Dhealthwellness.com – While conventional flu treatments include antiviral medications and vaccines, home remedies may help ease symptoms. Zinc supplements and rest, for example, are important.
Inhaling Hot Liquids such as Soup and Tea as a Natural Cold Remedy
Sipping hot liquids such as soup and tea may help reduce mucus buildup, soothe membranes, and deliver nutrients to help your body fight the virus. Add honey if it soothes your cough. It’s common to rely on hot liquids as natural flu remedies to ease sniffles, sneezes, and congestion. Historically, hot beverages have been said to help loosen secretions and clear congestion by increasing mucus velocity, and the heat may even stimulate salivation, both important for combating dehydration.
However, plain water can throw off your electrolyte balance, so opt for infused waters or low-sugar tea. Avoid caffeine, which can irritate your throat and stomach, and alcohol, which can further dehydrate you. Adding honey to your drink, which is packed with immune-boosting vitamin C and antibacterial properties, is another classic cold and flu remedy. A spoonful of elderberry syrup, which can be found in many Missouri stores, is also powerful against viruses and relieves sinus infections. Also try elderberry’s sister substance, propolis – the resin bees use to seal their hives – which has been shown to deactivate viruses and shorten colds and the flu. It can be bought at most health food stores or ordered online.
Colds, sinus infections and the flu are the most common reasons people take a sick day from work or school. Thankfully, there are several home remedies that soothe symptoms and may help shorten how long the virus lasts. Warm liquids, such as chicken soup and tea with honey, relieve nasal congestion and soothe a sore throat. They also help keep the body hydrated, which is important during the flu. Honey has antimicrobial properties, which may help ease coughing and fight some viruses. However, children under 1 year should not have honey due to the risk of infant botulism.
Steam Baths Can Also Soothe Sore Throats and Loosen Phlegm
A steamy shower can also soothe a sore throat and loosen phlegm. To amp up the benefits, try adding a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil to your shower water. You can also try tying a bundle of eucalyptus around your neck, or using a vaporizer to breathe in the aromatherapy. Added bonus: The hot water relaxes the muscles, helping to alleviate body aches and stiffness. While it may seem like an old wives’ tale, gargling salt water can help a sore throat. The salt in the solution draws fluids to the throat tissues, reducing pain and soothing the throat, according to the Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies. It can also break up thick mucus and remove irritants that may be irritating the throat, including food particles, allergens or bacteria.
While a gargle can help, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids, especially when sick with the flu. Staying hydrated can reduce the severity of flu symptoms and shorten how long the flu lasts. A hot cup of chicken soup is also a good choice. Chicken soup is easy on the stomach and provides protein that can help fuel the body. Use caution when using tap water for nasal irrigation; boiled and cooled tap water, sterile or distilled water or a nasal saline solution is safer than contaminated tap water.
Offers Immune-Boosting Properties to Help Fight the Flu
You can try to avoid the flu with annual vaccines and over-the-counter medications like Tamiflu, but sometimes you’ll get sick anyway. Luckily, the ingredients for natural flu remedies aren’t far from your kitchen cupboard. Green tea and ginger offer immune-boosting properties to help fight off the flu. And turmeric, a vibrant orange-colored root that’s gotten trendy in the culinary and health worlds recently, has been found to inhibit the virus’ replication. Try this healthy hot tea recipe that combines the power of these immune-boosting herbs with anti-inflammatory spices like cinnamon.
Other natural remedies to combat the flu include linden blossom, a flowering plant that’s known to relieve symptoms like cough and nasal congestion. And lemon balm, another flowering plant related to mint, has been shown to reduce the spread of the flu virus. You can find it at herbal shops and online. It’s also an ingredient in this homemade flu-fighting tea that’s sure to soothe a sore throat.
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