Hamber Students’ Go-To Home Remedies

Photo Credit: Allina Health

For many, escaping a debilitating cold is impossible over the winter months; plenty of Hamber students have fallen ill over the flu season. However, they’ve also found ways to help mitigate their sickness and aim for a speedy recovery.

Through social media, Natalie Palmer (10) discovered a gargling technique that involves salt and baking soda, which helps treat sore throats.

When feeling unwell, making a specific food or drink has also helped Palmer feel better again. “My mom makes chicken noodle soup, and makes her own bone broth,” Palmer explained. Certain activities also often help her feel more comfortable when sick at home. Hot showers and baths are a go-to for Palmer. When sick, she also indulges in “watching Barbie and Tinkerbell movies in [her] bed with soup.”

Kohen Lee Lennox (9) makes hot water with lemon or honey when feeling sick. Students also adapted their daily routines — including sleep schedules — when sick with the flu. According to Lennox, the most effective way to recover from the flu is rest. 

“I usually either don’t go to school, and I rest at home and don’t do basketball,” he added.

That being said, can these home remedies replace over-the-counter medicine? Lennox and Palmer don’t think so. “[Home remedies] just speed up how you’re feeling if you’re feeling down,” said Lennox.

“Tea and hot showers have more mild results in the long run, but can help if you do it consistently. It shouldn’t be the main treatment though,” added Palmer. 

So, with so many home remedy options, where should you start?

Palmer recommends to “focus on getting better first and not worry too much.” She also recommends “eating frozen strawberries and raspberries [and] drinking hot lemon tea with ginger.”