Viruses are usually particularly rife in winter. When you’re suffering with a cold or flu, there’s no substitute for plenty of rest to give your body the time and space needed to recover. But when your airways are full of congestion, your skin is dry and chapped, and your muscles are tired and aching, it’s understandable to want immediate relief. And what if you want relief the all-natural way?
At Songbird Naturals, we recognise the benefits of helping to support your body with natural remedies, where safe and appropriate to do so. So here are some of our top tips for helping to soothe the effects of coughs and colds using gentle and natural methods.
For Congestion
Drink Plenty of Fluids: When we’re sick, we’re usually told to drink plenty of fluids. This is to help avoid the risk of dehydration, which is increased when we have a fever, congestion, vomiting or diarrhoea. But drinking plenty of fluids – particularly warm fluids – can help with congestion, too. Whether you choose to sip herbal teas (like peppermint, sage or elderflower), hot lemon and ginger, soups or broths, or just plain warm water, try to consume these warm beverages throughout the day. Also, it’s best to avoid caffeinated drinks for these purposes, as they can contribute to dehydration, which could ultimately make your congestion feel worse.
Nasal Rinses: If nasal congestion or post-nasal drip is causing you discomfort, you may want more direct action. Saline nasal rinses are a soothing and drug-free way to help clear mucus from your nasal area. Just be mindful that they won’t necessarily clear out all of the congestion at once.
Adhesive Nasal Strips: If a blocked nose is stopping you from sleeping at night, try using adhesive nasal strips to open up your airways and help make breathing a little easier. It can also help to use an extra pillow to prop your head up at night.
Throat and Chest Balm: For immediate relief from congestion, try using our all-natural Throat and Chest Balm. Just rub a little between your palms and inhale or apply directly to the throat and chest. This balm contains essential oils of Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Wintergreen and Peppermint, which are well-known for their natural decongestant properties.
For Sore Throat
Honey: Due to its natural antibacterial and wound-healing properties, honey is excellent at soothing a sore throat. Try adding a spoonful to a hot drink.
Herbal Teas: Chamomile, sage, peppermint, and marshmallow root are all traditionally used in herbal teas to help with sore throats. You can also choose to add some fresh lemon, which has additional antibacterial properties and gives an added boost of Vitamin C.
Salt Water Gargle: Gargling with warm salt water is a common natural remedy for sore throats, as salt helps to kill bacteria, while the warm solution will help break down secretions and soothe the pain.
Suck Ice Cubes: For immediate relief with a slightly numbing sensation, try simply sucking on ice cubes.
For Aching Muscles
Hot Baths: Sometimes the first sign of flu or a particularly nasty cold is muscle aches and pains. To help warm your muscles and relax your whole body, enjoy a long, hot bath. The steam will also help with any congestion you may have.
Warming and Easing Balm: It’s certainly not practical or energy-efficient to have multiple baths a day, no matter how much your aching muscles may crave it. Fortunately, our Warming and Easing Balm provides a gentle warming sensation to skin and muscles and can be applied throughout the day. Containing Arnica oil and essential oils of Camphor, Black Pepper, Cajuput, Ginger and Capsicum, these oils are traditionally renowned for the relief of muscular stiffness and joint pain, helping to bring relaxation to a tired and aching body.
For Dry, Chapped Skin
Bee Balm: When the skin around your nose and mouth is dry and chapped – perhaps from frequent nose blowing or dehydration – we believe there’s no better remedy than our all-natural, soothing Bee Balm. Containing just 4 ingredients including Propolis and Vitamin E, which help accelerate the healing of damaged skin, we’ve had plenty of first-hand experience of this lovely balm soothing dry and chapped skin. It can also be mixed with our other balms, such as Throat and Chest or Warming and Easing Balm, if a milder application is preferred.
We believe self-care should be a necessity, not a luxury. When you’re feeling rundown, a little TLC can go a long way.
