Winter brings out a lot of things, among them less daytime hours and more depression. What else? The sniffles.

Colds hit in a big way come winter. That’s because our windows stay closed and we tend to huddle closer together and spend more time inside in closer proximity to one another. Not always a bad thing, as long as you have someone you like to cuddle up with. We touch hands a bit more; we cough and sneeze on one another more frequently. (Do you know how fast a sneeze actually travels? Estimates range anywhere from 80 mph to 800 mph!)

I’ve been fighting a cold for weeks, and so far I’m winning. My latest weapon: Elderberry Syrup. Research suggests that the antiviral compounds in black elderberry may help actually fend off the H1N1 virus. It’s recommended you take a teaspoon of the syrup twice a day. I was surprised and pleased to find that it is really, really tasty. I hesitated at first, remembering how, as a kid, I gagged at the taste of cough syrup. That stuff was awful. This syrup is good enough to pour over ice cream – truly! I’m licking thespoon and looking forward to the next time I can take some …

There are other natural ways to fight off a cold, and you can be sure I’m going to try them all if necessary. Because, face it, who wants to be sidelined for up to one to two weeks?

Here’s a list to keep in a handy place for when those little sniffles start to surface:

• Rest. It might sound obvious, but lots of times we don’t give ourselves this “luxury.” When you first come down with a cold or the flu, resting helps your body devote its energy to fighting the enemy. You need all the energy you have to get that immune system in battle-ready shape.
• Gargle. If your throat is sore, gargling can bring you some temporary relief and breakup mucus. Some suggested mixtures: a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water four times per day; one tablespoon of raspberry leaves or lemon juice steeped in two cups of hot water mixed with one teaspoon of honey. (Make sure the liquid cools to room temperature before you start to gargle.)
• Drink hot liquids. Chicken soup may be grandma’s cure for a cold, but guess what: grandma was right. It fights inflammation and temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus. But any hot liquid will do, really, to help relieve nasal congestion, help prevent dehydration and soothe your poor, swollen membranes that line your nose and throat.
• Take a shower – and make it steamy. Not only will a nice hot shower help relax you, but the warm steam can go a long way toward moisturizing your nasal passages and helping you breathe easier.
• Use compresses. If your sinuses ache, experiment with hot or cold compresses; either one can work to help ease the swelling and make you more comfortable. It’s easy to make your own: take a damp washcloth and microwave for about 55 seconds; or use a pack of frozen peas – which mold nicely to your face - as an ice pack.
• Use saline nasal drops or sprays. You can buy these over-the-counter. They’ll help with stuffiness and congestion without leading irritation or to a rebound effect (when the symptoms get worse), as so many nasal decongestants can.
• Humidify. Since cold viruses love dry conditions, a humidifier can add precious moisture to the air. Dry air can also dry out your mucous membranes and cause stuffy noses and scratchy throats. (Be sure to change the water and clean your humidifier each day, since mold, fungi, and bacteria can form if it’s not cleaned properly.)
• Drink up. To loosen congestion and prevent dehydration, drink plenty of liquid: water, juice, clear broth, or warm water with lemon and honey. No-no’s include caffeine, coffee, and alcohol, which can actually speed up dehydration.

Did you know? There’s a right – and wrong – way to blow your nose. Blowing too hard (you can hear those honkers a mile away) can cause an earache or even rupture an eardrum. It’s best to press a finger over one nostril and blow gently to clear the other. And of course, remember to wash your hands after you blow, so you don’t share your germs with the world.

Here’s to staying cold-free while you stay warm this winter!

Sheryl Kraft is Health & Wellness Editor at EndlessBeauty.com