home remedies that do the trick?
Nurturing from Within 
Good advice. Thanks for sharing. My grandmother was a Native American, for a sore throat she would make an onion poultice which is a sliced onion fried till it is soft, then wrap it in cheese cloth and put that around your throat. Was always used in my family, and always seemed to help.
An onion poultice is great! I hope to pass down my home remedies to my little guy for him to use with his future family.