UPDATE: This contest is now closed. Has cold and flu season found it’s way into your home yet? It visited my place about a month ago and made itself comfortable for more than a week. For me, there’s nothing more unwelcoming than the familiar sore throat irritation that precedes the inevitable stuffy nose, fatigue and loss of appetite. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="240"] (Photo: texascooking)[/caption] Discover 4 quick and easy ways to temporarily relieve a sore throat – and then enter to win a prize pack sure to provide you some comfort this cold and flu season. • Gargle with salt water. Mix ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt with one cup of warm water. Repeat up to 4 times a day. Bonus: This sore throat reliever also helps loosen thick mucus. • Pop a lozenge. May we suggest Excel Lozenges ($1.39 for a 10-piece pack), which contain menthol, eucalyptol and vitamin C. The menthol works on your sore throat and nasal congestion, and the eycalyptol helps to temporarily relieve a pesky cough. [caption id="attachment_3085" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Cranberry & Blueberry Excel Lozenge[/caption] • Drink peppermint tea. Not only will peppermint soothe your sore throat, its main ingredient, menthol, is a great decongestant. You can make your own by adding 1 tsp of dried peppermint leaves to one cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain. • Gargle with ginger. You no doubt have some of this spice in your pantry this time of year. Simmer 1 tbsp of ginger root or powder in one cup of warm water for 10 minutes. Strain, then add one teaspoon of honey. To help you kick that cold or flu in the butt, we are offering up a cold and flu comfort kit courtesy of Excel. It contains:
 • Three packages of Excel Lozenges: Honey & Lemon, Cranberry & Blueberry and Extra Strong Menthol • Double-walled glass bottle, with tea strainer • Envelope of loose leaf Taj Masala Chai black tea • Envelope of loose leaf Moroccan Mint green tea • Envelope of loose leaf Citrus Lavender Sage herbal tea • Box of tissues • Antibacterial hand gel Here’s how to enter:
 • Leave a comment on this post telling me: What's your go-to sore throat remedy during cold and flu season? • The deadline to enter is 11:59 pm on Monday, December 17, 2012. • Make sure to leave your name and email address so that we can contact you if you win. We will randomly select our winner on Tuesday. The contest is open only to residents of Canada Good luck! **UPDATE: This contest in now closed and our winner has been notified. Thank you to everyone who entered!