November approaches and winter has knocked doors of most parts of the northern India. From pleasant weather to extreme cold conditions, next few months bring some health related complication like cold, flu, cough, body & muscular pain etc. With some safeguards in advance, we can enjoy winter without getting affected with common winter health complications. Get through this winter season using these simple tips and home remedies:

Stay hydrated – As the weather cools down and our thirst decreases, we tend to forget drinking enough water. It is essential for our body to stay hydrated. If it is difficult for you to drink plain water try herbal tea or flavoured water.

Sleep well – Proper sleep can help keep the body's immune system healthy and fight off colds. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes as these substances can affect the quality of your sleep.

Exercise regularly – It is important to exercise regularly, even if only for 15 minutes a day. You can go out for a short walk and enjoy the cool weather but don't forget to wear warm clothes.

Wash your hands regularly – Keep the bacteria and viruses off your hands by washing them regularly. Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer close-by for those instances when you can’t get soap and water.

Stay Warm – Keep yourself warm by wearing woolens and thermals.

Papaya and banana face pack – Use this face pack to keep your skin moisturized. Take a ripe papaya and mix it with mashed banana. Add 2 table spoon of honey to the mixture. Apply this paste all over your face and body. Papayas contain anti-oxidants while bananas are known for their vitamin content and also work as an anti-aging agent. Honey is a natural moisturizer for the skin. Using this pack will help rejuvenate your skin, making it firmer and younger looking.

Petroleum jelly – Petroleum jelly is easily available and comes very cheap. It can be used on dry skin, dry lips and cracked heels. Petroleum jelly has moisturizing properties and helps to get rid of the dry skin conditions.

Coconut oil – Coconut oil makes the skins softer and provides moisture to the skin naturally. It is rich in fatty acids and prevents moisture loss. During the winter months, apply coconut oil at night before going to bed.

Garlic – During winter months, keep raw garlic on hand for a speedy recovery from illness. You can use garlic in soups and stir fries or mince one clove of raw garlic and drink with warm water if you feel ill and repeat this every few hours until the illness is gone.

Sore throat – For Dry cough take mixture of 1 tsp juice of ginger, a pinch of black pepper and 1 tbsp of honey. For Wet cough add 2 tsp lemon juice to 1 glass of warm water and drink 3-4 times in a day until the cough is gone.

Herbal Cough Syrup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 quart of filtered water
• 1/4 cup Ginger Root (fresh grated or dried)
• 1/4 cup Chamomile Flowers
• 1/4 cup Marshmallow Root
• 1 tablespoon Cinnamon
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup honey

Method:

• Pour the water into a medium saucepan and add the dried herbs.
• Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
• Simmer until the volume is reduced by about half. (You will need 1 cup of liquid after herbs are strained off)
• Pour through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove herbs (compost the herbs!).
• While liquid is still warm (not boiling) mix with lemon juice and honey and stir well.
• Store in airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 months.

Homemade Vapor Rub

If you catch cold you can use this homemade vapor rub.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil
• 2 level tablespoons of beeswax pastilles
• 20 drops of Eucalyptus Oil (use only 4 drops for use on babies and young children)
• 20 drops Peppermint Oil (substitute 4 drops fir essential oil for use on babies and small children)
• 10 drops Rosemary Oil (omit for use on babies and small children)
• 10 drops cinnamon or clove oil (optional- omit for use on babies or small children)

Method:

• Melt beeswax with oil of choice in a double boiler until just melted.
• Add the essential oils (use half the amount for a baby version or dilute with coconut oil before using)
• Stir until well mixed and pour into some type of container with a lid to store. Small tins work well, as do little jars. You may also make them in lip chap-sticks to use on feet.
• Use as needed to help reduce coughing and congestion.

Use these tips and stay safe and warm this winter. Happy Winters!