Winter is here, bringing with it congested noses, sore throats, fevers, inflammations and, of course – the flu. Modern medicine offers a variety of cures for each disease, but I believe that it’s worth trying good old home remedies before you start pumping your kids full of drugs. This article will teach you 11 classic home remedies that have proven their efficacy for many generations.

1. Decongesting

The most common winter issue for children and adults is a congested nose. Luckily, it can be treated naturally, quickly and effectively:

• Boil 3-4 sage leaves in a deep bowl and add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil
• Bend over the bowl and cover your head with a towel
• Inhale deeply and your nose will be back to normal in no time

2. Phlegm

Phlegm tends to travel down our throats and make it hard to breath, prompting bouts of coughing. The solution is a very old, but highly effective one:

• Draw a hot bath and add a few drops of sage, thyme, eucalyptus and mint oil
• Lay in the bath, making sure your chest is submerged
• You may also want to rub your chest with a mixture of warm olive oil, eucalyptus, sage and thyme oils

3. Sore throat

A sore throat is a sign that harmful bacteria are starting to colonize it. The remedy for it is as simple as it is effective:

• Pour boiling water into a cup and add half a teaspoon of salt – allow to cool
• Gargle the salt-water for about 30 seconds to reduce the soreness significantly

4. Coughing

Phlegm and bacteria cause irritation in the throat, causing us to cough all the time. The following remedy lubricates the throat, easing he cough.

• Mix dry basil, powdered ginger and a teaspoon of honey in a cup
• Fill the cup with boiling water, stir well and allow the boiling water to brew the mixture for 5 minutes
• Drink the infusion 3 times a day to ease the cough

5. Dry cough

A dry cough is one that is not related to phlegm or other obstructing fluids in the respiratory system. This type of cough may indicate other ailments.

• Add a teaspoon of honey and a cinnamon stick to a cup of boiling water
• Let the water cool down for 5 minutes, allowing the heat to draw out the essence of the cinnamon
• Drink the infusion to calm the dry cough

Every year, winter brings with it an epidemic of the flu. I feel that the best treatment for the flu is the historically proven remedy:

• Boil a cup of milk with 4 dehydrated figs
• Blend the figgy milk to a smooth consistency and drink on one gulp
• Repeat daily and don’t forget to eat natural chicken soup

7. Fever reduction

As you become ill, your body tends to raise its core temperature in-order to slow down the disease, but the fever often does more harm than good.

• Boil a cup of water and add finely chopped fresh cilantro
• Filter and chill the water
• Soak a gauze in the cilantro-water and put on various parts of the body, for 2-3 minutes in each place
• Repeat as much as needed

8. Throat inflammation

Similarly to a fever, an inflammation is one of the body’s defense mechanisms against various contaminants. To treat it, try this old remedy:

• Boil a tablespoon of fresh biblical hyssop and basil for 5 minutes
• Allow the infusion to cool, then strain it and drink in small sips
• Try to slow down the swallowing process, to allow it more contact with the inflamed throat

9. Ear infections

Ear infections are quite common in wintertime, and is considered to be one of the most painful ailments there is, and in particular for children experiencing it for the first time.

• Crush a clove of garlic, mix with a little olive oil
• Let the mixture sit for 3 hours to allow the active ingredients in the garlic to seep into the oil
• Dip a cotton swab in the mixture and gently insert into the ear to ease the pain

10. Sinus infection

A sinus infection is an infection of the sinuses, which are cavities in the skull. It usually is the result of an untreated previous infection.

• Drip 2 drops of sesame oil in each nostril, repeat twice a day
• Mix a tablespoon of sugar with a tablespoon of lemon extract until you receive a gel-like concoction
• Apply the concoction around the sinuses (above the eyes, on the sides of the nose and cheekbones) 

11. Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the mucus membranes of the bronchi (the tubes that regulate airflow into your lungs.

• Mix powdered mustard with salt and water until you have a consistent paste
• Before going to bed, apply a small amount of olive oil on the chest and add the paste over it
• Wrap your chest with a cloth and leave it on for the night
• You may also want to grate some fresh horseradish and have a teaspoon of it twice a day.