The holiday season is pure magic—until it sneaks up and knocks you out. One minute, I’m relishing leftover pie and basking in the warmth of family time—the next, I’m sprawled on the couch, sidelined by sniffles, coughs, fatigue, and a pounding headache. Sound familiar? If you’re like me, reaching for over-the-counter meds is a last-ditch move. Instead, I turn to my trusty stash of natural remedies.

Sure, these aren’t groundbreaking discoveries—you’ve probably heard of most of them before. But sometimes, we all need a little nudge to bring those tried-and-true classics back into play.

After years of experimenting and fine-tuning, I’ve gathered my go-to cold-fighting favorites that have actually worked for me. Ready to feel better, naturally? Let me show you the remedies that not only speed up recovery but also give your body the TLC it deserves.

First, let’s get one thing straight: I’m not anti-medicine, but I am pro-health. My journey into natural remedies took on a whole new depth during my cancer treatment years ago. That experience was a profound reminder of how vital it is to nurture ourselves and prioritize prevention. For busy women like us—balancing careers, families, and the ever-elusive concept of self-care—natural remedies offer a gentler, more holistic way to recover and recharge.

So, let’s dig into the simple, natural remedies that make cold season just a little less miserable—and a lot more manageable.

Hydration is the holy grail of cold remedies. Your body needs fluids to flush out toxins, and staying hydrated helps counteract the drying effects of indoor heating. Think beyond plain water:

• Tea with a Twist: Brew your favorite herbal tea and add a squeeze of lemon, a spoonful of honey, and a sprinkle of grated ginger.

• Broth Love: Sip on warm broths (like chicken or vegetable) or miso soup for added electrolytes and comfort.

Tip: Don’t overdo it. Six to eight glasses of liquid a day are plenty–we’re going for hydrated, not waterlogged.

The moment a cold starts to rear its head, I reach for this recipe:

• Juice of half a lemon

• 1 tsp bee pollen

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• A pinch of cayenne

• 8 oz hot water

Mix it all up and sip slowly. This concoction combines anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immune-boosting ingredients that work wonders. From Goop.

Yes, chicken soup is cliché, but there’s a reason it’s called 'medicine in a bowl'. The warmth can ease congestion, and the broth keeps you hydrated. Want to up the healing game? Add:

• Fresh grated ginger for anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Garlic for its antibacterial properties.

• Black pepper to boost circulation

Honey isn’t just for sweetening your tea—it’s nature’s cough syrup. Studies have show that honey is as effective as dextromethorphan (a common ingredient in cough meds) for soothing nighttime coughs.

How to Use: Stir it into tea, drizzle it on toast, or just take a spoonful straight.

Peppermint is a triple threat against colds: it clears sinuses, soothes headaches, and relaxes airways for better breathing.

• Sip it as tea.

• Add peppermint essential oil to a diffuser or a warm bath.

• Rub diluted oil into your temples for headache relief.

Safety Note: Always dilute essential oils before applying them to your skin.

When my nose feels like it’s been sealed shut, I turn to steam. A steamy shower or bath not only clears your sinuses but also relaxes your whole body.

Eucalyptus Extra: Add a eucalyptus shower bomb or a few drops of essential oil to your bath for an extra kick.

When you’re under the weather, intense workouts are a no-go, but gentle movement can actually help. A 10-minute yoga flow or a brisk walk outdoors or can boost circulation and release mood-boosting endorphins. Plus, hello, vitamin D!

This is your permission slip to be a homebody. Your body needs energy to fight off the cold, so snuggle up with a good book, a soft blanket, and a warm drink.

The best way to fight a cold is to avoid getting one in the first place:

• Wash your hands like a germaphobe.

• Load up on immune-boosting foods like citrus fruits and spinach.

• Manage stress—it’s an immune killer.

These remedies are my go-to strategies for feeling better naturally when a cold strikes. They’re simple, effective, and a gentle reminder to slow down and care for yourself when your body needs it most.

Now it’s your turn: What are your favorite DIY remedies for cold season? Send me a message or drop them on social media—I'd love to know!