We’re two days away from the official start of autumn, which signals the changing of foliage colors, the start of hoodie season, another Chicago Bears disappointing start, and the cold and flu season. 

We’re not doctors over here, but we are parents, and we have years of experience tending to our household when they are under the weather. Before you resign yourself to a season full of sniffles and coughs, arm yourself with these five natural remedies to fend off those pesky viruses.

1. Echinacea: Nature’s Immune Booster

Originating from Native American traditional medicine, Echinacea has been used for centuries as a remedy for various ailments. 

When it comes to colds and flu, this plant may be your immune system’s best friend. Research suggests that Echinacea can boost immune function, helping to ward off those nasty viruses. 

While it’s available in various forms like teas and supplements, always consult with a healthcare provider before adding any new herbal remedy to your routine.

2. Honey and Lemon: The Dynamic Duo

Sonny and Cher. Abbot and Costello. Thelma and Louise. They got nothin’ on honey and lemon. 

Your grandmother might have sworn by this, and guess what? She was on to something. Honey is not only sweet, but it also contains natural antibacterial properties, which can soothe a sore throat and suppress coughs. Lemon, packed with vitamin C, aids the immune system and balances the body’s pH levels. It’s also an antibacterial.

Warm up some water, squeeze in fresh lemon juice, add a dollop of honey, and voila, your throat may start to feel better, and better is always good. 

3. Ginger: The Root of Relief

There’s a reason why ginger has been used in traditional medicine across various cultures for eons. 

This fiery root is an anti-inflammatory powerhouse. A steaming cup of ginger tea can not only alleviate symptoms like sore throat and congestion but also combat nausea, which sometimes accompanies the flu. 

Grate fresh ginger into boiling water, let it steep for a few minutes, strain, and enjoy. For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. 

4. Feel the Steam

We’ve all been there—a head so congested it could pass for Thanksgiving stuffing. 

Breathing in some steam is a time-tested method to relieve this. Fill a bowl with hot water, drape a towel over your head, and inhale deeply. The steam helps moisten the nasal passages, allowing mucus to flow more freely. Add a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil for added benefits and to feel like you’ve brought the spa into your living room.

5. Stay Hydrated: Water to the Rescue

Water does more than just sit in a glass, creating condensation. 

Staying hydrated is crucial when battling the cold or flu. Fluids help flush out toxins from your system, keep mucus (eww) thin, and soothe a scratchy throat. Water is excellent, but herbal teas and broths are also beneficial. Just remember to avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can be dehydrating.

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

Speaking of remedies, a little care package goes a long way. 

We present our Get Well Wishes Gift Basket, a recuperating-themed gift box filled with cozy socks, playing cards, a crossword puzzle book, snack mix, Claey’s hard candy, and tea. 

It’s just what the BasketWorks “doctors” ordered. 

Feel better!

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today! Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on  Facebook and LinkedIn.

Ah, Halloween! The only time of the year when it’s not just acceptable but encouraged to eat candy for breakfast and pretend you’re someone (or something) else. 

While many of us associate Halloween with pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, and perhaps a spooky movie marathon, it turns out that our ghostly friends and candy corn traditions aren’t universal. 

It’s time to pull out your global atlas (or, you know, just Google Maps) and let’s embark on a bewitching journey to see how the world gets its spook on.

Dia de los Muertos – Mexico

Mexico, ever the overachiever in the holiday department, doesn’t just celebrate Halloween for a day but turns it into a three-day fiesta known as Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. 

Far from a somber occasion, this festival is a vibrant affair. Think of it as a family reunion, only that some of the family members are, well, deceased. With sugar skulls, marigolds, and beautifully adorned altars, Mexicans honor their departed loved ones, remembering that death, just like life, is something to be celebrated.

Pangangaluluwa – Philippines

In the Philippines, the night before All Saints’ Day sees youngsters singing and dancing in a manner that’s vaguely reminiscent of caroling. 

But instead of jingle bells and Santa hats, we’re talking about ghostly tunes. Oh, and if you don’t reward these spooky serenaders with goodies? Prepare for some minor, harmless pranks. It’s all in good spirit (pun totally intended).

The Hungry Ghost Festival – China

Let’s hop over to China, where the Hungry Ghost Festival takes center stage. 

During the seventh month of the lunar calendar, it’s believed that restless spirits roam the Earth. To appease these wanderers, folks offer food, money, and even concerts. That’s right; in the afterlife, spirits apparently still have a penchant for good music. 

Dzień Zaduszny – Poland

Say it with me…actually, I can’t pronounce it. 

Still, Poland’s Dzień Zaduszny, or All Souls’ Day, is a tad more reflective. Candles and flowers adorn graves, illuminating cemeteries in a mesmerizing dance of flickering lights. This is a moment to honor the departed, and a candlelit Polish cemetery is said to be eerily breathtaking, without the need for any Hollywood special effects.

La Fête d’Halloween – France

Par le vous Halloween? 

Oh là là, do they know how to add a touch of chic in France! With costume parties and eerie soirées in the catacombs of Paris (because a haunted underground party is always a good idea), the French add their signature panache to the spooky season.

Samhain – Ireland & Scotland

Back to where it all began! 

Samhain, originating from ancient Celtic traditions, marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. With bonfires, traditional foods, and probably a leprechaun or two hidden somewhere, the Irish and Scots delve into an ancient celebration that’s the granddaddy of the Halloween we know.

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

Did you really think we’d conclude without shamelessly plugging one of our can’t-miss gift baskets? 

Unwrap a spellbinding array of delights with our Trick or Treat Halloween basket! From the aromatic mulling spices to the rich Vosges Marshies, and the classic Hershey’s kisses, this basket is bursting with treats that’ll make goblins and ghosts alike gleeful. 

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today! Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on  Facebook and LinkedIn.