These local remedies will boost you up when a cold takes you down

With the ups and the downs of the temperature as we transition from summer to fall, colds are currently running rampant across the city.

Luckily, Toronto is home to crafty artisans, talented chefs and brilliant bakers who are constantly whipping up healthful and delicious items. These remedies will perfectly supplement your bed-rest and movie-marathoning.

With these goodies on your side, you’ll be right as rain in no time.

Suck it, sickness.

Bone Broth

Yeah, yeah, it’s a trend, but for good reason. Chock-full of amino acids, this (literally) hot health food is ultra-soothing when you’re feeling bleh. It also tastes great, comforting the throat and sinuses with its savoury steam. Drink up. The Healthy Butcher has three options: grass-fed beef, duck (with ginger), or chicken (with lemongrass).

Where to buy: The Healthy Butcher – 565 Queen Street West; 298 Eglinton Avenue West

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Chicken Soup

Chicken soup is a cure-all. It doesn’t really matter if it’s swimming with noodles or laden with wontons, it’s going to warm your tummy and soul. Skip the spoon, wrap your hands around a mug, breath in the steam, and then drink it down while watching re-runs of shows you’ve seen 100 times. The universal cure.

Where to buy: So many restaurants have some variation of this classic on the menu. Sift through the many third-party delivery services Toronto offers to find a spot that will bring soup to your door.

Juice

Staying hydrated is number one when you’re feeling sick, regardless of what ails you. Keep your electrolytes up and get a healthy dose of vitamin C with cold-pressed drinks from Greenhouse Juice or any one of the many, many, many other juice bars scattered throughout Toronto.

Where to buy: Greenhouse Juice – 740 Queen Street West
Impact Kitchen – 573 Queen Street East and 444 Adelaide Street West
Village Juicery – 99 Roncesvalles Avenue and 540 College Street
Daily Press Juicery – 200 Queen Street West

Propolis Throat Spray

Made from Canadian bee propolis extract and packed with antioxidants, this sweet and soothing throat spray from Beekeeper’s Naturals is a natural defence to cold and flu symptoms. Take note: this stuff’s called “nature’s antibiotic,” so make sure you’re boosting your probiotic intake too.

Where to buy: Online or find it at Whole Foods.

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Kombucha

Speaking of probiotics… Kombucha is awesome when you’re feeling ill. It feels soothing to sip on something carbonated when your throat is sore, and you can toss it back knowing that it’s significantly better for you than soda.

Where to buy: Most of the city’s health food stores carry ‘booch, but you can order from Toronto-based Vams online.

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Tea

Beneficial to your health and general well-being, tea is always a go-to when feeling sick. While there’s no shortage of spots to stock your pantry in Toronto, a pack of the Honest Leaf’s Fresh blend aims to keep you feeling bright, refreshed, and revitalized.

Where to buy: Shop online, or at loads of other Toronto retailers.

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Booster Shots

Little tonics such as these are jam-packed with concentrated nutrients combined specifically to help you feel better. When you’re coming down with something, the oil of oregano in Live’s Get Up And Go packs a punch.

Where to buy: Outlets across Toronto

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BRAT

Bananas, rice, applesauce, toast. If you’ve got an upset tummy, these easily-digestible foods are your best friends. One of the best bread options in Toronto is that of Blackbird Baking Co. Baked daily, and will perfectly pair with a hot bowl of soup or sandwich some grilled cheese. And if you don’t have a loaf on-hand, a leisurely walk through Kensington Market to grab one will offer a healthy dose of fresh air.

Where to buy: 172 Baldwin Street, Kensington Market

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Comfort Foods

As mentioned above, soup is golden and carbs are your friend. If you’re looking for one single meal that’s going check off as many of the above boxes as possible, then look no further than Jinya for a bowl of hearty ramen. Add plenty of fresh garlic and chilli oil to really give your body what it’s hankering for.

Where to buy: Jinya Ramen Bar, 399 Church Street

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Headache Balm

 

That lingering dull ache that makes a home of your head for the duration of your illness is really truly the worst. This balm by Toronto’s Leaves of Trees can soothe it though, with peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus essential oils. Just rub it on your temples, lay back, and relax.

Where to buy: Health Hut, 786 College Street

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Turmeric

Anti-inflammatory and immune boosting, this stuff is a must-have when you’re unwell. Turmeric lattes are a thing around the city, so there are plenty of spots you can find them, including Kupfert and Kim. They’re an on-the-go drink that tastes good and does good for your system. Get it in ya.

Where to find: Kupfert and Kim – 140 Spadina Avenue; 100 King Street West; 200 Wellington Street; 181 Bay Street; 20 Bay Street

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