With fall and winter being peak seasons for getting the flu and catching a cold, it’s time to prepare for the battle. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were a reported 2.5 million influenza-associated medical visits in the 2015-2016 season. Luckily, there are numerous homemade cold remedies, including drinking more water, that can help combat the symptoms. Not only does water work to regulate your system, but it can keep your immune system strong and ready to fight off viruses and germs. If you happen to get sick this year, try these immunity-boosting, water-based beverages to help kick your cold or flu.
Lemon Ginger Tea
- 1 thumb ginger root
- ½ lemon
- 2 cups water
- Honey (to taste)
Lemon ginger tea is one of the most effective teas for fighting the cold and flu. Ginger works to relieve flu-like symptoms such as nausea and stomachaches. As for the lemon, this is a top cold-fighting fruit. It’s a key source of vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant and boosts your immune system. Additionally, the hot water used to steep the tea can loosen mucus and clear stuffed up sinuses. To make lemon ginger tea, take about a thumb’s worth of ginger root and grate it into a bowl. Pour boiling water over the ginger and steep for at least three minutes. Squeeze half a lemon into a large mug and strain the ginger tea into the mug. Add honey to sweeten up the soothing beverage. Drinking lemon ginger tea for cold and flu symptoms can save the day when you need to kick your sickness.
Citrus Electrolyte Water
- 2 cups water
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ½ cup orange juice
- 1/8 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
- 2 tablespoons organic honey
If you catch the flu and are experiencing all the fluid-draining effects of vomiting, diarrhea, sweating and fever, it’s extremely important to keep up hydration and replenish lost electrolytes. Electrolytes are responsible for regulating your body’s metabolic functions, and when your immune system is down, it’s even more crucial to get levels back up and regain strength by refueling. Make a citrus electrolyte water by mixing together water, lemon juice, orange juice, Himalayan pink salt and raw honey. The citrus fruit adds extra vitamin C to your system, the salt is packed with key minerals that help to rebalance your body’s fluids, and the honey provides antioxidants and holds antibacterial properties.
Grapefruit-Cucumber-Ginger-Mint Infused Water
- 2 quarts water
- 6 grapefruit wedges
- ½ cucumber, sliced
- 1 thumb ginger root, sliced
- 2 mint leaves
For a well-rounded, natural flu remedy, try grapefruit-cucumber-ginger-mint infused water. Grab a pitcher and add the grapefruit wedges, cucumber, mint leaves, ginger and water. Allow the ingredients to infuse into the water for at least six hours. The grapefruit provides much needed vitamin C, ginger works to boost the immune system and rid your body of toxins, the cucumbers provide hydration and the mint helps soothe your stomach.
Using Culligan To Keep You Healthy
These water-based, natural ways to get rid of a cold could be your ticket out of flu season. Just make sure to use water that has been filtered with the highest standards. Culligan can help gauge your water quality level and provide the solutions to get it up to par. That way, you have a fighting chance to kick your cold or flu with the best ingredients available.
