Between the months of August and February, many employees begin to notice a reduction in worker attendance – largely due to the cold and flu season. No one can be at the top of their game while battling a persistent cold, or running a fever due to the flu. So, what can you do when you begin to feel the symptoms of a cold or flu while at the office? Try some of these natural remedies at the start of any cold symptoms to help boost your immune system before the symptoms become worse.
Hot Ginger Tea
Ginger is packed with healing benefits, thanks to the anti-inflammatory compounds it possesses naturally. When you begin to feel a stuffy, runny nose, try sipping some hot ginger tea to help relax and loosen up the mucous membranes in your nasal passages. The steam from this hot drink will help to loosen things up, while the tea itself will help combat inflammation of the membranes in your nose to allow mucous to drain properly. Additionally, the tea helps replenish your body of fluids, which will help ward off dehydration. For additional benefits and added sweetness, try adding a tablespoon or two of honey to your tea. Honey is a natural antibacterial and has been proven to help soothe sore throats and congestion.
Gargle Away a Sore Throat
Sore throats are a common symptom of the cold and flu virus. When you begin to feel a sore throat, try gargling with a mix of sage, apple cider vinegar, and salt. The apple cider vinegar will act as an antibacterial to help you fight off the virus, while the sage acts as an astringent to help remove excess fluids from the soft tissues in your mouth and throat. You can easily mix this gargle the night before and store it in a small bottle with a twist-on lid so you can take it with you to work and use in the restroom.
Warm Compress
A warm compress can do more than just help to alleviate muscle pain. It can also help to loosen up mucous that has settled in your chest to allow you to cough it out. Simply place a hot water bottle on your back, between your shoulder blades to help loosen up the built-up phlegm that has settled in your chest. In no time you will notice that your cough is more productive.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps to kick-start our immune systems, and keep them working in top condition. When you catch a cold virus, it is important to take additional vitamin C supplements in order to help your immune system fight off the attack of the virus. You can do this by simply drinking a glass or two of orange juice every day, or by keeping a few vitamin C drops in your pocket or purse.
Trying to work productively while fighting a cold or flu can be a lot like trying to teach a dog a new trick – incredibly difficult. Why spend more money on over-the-counter medications that may or may not help to ease your symptoms to allow you to work properly, when you can get the same – if not better – results from an all-natural homeopathic remedy? These remedies don’t usually come with a “do not operate heavy machinery” warning, because there’s no need for a warning like this.
But, many of the above mentioned natural remedies have been tried and proven to help knock out cold symptoms to let you get back to being a productive, successful worker. It is also important to remember that while you’re sick with a cold or flu, be sure to stay properly hydrated to help your body fight off the infection. And, if your symptoms persist longer than seven to ten days, you may want to consult with your doctor.
