Tag: natural cold remedy

Homemade Switchel---The Home Remedy Tonic You've Never Heard Of

Homemade Switchel—The Home Remedy Tonic You’ve Never Heard Of

I’m kind of a history nerd. I love stories about tradition. How was this thing used or how did this thing get it’s name? That’s exciting stuff. So when I read a brief history of switchel, or haymaker’s punch, I was totally fascinated. Switchel is a traditional drink popularized in colonial New England. It was often given to farmers to quench their thirst during harvesting time, hence the nickname, haymaker’s punch. I totally geeked out over that story, and when I saw the recipe I was completely sold on trying it out for myself.

Homemade Switchel

Switchel is probably the best kept herbal remedy secret I’ve seen in years. This homemade tonic is an immune system-boosting, probiotics boasting, electrolyte-replenishing powerhouse of a drink! This is the perfect home remedy to alleviate the symptoms of anything from acid reflux to the flu. You probably have all of the ingredients you need right now! Check it out!

Homemade Switchel

Homemade Switchel

Ingredients

  • 1 (4 inch) piece of ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp raw honey
  • 1/3 c apple cider vinegar
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 4 c filtered water

Directions

  • combine all ingredients in a glass carafe
  • let stand overnight at room temperature
  • serve hot, or at room temperature, or over ice, or add some seltzer water!

Image Credit: StephaniePollard

A Pound of Cure: Flu and Cold Season

homemadehoneycoughsyrup
Image Copyright: everydayroots.com

Despite all of your best efforts at taking preventative measures to stay healthy during flu and cold season, it’s happened. You’re sick.

When your ounce of prevention lets you down, it’s time to go running toward that pound of cure.

Sleep is Vital

Your body needs the chance to rest while your immune system kicks into overdrive. Lay off the coffee for a couple of days (believe me when I say that I know how much that sucks) and sleep, sleep, sleep!

Drink Plenty of Fluids

Now’s the time to really drown this thing. If you were drinking 8 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and prevent a cold, try drinking 16 glasses a day to wipe it out quickly.

Homemade Decongestant

Nasal and chest congestion is by far the worst part of having a cold. I try to steer clear of over-the-counter meds, so I always use homemade remedies. Here you’ll find my all-time favorite recipe for homemade decongestant along with some other helpful recipes for fast relief.

Plenty of rest and plenty of water is key. Cold and Flu viruses generally run their course in 5-10 days. I’ve had great success with minimizing the symptoms without the use of over-the-counter meds. As always, I’m constantly on the look out for remedies I haven’t tried. How do you find relief from cold and flu symptoms? Let me know in the comments!