I feel like in the past few weeks everyone has been sick with a cold or the flu. By everyone, I of course include myself in this. My husband and friends think I'm crazy because for some reason I hate taking any kind of cold or flu medicine. I feel it is just a cover up of symptoms and that it only delays recovery. Because of this, I have come up with a list of 'natural' home remedies for cold and flu relief. 1. Blow Your Nose! - Sniffing is not only gross and rude, but also sucks all that mucus back up into your sinuses. Blow your nose frequently when needed but be sure you don't use too much force. Wash your hands after blowing your nose for goodness sake! 2. Hot Showers - I think many of us use hot showers for relief of many things the World throws at us, but the steam also helps open up and clear out nasal passages. 3. Keep Rested - Another one that we should all know by now. Sleep is when our body can rest and heal. Without sleep we add more strain to our bodies and makes a groggy situation even groggier (if that's a word)! 4. Use an Extra Pillow at Night - The added angle under your head helps your nasal passage drain. 5. Drink A Lot - Drink lots of water is what I mean by that.  I think everyone also should know that hydration is key and helps flush all those nasties out.  So drink a lot (of water) often and save any other kind of drinking for once you're well again.

(http://blogs.camdenliving.com/2012/01/26/cold-and-flu-home-remedies/simply-saline/) 7. Gargle with Warm Salt Water - This always seems to soothe my sore throat.  I don't have a specific salt to water ratio, but just put a healthy amount of salt into some luke-warm water and gargle away. I hope this helps to provide some relief to my fellow sickos out there.  Please remember to think of others and keep the spreading of germs to a minimum....hand sanitizer is your friend!