How to Make a Humidifier, and other Tips for Cold and Flu Season

There is no real way to cure a cold but you can gear up your immune system to have fewer and shorter colds in the year. I came up with this "home made" humidifier when my 9 month old son woke up super congested. With some home remedies learned from my mom, and staying warm inside, his sneezing went away in three days time.

It's very simple, all you need is a teapot, water, heat resistant dish, and Mentholatum ointment or 'Vix' cream. Fill the teapot 3/4 full with clean water. Smear about a tablespoon of the ointment or cream into the dish. Place the dish into the the teapot and bring to a boil. The steam will heat the cream and carry the vapors throughout the room. You can leave it boiling on the stove until it needs more water or you can take it into a room to steam it up. It should steam for about thirty minutes, then will need to be heated up again on the stove.

Stay warm at home by bundling up in socks and sweaters. The heater on at full blast isn't good for a congested nose, keep it warm but not hot.Remember to change any filters and clean any vents in the house before you turn on the air or heat. They may be harboring last years bacteria, you don't want to circulate that throughout the house!If it is a warmer day outside, take advantage of it by airing out your home. Letting fresh air pass through all your windows and doors will give any airborne bacteria a chance to escape.

Drinking Tea, cider, chai, or whatever warm drink you prefer, will help keep your body hydrated and warm enough to fight off bacteria. Keep in mind that sugary, and caffeinated drinks like coffee might be counter productive and make you thirstier; also too much diary will cause mucus to build up in your sinuses. Always drink lots of water! Our body's need the the extra fluids when we are fighting off an infection; and most of us forget to drink water in the colder months! Try this to help you remember to drink water:

1. Fill a tall glass with fresh water
2. Set it in front of you or in a place where it is visible all over the room
3. Set a timer or just choose a time by when you want to finish the water (try 2-3 hours)
4. Drink the whole glass within your set time, that's your goal!
5. Refill and reset your timer. (it's not a race, so don't drink too much water at one time)

Echinacea extract is good for soothing sore throats and nasal congestion. It is said to help strengthen your immune system to better fight bacteria and viruses. It can be found in powder form, extract drops, or as a tea. The drops are easiest to add to milk bottles for infants, it will hide the powerful taste of the echinacea. You can find it in the natural foods section of your grocery store or at most health food stores

Garlic. Traditionally has served as an immune system booster, and used to lower blood pressure among many other healing powers. Garlic is just an all around good food to have at hand. Consider incorporating a good amount of garlic into your meals every day. You can also find garlic oils or supplement tablets at health food stores.

Oranges or orange juice will supply you with Vitamin C. There are also some juices that are enriched with calcium.

Cuddling. Ok I don't know if it's been proven scientifically but giving extra attention and love to someone who feels under the weather, always puts them in a good mood and a smile on their face, which helps them heal faster!