It’s that time of year again when colds and flu make the rounds. Between the runny nose, sore throat, and body aches, it’s enough to make anyone miserable.

The flu, common cold and most other upper respiratory illnesses are caused by viruses, so you can’t cure them with antibiotics, which are used to treat bacterial infections. However, you can soothe your symptoms with home remedies made with things you already have in your pantry. These remedies won’t cure you instantly but will help make a nasty cold more bearable and possibly shorten its duration. 

If your symptoms don’t dissipate after two weeks, or they get worse, make an appointment to see your doctor. 

Water 

There are two things all doctors prescribe when you’re down with a cold or flu: the one is bed rest, and the other is “drink plenty of fluids”. It can be a chore to keep up the daily recommended intake when you’re sick, but it’s worth it. It helps to replenish all the fluids you lose from blowing your nose and sweating from fever and helps to flush out toxins from your body.   

Home-made chicken soup 

Chicken soup got the name ‘Jewish penicillin’ by 12th-century Jewish philosopher Maimonides who wrote about its ability to relieve colds. Research has shown that eating chicken soup slow the movement of neutrophils in your body, which are a type of white blood cell that help fight off infection, and as a result decrease inflammation in the respiratory tract. In addition, the antioxidants in the vegetables present in chicken soup provide a mild anti-inflammatory effect.  

Salt water gargle 

Doctors often recommend gargling with salt water to relieve a sore throat but it’s also great for loosening mucus and flushing out irritants like bacteria, viruses and allergens. To make your own ‘”altwater mouthwash”, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Swish it around your mouth and then spit it out. Do this four times a day until your throat feels less scratchy and raw.  

Ginger and turmeric  

Ginger and turmeric root have both been used for centuries in traditional medicine, especially in the Ayurvedic medical practices of India. Ginger (when consumed in root form) is high in antioxidants that help boost your immune system and is often used to treat nausea and vomiting. Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant that fights inflammation in the body (great for aches and pains!). Add a teaspoon or more of fresh ginger and turmeric (finely chopped or grated) to smoothies, juices, or soups.  

Honey 

Drinking hot water with lemon and honey is a time-honoured way of soothing a sore throat. Honey has antimicrobial properties that can help fight some bacteria and viruses, and it is also an effective cough suppressant for children. Add a teaspoon of honey and a knob each of ginger and turmeric root to a mug of hot water with lemon and stir. Drink as hot as possible. 

The post 5 Home Remedies for this Season’s Colds and Flu appeared first on MyKitchen.

Our homes are our safe havens away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Even more so over the past year, where many of us have found ourselves spending the majority of our time at home. It’s where we cook, eat, sleep, relax and get ready, so it’s important to keep everything in tip top shape. Unfortunately, more often than not we bring the outside world into our homes with us in the form of germs. Homes can be a breeding ground for germs, bacteria, viruses and mould. Luckily, with the help of Albex cleaning supplies, there are easy and effective ways to disinfect the top germ hotspots and keep your home germ-free.

Identifying the hotspots for germs around your home is the first step in making sure your environment is stays clean and protected. Check out these top spots and how to make sure they stay germ-free:

KITCHEN
Besides the dishes, you want to make sure you are cleaning these lesser known germ hotspots: 

• Doorknobs
• Appliance handles
• Light switches
• Tabletops
• Counters

How?
1. Make a simple disinfecting solution by adding 1 cup of Albex bleach with 5 Litres of water
2. Clean the above mentioned surfaces with the solution. Allow to sit for 30 seconds.
3. Rinse and allow to air dry.

BATHROOM
This may be where you go to get clean, but that’s all the more reason to regularly wash and wipe down surfaces in the bathroom. Disinfect your toilet, sink and bath regularly with Albex Bleach, Albex Multipurpose Thick Bleach or Albex Bleach Foamer.

TOYS
Don’t forget about the little ones! Toys can easily pick up dirt and germs, and need regular cleaning to protect your children.

How?
1. Mix ½ cup of Albex Bleach into 5 litres of water.
2. Wipe the toys with the solution and allow to sit for 5 minutes, or submerge the toys into the solution for a total of 5 minutes.
3. Rinse with water and allow to air dry.

BEDDING
Believe it or not, your bedding can be packed with germs and bacteria too, and often simply washing it won’t always do the trick. To make sure your bedding stays germ-free, start with a bleachability test on to determine whether it is bleach safe before bleaching entirely.

1. Mix 3 tsp Albex Bleach to ¼ cup water and apply a drop of this solution to a less visible part of the garment. Wait 1 minute and then blot dry. If there is no colour change it means you can safely bleach your bedding.
2. Wash the bedding on the hottest water recommended by the care label using detergent with 1 cup of Albex Bleach added.
3. Air dry for best results.

Make sure you cover every spot in your home with a free printable cleaning checklist from Albex. Keep it on the fridge or your wall as a reminder of what needs to be done and where.

For more information, visit albex.co.za, or follow them Facebook and Instagram.

Photography: Courtesy Images

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Start the new year by finding fun and new ways to use staple cooking tools for a kitchen refresh with these must-haves from @home. Plus, MyKitchen magazine readers get an exclusive discount when buying selected editor’s choice products online when using the voucher code in your latest copy of MK. 

1. Sieve with Black Handle
Want lump-free gravy every time? Just strain it through this for a silky smooth sauce.

2. Victorinox Black Veg Peeler
Use your veggie peeler to easily remove those pesky seeds from bell peppers and chillies.

3. Four-sided Square Grater with Storage Container
Whenever you’re baking with butter, grate it up before beating it with your dry ingredients to prevent them from flying everywhere.

4. Baccarat Marble Pestle and Mortar
Make the best guacamole ever by mashing up your ingredients with one of these.

5. Inspire Silicone Muffin Pan
Crack an egg into each hole and fill with spinach and grated cheese. Bake until set for healthy egg muffins.

6. Ciroa Black Whisk
Instead of a wooden spoon or spatula,  use a whisk to scramble your eggs for a fluffier texture.

Shop all products at @home and home.co.za. 

The post It’s time for a kitchen basics refresh with @home appeared first on MyKitchen.

You’ve been served! Serving dishes certainly aren’t limited to fancy affairs. Plate up in style to turn every meal into a special occasion with these items from @home and home.co.za. Plus, MyKitchen magazine readers get an exclusive discount when buying selected editor’s choice products online when using the voucher code in your latest copy of MK. 

1. S&P Palais Footed Cake Stand

2. Rialheim Small Grey BLTG Curved Plate

3. Madeira Raw Wood Round Platter

4. S&P Opal Platter

5. Madeira Round Dip Platter

6. S&P Matte Black Square Platter Bowl

The post Become the ultimate host with these serving dishes appeared first on MyKitchen.

Just when you thought you had finished opening all of your gifts on Christmas day, you see the stocking filled to the brim! Treat your loved ones to these stocking fillers of fresh scents, delicious treats and homeware goods, all for under R150 from @home.

Plus, MyKitchen magazine readers get an exclusive discount when buying selected editor’s choice products online when using the voucher code in your latest copy of MK. 

1. Gypsy Curve Straws with Brush

2. Botanique Frangipani Liquid Soap

3. 1701 Roasted Macadamia Nougat

4. Chilla Brazilian Hazelnut Hot Choco-Latte

5. Assorted Flowering Tea Balls

6. Ocean Oasis Glass Diffuser

7. Rustic Pillar Candle

8. Ma Mère Speckled Egg Nougat

9. Botanique Violet Hand Cream

Shop all products at @home and home.co.za.

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Spoil your cocktail-making loved one this festive season with these gift ideas from @home that will make them the ultimate bar aficionado. Plus, MyKitchen magazine readers get an exclusive discount when buying selected editor’s choice products online when using the voucher code in your latest copy of MK. 

1. Meleah Crystal Decanter

2. Moroccan Gold-printed Flute

3. Moroccan Gold-printed Wine Glass

4. Saturn Wine Glass

5. Cocktail Shaker

6. Deluxe Level-arm Corkscrew

7. Volkan Agate Bottle Stopper

8. Marble Square Coasters

Shop all products at @home and home.co.za. 

The post Gift ideas for the bar aficionado with @home appeared first on MyKitchen.