Fall is quickly turning into winter, which means that, unfortunately, it's also cold and flu season.
While many people love this time of year because the weather cools down, and it's finally time for the holidays again, others hate it because they always end up feeling sick.
It's never fun having a cold, but it's a lot better if you know how to combat its symptoms. Most of us turn to over-the-counter cold medicines and bundle up in bed with a bowl of chicken soup.
Almost everyone has some cold remedies they turn to when they're not feeling well — hot tea, a warm shower, or just extra sleep.
This year, if you come down with the common cold, try some of these home remedies, recommended by grandma herself!
Did your mom or grandmother use any of these tricks to make you feel better when you had a cold as a kid?
Thumbnail Photo: Wikimedia / Brewster Publications
Common Home Remedies
Almost everyone knows the common remedies for colds: drinking lots of water and other fluids, taking steam baths, gargling with salt water, and staying well-rested.
But if these remedies aren't working, there are some other things you can do as well. Check out some of grandma's best remedies below!
Grandma's Home Remedies #1: Sleep With Extra Pillows
Many of us do this without even thinking about it: stacking pillows under our heads when we have a cold.
If your grandma ever told you to sleep with your head elevated when you had a cold, you might have been surprised that it actually worked.
So why does this work? Keeping your head lifted while you sleep can help relieve congestion.
#2: Drink Brandy
Drinking brandy when you have a cold can do more than just take your mind off feeling sick.
Taking a few sips of the liquor can actually increase your entire internal body temperature, which can help fight a cough by keeping your chest warm.
#3: Eat Radishes
Another funky grandma home remedy for colds is eating radishes.
Radishes, it turns out, can actually help clear your sinuses when you're congested.
#4: Eat Honey-Soaked Onion
Onions have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and they're also expectorants.
Additionally, honey is known to be an antiviral. It helps with sore throats and also helps boost the immune system.
To get these benefits, peel and cut a red onion, and soak it overnight in honey. In the morning, eat one or two honey-soaked onion slices, and continue eating them once or twice a day.
#5: Drink Black Pepper Water
This might be one of the stranger remedies out there, but black pepper can stem the flow of mucus and stop sneezing. Additionally, it can relieve sore throats and coughing.
Mix together 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper in lukewarm water, then drink it every few hours.
#6: Put On Cold, Wet Socks Before Bed
You might assume that putting on cold, wet socks would feel miserable when you're not feeling well.
Even though it may not be the most comfortable, wearing cold socks to bed can stimulate circulation. This can regulate the immune system and help relieve congestion.
#7: Eat Raw Garlic Cloves
People all over the world turn to garlic when they're feeling unwell — it's a practice that has been used for years.
Raw garlic is actually great for your immune system, and eating a few cloves of it can help beat the common cold.
Crush up a clove or two of garlic and eat it, or mix it with honey to help with the taste.
#8: Eat The Spiciest Food You Can Handle
Some of us love spicy foods while others absolutely hate it. Whether you're a fan or not, eating spicy foods when you have a cold can help you feel better.
Consuming spicy food will make your nose runny and clear your sinuses. It will also encourage you to drink more water, which can help with your cold as well.
#9: Wrap Your Throat In Warm Wet Towels
Wrapping your throat in warm towels doesn't just help keep you toasty and cozy when you're sick, it also helps relieve sinus pressure and drain mucus.
You can also put the warm towels over parts of your face to help relieve congestion.
#10: Nap On The Couch While Watching "The Price Is Right"
OK, so maybe this doesn't have the same proven health properties, but it's tried-and-true!
If you've ever tried any of these grandma-approved cold remedies, please SHARE this article with your friends!
