Home remedies that can help you to stay healthy in the winter

Winter is perhaps one of the easiest seasons to get sick. Everyone seems to be sneezing and sneezing as they try to endure these several months of coldness.

As international students, going to the hospital and getting drugs may cost a fortune, therefore, why not try some simple home remedies that can keep you healthy and warm in this chilly season.

Here are some useful remedies:

1. Drink plenty of water- Keeping your body hydrated is one of the best ways to stay health in the winter, since it can keep your through moist and get rid of toxics in your system. You should drink at least 8 to 10 eight-ounce glasses of water daily. 
2. Inhale steam to ease your congestion and drippy nose- You can do this by holding your head over a pot of boiling water and breathe through your nose. Or, you can buy a humidifier, which can give off moisture to your entire room!
3. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables that are rich in Vitamin C- Vitamin C is an important vitamin and antioxidant that the body uses to keep you strong and healthy. Vitamin C is used in the maintenance of bones, muscle, and blood vessels. Most citrus fruits contain the highest level of vitamin C.
4. Try a small dab of mentholated salve under your nose to help open breathing passages and help restore the irritated skin under the nose- Menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor all have mild numbing ingredients that may help relieve the pain of a nose rubbed raw.
5. Stay warm and rested- Staying warm and resting when you first come down with a cold or the flu helps your body direct its energy toward the immune battle. So having enough rest, especially with a consistent sleeping pattern will strengthen your immune system.
6. Gargle with warm salt water- Gargling can moisten a sore or scratchy throat and bring temporary relief. Try a half teaspoon of salt dissolved in 8 ounces of warm water four times daily to reduce the tickle in your throat.
7. Drink hot liquids- Drinking hot liquids relieve nasal congestion, prevent dehydration, and soothe the uncomfortably inflamed membranes that line your nose and throat. If you're so congested you can't sleep at night, trymaking a cup of hot herbal tea with a teaspoon of lemon in it.
8. Take a steamy shower- If you're dizzy from the flu, taking a steamy shower can moisturize your nasal passages and make your body feel more relaxed.
9. Apply hot packs around your congested sinuses- Reusable hot packs can be purchased at drugstores or you can make your. Take a damp washcloth and heat it for 30 seconds in a microwave. This can greatly ease your congestions.
10. Sleep with an extra pillow under your head- If you have a hard time breathing, you can try to adding an additional pillow to relieve congestion. Try placing the pillows between the mattress and the box springs to create a more gradual slope.

This information is brought to you by ISO Student Health Insurance, ISOA.ORG, the sole provider of Compass Health Insurance Plans and leading international student insurance provider.

---