Winter is often associated with negativity. It’s cold, harsh and for the most part—depending on where you live—kind of inconvenient. Often times, winter and sickness also go hand-in-hand.  That said, if you or anyone in your family are prone to getting sick throughout the winter season, the good news is that there are some preventative natural remedies for the common cold you can try to maintain winter wellness.

Apple Cider Vinegar

People have been using apple cider vinegar for relief for years.

According to WellnessMama.com, apple cider vinegar has been used as a natural remedy to help allergy sufferers for years.  Apple cider vinegar can also reduce acid reflux, fight candida (yeast), and lower blood pressure. It’s also high in phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and calcium, making it a sort of super food.

The best way to use apple cider vinegar is to dilute and ingest it. Our favorite recipe is this fire cider from Mommypotamus.com. Enjoy!

Elderberry Syrup

Another great natural remedy is homemade elderberry syrup, which  RealFoodRN.com says is packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

One study in Norway tested the effectiveness of elderberries on 60 patients who had developed flu-like symptoms. You can read the results of the study here.

We suggest you read more about the effects of elderberry syrup and how to prepare it from a reputable, well-researched source such as the Franklin Institute of Wellness.

Green Tea with Honey

Some people swear by green tea as a natural health food capable of being a reliable cold and flu remedy, as green tea contains infection-fighting antioxidants.

For an extra boost, consider adding antioxidant-rich local, raw, organic honey to your tea. One study showed that honey works as a better night-time cough suppressant than some medications.

In addition to being great for winter cold symptoms, both green tea and honey host a number of additional benefits, including aiding in digestion.

Whole-House Humidifiers

Truthfully, it’s not necessarily the cold itself that’s the problem throughout the winter. In fact, it’s the dry winter air.

Our airways, sinuses, blood vessels, and skin depend on moisture to keep our bodies running in top physical condition. It only makes sense that when we remove the moisture from the air, our bodies begin to react negatively to the environment.

Not to mention, studies show that the flu virus and other airborne pollutants actually thrive in environments with low humidity, leading to an increased risk for illnesses.

Prevention is the most effective natural remedy for winter-related illnesses. A whole-home humidifier set somewhere between 40-60% humidity in the wintertime can work wonders for you and your family’s health.

Contact your local AprilAire professional today to discuss your home’s needs.

Supporting Articles/Quotes

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319573.php
2. https://www.aprilaire.com/blog/2017/11/does-the-cold-make-you-sick-here-are-5-conditions-escalated-by-winter-air/
3. https://wellnessmama.com/8370/allergy-relief-remedies/
4. https://www.fastcompany.com/3052970/the-norwegian-secret-to-enjoying-a-long-winter