Natural Remedies for Cough, Flu, and Dry Skin
Winter brings about a world of misery in the form of flu, cough, and dry skin. However, here are some natural treatments to remedy these problems at home.
1. Keep Hydrated
Be sure to drink enough liquids so that you stay hydrated, as the flu, especially if it includes vomiting or diarrhea, is sure to dehydrate you. Try drinking water, and juices, and stay away from caffeinated beverages. You know you’re getting enough water into your system if your urine is pale yellow or colorless.
2. Honey
To soothe cough, honey is more efficient than over the counter drugs! Its texture and high viscosity coats and soothes the irritated throat. It also has antibacterial properties. This quality can help shorten the duration of your cough if its due to a bacterial infection. All you need to do is, drink a tablespoon of organic honey twice or thrice a day.
Honey is also a natural home remedy for dry skin due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial qualities. Therefore, it can prevent the moisture in your skin from escaping, and make it smooth and soft. Just rub honey all over your face and wash it off later for soft and smooth skin.
3. Milk
Another way to naturally treat dry skin is by using milk. Milk contains natural soothing and anti-inflammatory properties which help heal dry skin. The lactic acid increases the skins ability to prevent moisture from escaping, and exfoliates dead skin cells. Twice a day, add several drops of rose water to 4 tablespoons of milk, and rub this concoction all over your body. Let it remain for ten minutes then wash it off with cold water.
Alternatively, you can use milk cream to remedy dry skin as it is an amazing moisturizer. Make a solution of a teaspoon of milk, 2 teaspoons of milk cream, and 2 to 3 drops of lemon juice. Gently rub it onto your arms and legs and leave it for a while before washing it off.
4. Salt Water
Another cough and flu treatment is to gargle salt water. It can ease the pain of a sore throat and the discomfort of a cough. It helps decrease the amount of swelling in the throat through osmosis, and dislodge phlegm and allows it to be expelled easily. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt into a mug of hot water, then gargle the water for 15 seconds, spit, and repeat with the remaining mixture. By the end of it, if you have a bad taste in your mouth, rinse with plain water.
5. Ginger Peppermint Syrup
Another home remedy for coughs is ginger peppermint syrup. The ginger acts as an expectorant, loosening and removing mucous from lungs. The peppermint can stop the tickle of a cough. To make this syrup, chop 3 tablespoons of ginger and 1 tablespoon of peppermint. Add this to 4 cups of water. Bring it to boil then let the mixture simmer. Strain it and let it cools, then pour in a cup. You can also add a tablespoon of honey. Bottle this solution and drink a tablespoon after every few hours. It can be kept refrigerated for up to three weeks.
6. Coconut Oil
A way to combat dry skin is to use coconut oil. This type of oil has a high amount of fatty acids which can make up for moisture lost from your skin. Apply it before going to sleep, and let it remain for the whole night. You can also apply coconut oil after taking a bath or shower as it will be more easily absorbed by your skin. try applying it to your dry skin on a daily basis.
