Images left to right: Thayer Photo, Martha Stewart

Mike and I are both fighting a cold right now. It’s no fun to feel icky, especially during one of the nicest times of year. The leaves are starting to change colors, the days are cool and sunny- perfect for being active outside. But here we are on the couch instead.

Mike almost never gets fully sick- his body naturally fights off most flues and colds before they have a chance to really take hold. He’ll feel bad for a day and then spring right back to life.

I also don’t get sick often, but when I do, it seems to last and last. I’ve kind of become a pro at helping my body recover and fight the good fight against whatever is attacking my immune system. Today I’m sharing some of my home remedies {and I bet you all have your own favorite ways of making yourselves more comfortable or heal more quickly during a cold, so please share your methods in the comments!}

1. Sleep. The number one thing that supports our immune systems is sleep. The more sleep you get on a nightly basis, the stronger your immune system is. The more sleep you get during a cold, the faster your body will be able to heal.

2. Garlic. This delicious little bulb has incredible healing powers. When we feel a cold coming on, we make a super garlicky soup {chicken soup lends itself perfectly to an extra garlicky broth} for dinner. And then we go to bed right away and let the hot broth in our bellies work its magic. Nine times out of ten we wake up feeling completely healthy again, illness averted.

3. Ginger. This spicy root, when grated fresh into teas or broths, gets your circulation going and fights inflammation throughout our bodies. One of my favorite sore-throat remedies is lemon-ginger-honey tea. I usually just heat up water and lemon juice, grate some ginger in, and then stir in honey right before drinking {add each ingredient to taste, since everyone’s comfort level with spiciness is different.} You could also just start with a packaged ginger tea and then add lemon juice and honey {I like the Yogi brand the best.} Either way, your throat will be soothed almost instantly. Ginger is also great for your digestive system- calming any issues going on there.

4. Cayenne pepper. This spice has been used for thousands of years as a medicine for almost every ailment imaginable {people even rubbed it into open wounds because it disinfects and accelerates the healing process.} Much like ginger, it increases circulation and decreases inflammation wherever it is applied. Adding it to your stew or broth will help keep you from getting that “achy” feeling that comes with many colds, and will get your sinuses flowing {no more stuffed-up nose!}

5. Echinacea extract. This healing liquid can be found in the health-food or vitamin aisles at most markets. It’s made from a pretty flower called the purple coneflower. You can add a few droplets of the extract to your tea or juice and it will help support your immune system. There has been some warning against using echinacea long-term. I only use it during a cold, and I believe it helps me to recover quicker. But, as with any supplements, you should research it yourself and decide if it’s right for you or speak with your doctor before taking it.

6. Zinc. Another supplement that speeds recovery. I take one 500 mil capsule daily when I have a cold. It’s a wonderful immune system supporter, but this supplement makes me really nauseous if I take it on an empty stomach. Be careful to take your vitamins and supplements right before or after a meal.

7. Vitamin C. Take 1000 mil of it daily throughout your cold. You literally can’t take too much {it is water-solvable, so your body will just release what it doesn’t need through your pee} and it is probably the #2 best thing you can do to help your body heal after getting lots of sleep.

8. Hot packs. A lot of colds cause us to feel achy all over, which gets in the way of sleep because it’s so uncomfortable. These homemade hot packs help to relax muscles. Put one under your lower back or at the base of your neck and breathe deeply. You’ll be conked out in a deep, healing sleep in no time.

9. Neti-pot. Netis are little pots, usually made of ceramic, that are filled with a saline solution {usually salt and water} which gets poured through the nasal passages, flushing out the sinuses. This is a great remedy for sinus infections, allergies, and general stuffiness. It’s pretty weird at first and counter-intuitive to pour liquid into your nose, but you feel so much better afterward, so it’s worth the momentary weirdness. Neti-pot use dates back to ancient Italy. It’s tried and true.

10. Get active. I know, it seems weird. The last thing you usually feel like doing when you’re sick is moving! However, I have fought off colds simply by refusing to give in to them. When we’re active, our lungs fill with fresh air and our hearts pump oxygenated blood through our bodies. Sometimes that’s all it takes for a cold to back off- it realizes this is a very alive and healthy body. However, it’s important to listen to our bodies. If you’re truly feeling like nothing would be better than a 10 hour nap, do it. The body tells us what it needs if we listen.

Hope you all stay happy and healthy out there!