How To Ward Off A Cold, According To 7 Health Editors
By Rosie McCall
You’ve been loading up on immune-boosting foods, exercising regularly and washing your hands often and well. Yet there’s no question you’re coming down with something — your body feels rundown, and there’s a twinge in your throat. But it’s not too late! Below are the sickness-prevention strategies that Health editors use at the first hint of seasonal sniffles. These reality-tested remedies have worked for us, and nipped colds in the bud.
Gargle salt water
“I swear by the salt-water gargle, a trick I learned working at Health. The how-to: Add half a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water (though I just eyeball the amount; it should taste salty but not so salty that you gag) and gargle. As soon as I start feeling that scratchiness at the back of my throat I do this several times a day, but at minimum before bed and first thing in the morning. Not only is it soothing but I can almost feel the germs getting purged. I’m convinced I’ve halted countless colds this way.” —Jeannie Kim, executive deputy editor
Swallow raw garlic
“I heard from a friend that you should eat raw garlic at the first sign of a cold because it activates your immune system, so when I started getting sick before a big work thing, I tried it. Only I chewed the clove rather than swallowing it whole (what you’re supposed to do). BIG mistake. It burns your mouth and throat. The next day my symptoms exploded and ...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news