It seems almost everyone I know is battling a cold or a sore throat these days.   But buying Airborne isn’t the only way to get healthy.  Check out some of our favorite home remedies that will help you kick colds to the curb.

We’ve all heard of Vics Vapor Rub, but you can create your own natural version of the product with simple essential oils.  Our co-founder Lauren used to make one over at Chivas Skincare and shared her recipe with us.  All you need is:

• 5 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
• 5 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
• 5 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
• 4 drops of Lemon Essential Oil
• 4 drops of Tea Tree Oil
• 2 Drops of Rosemary Essential Oil

Combine ingredients into a small bottle/jar and shake so that the oils blend together.  Apply on your chest, neck and sinus area to relieve congestion.

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Essential Oil Steams

Want even more congestion relief?  The nifty essential oil blend you just created can be added to a hot pot of steaming water.  Simply add ten drops of the blend to a quart of steaming water, cover your head with a towel and deeply inhale for a few minutes.

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It’s not an old wives’ tale; chicken soup actually contain several ingredients that affect the immune system, specifically with its anti-inflammatory properties that soothe throats and ease pains from the cold and flu.

Fortunately we’ve got a delicious Honduran chicken soup recipe, courtesy of my Mom that uses seasonal ingredients, organically-raised chicken and doesn’t take too long to prepare.

View the complete recipe here.

Lemon is known to have medicinal properties as a throat soother.  I found this nifty throat spray recipe on Planet Green that can last in the fridge up to two weeks.

• 15 drops lemon essential oil
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup lemon juice

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Ginger tea is a popular remedy from Asia and can be made easily.  In addition to having known stomach benefits, it works well with cold and flu symptoms too.  We found this simple recipe on fit sugar.

• 2 inch piece of peeled, thinly sliced fresh ginger
• 2 stalks trimmed, cut lemongrass
• 6 cups water
• 3 tablespoons honey

Bring the ginger, lemongrass and water to a boil.  Once boiling, remove from heat and add the honey until it is completely dissolved.  Allow the tea to steep partially covered for about 15 minutes.  Strain chunks of ginger and lemongrass from the tea and serve.

Here is  to your DIY health.