The holidays are right around the corner, and while you may be planning your Thanksgiving spreads and writing down your Christmas list, there is one more important thing to keep in mind: cold and flu season is here.
If you or your family have been hit by a nasty virus and need a pick-me-up, we have you covered. While plenty of rest is key to feeling great again, staying nourished and hydrated is just as important for a speedy recovery. And you want to lend a helping hand to someone who is under the weather, consider sending a few thoughtful, immunity-boosting treats.
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From hearty soups to soothing teas, these 10 food and drink gifts can help nourish someone who’s sick and get them back on their feet in time for holiday celebrations.
Spoonful of Comfort is chock-full of care packages that you can pick from, but the Get Well Soon Gift Package — which comes with two quarts of soup or mac and cheese of your choice, six rolls, six cookies, a ladle and a card — is the perfect gift to send someone who is in need of a pick-me-up and a hearty meal that doesn’t require hours of cooking.
Another great option to send is bone broth, which provides nutrients and can soothe a sore throat. It’s also a great option for someone who doesn’t have the biggest appetite because it isn’t overly filling.
Brodo even has a sampler box you can purchase so that the person who receives it can taste multiple flavors, including chicken, beef, ginger and turmeric, roasted garlic and chili and then they can decide which is their favorite.
Read more: Best Bone Broths to Sip for Easy Nutrition this Winter
They don’t call it Jewish penicillin for nothing. If you’re not around to play Bubbe to your sick Bubeleh, a shipment of real-deal matzo ball soup is the next best thing. Goldbelly will send the classic healing soup, ready to be thawed and warmed from some of New York’s most famous Jewish delis, including Russ & Daughters, Pastrami Queen and 2nd Ave Deli.
Kettle & Fire is another quality bone broth and soup purveyor based in Austin, Texas. In addition to bone broths in traditional beef and chicken, Kettle & Fire offers a few more jazzed-up flavors like coconut curry, lemongrass ginger and chipotle beef. A 17-ounce box runs about $8 but they get cheaper the more you order, including through the subscription option.
These hand-bottled Bamboo juices are made in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, and are shipped to multiple places across the country. The Cold, Flu & Congestion Kit includes five organic juices: lemon ginger, sweet fennel, spinach apple, immunity enhancer and sinus support. If you’re in the greater Atlanta area, you may be eligible for free local delivery.
Apple cider vinegar has long been a favorite in wellness spaces but sometimes people can’t handle the harsh flavor it boasts. That’s where Remedy ACV shots come in. They measure 2 fluid ounces each and in addition to apple cider vinegar they also contain prebiotic zinc, vitamin D and ginger, plus honey and cayenne pepper to help balance out the flavor.
If you’re interested in learning more about the health benefits of apple cider vinegar, here’s everything to know.
Immunity boost shots from Vive Organic combine ginger root, turmeric root, elderberry and black pepper to create a spicy, 2 fluid ounce shot that has the goal of keeping your immune system in tip-top shape.
Vive Organic describes the flavor as “an 8 out of 10 kick” so it should also be a great way to quickly clear your sinuses.
Sometimes the best cure for the common cold is lots and lots of rest — and a mug full of warm tea. Etsy has numerous options for tea sampler sets, including this one with eight sampler teas. The set also comes with a tea strainer and a wooden spoon, so the only thing someone needs to add is hot water.
What to avoid eating and drinking when sick
You’ll want to stay hydrated when sick, but there are some drinks to avoid since they can actually cause dehydration. They include:
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Sugary drinks
Hot tea is great for a sore throat and drinks that are high in vitamins, such as our picks above, can help you bounce back from a nasty cold or flu.
Although this is a personal preference, you can’t go wrong with eating soups and broths when you’re under the weather.
