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In recent weeks, a growing number of individuals have been afflicted by what is being termed the ‘superflu’. While winter often sees a rise in illnesses, this year’s particular strain is causing more trouble than usual, with symptoms lingering for weeks on end.
Whether battling the flu or a simple cold, the last thing anyone wants is for it to spoil the holiday season. Fortunately, health experts suggest that a common kitchen ingredient could alleviate some symptoms. It might not be a cure-all, but it can offer relief, particularly for those plagued by a persistent cough.
Experts at Healthline note that a definitive cure for the common cold has yet to be discovered. However, maintaining hydration and getting adequate rest can help speed up the recovery process.
They advise, “You might be able to reduce the duration of your illness by trying certain promising supplements and following good self-care practices.”
If you’re eager to overcome your cold before the festive season, consider rummaging through your pantry for some honey. This inexpensive ingredient, available for just 74p at Asda, is not only a culinary staple but also a remedy to ease various bothersome cold and flu symptoms.
A particularly vexing symptom is the tickly or chesty cough, often disrupting sleep. According to the Mayo Clinic, several studies have demonstrated that individuals with upper respiratory tract infections, like the common cold, experienced reduced coughing when they consumed honey. Moreover, it may also help in reducing the duration of symptoms.
It also helped them to sleep better, and these studies included children too – just don’t give honey to any child under the age of one, as it carries the risk of infant botulism, which is a rare but dangerous kind of food poisoning.
A spoonful of honey also contains compounds that can help to support your immune function, feeding good gut bacteria and reducing inflammation, making it ideal for soothing cold and flu symptoms.
Another effective way to use honey for treating a cold is to make it into a hot drink. A simple honey and lemon tea comes together in minutes, warming you up and soothing your throat as it goes down.
The addition of lemon provides a boost of vitamin C, a key element in shortening your cold. It can also help to ease congestion and it’s hydrating too, so here’s how you can make a brew at home, according to Good Food.
How to make honey and lemon tea
Mix two to three tablespoons of honey and a quarter of a juiced lemon in the bottom of a cup while you boil the kettle.
Pour over the hot water, add a lemon slice and stir well to combine. Add another teaspoon of honey if you prefer it sweeter, and drink this every time you start to feel a cold coming on.
Other ingredients, like ginger and turmeric, can also be great at supporting the immune system, so you can add a pinch of these if you like.
