Filipinos have been experiencing continuous downpour in some parts of the country in recent days.

Tropical Depression Dodong made landfall in Dinapigue, Isabela on Friday morning even raising storm signals. 

Dodong is the fourth tropical cyclone this year and the first for July.

While we finally have a break from the scorching heat, the rains likewise exposed us anew to floods, landslides, and even illnesses.

Two of the most common are cold and flu. Viruses are the cause of these illnesses and not the season. These are only rampant during this time because viruses can easily spread at colder temperatures.

If you catch the flu or a cold, here are some remedies you can try at home:

Take a spoonful of honey

Honey can do wonders in your body since it has a lot of health-beneficial effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial. This natural sweetener has become one of the most common remedies used to treat coughs and colds. All you have to do is to consume a glass of warm water mixed with one teaspoonful of honey.

Gargle salt water

If not honey, you can mix about at least 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water and gargle it to alleviate symptoms of a common cold. According to WebMD, salt can help you breathe easier when you catch a cold.

Consume garlic

Garlic has antimicrobial and antiviral properties that can be helpful to people with colds. A 2014 study revealed that people who took garlic every day for three months had fewer colds. In using this remedy, you can chew it raw or steamed. You can also add mashed garlic into boiling water.

Use ginger

With its diverse bioactive compounds, Ginger can boost your immune system by fighting viruses that cause common cold or flu. According to studies, these compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that can also soothe your sore throat. Chewing ginger root, drinking ginger tea, and adding ginger powder to your meals are a few ways you can consume ginger.

Take Vitamin C

Vitamin C contributes a lot to our immune defense, thus, many people use it to treat colds. However, studies found out that it does not prevent colds and can only slightly reduce the duration of the illness. It is still safe to consume, but you have to consider the amount you would take.

If these home remedies did not work, perhaps it’s time for you to consult your doctor.