Home Remedies for Flu
When you wake up feeling achy, tired and flushed with fever and realize you have congestion, sinus pain and a sore throat, you probably have the flu. Several home remedies for the flu can alleviate the symptoms and shorten the duration of this common bug. Keep in mind, however, that there is no true “cure” for this common viral infection.
Strengthen Your Immune System to Fight the Flu Naturally
Boosting your immune system is one of the best home remedies for flu. A strong immune system will help you recover quickly without developing a secondary bacterial infection. Taking vitamin C and zinc every day will boost immunity, and eating foods rich in garlic will reduce viral growth. If you aren’t a fan of garlic, try fresh, crushed ginger root, which is also a potent antimicrobial that is also an anti-inflammatory which can ease the pressure of clogged, swollen sinuses.
Honey is a natural antioxidant that also helps strengthen your system. A simple tablespoon of honey each day can have a significant impact on the severity of your flu symptoms. If you have hacking cough that gets worse at night, try adding a tablespoon of honey to a cup of hot water and sipping it before bedtime. This combination will help break up the chest congestion and encourage your body to expel the mucous that causes the cough.
Simple Home Remedies for Flu Discomfort
You probably have a grandmother who has recommended chicken noodle soup when you had the flu. Surprise! She is absolutely right. The warm fluid and specific combination of ingredients, including various spices, will soothe your sore throat, stimulate the immune system and thin mucous secretions for easier breathing.
Another old-fashioned home remedy for the flu is a mustard plaster. This sounds awful, but is very effective. Mix together a tablespoon of dry mustard, one egg white, 2/4 tablespoons of flour and a small amount of water to form a thick paste. You should spread the mixture between two lengths of cloth and apply to your chest (to prevent stinging or burning, rub some olive oil or mineral oil onto your chest first. You’ll soon breathe much easier and your stiff, sore muscles will relax. Don’t leave this potent remedy on for too long, though. Fifteen minutes at a time is more than enough.
The acid in lemons makes your mucous membranes inhospitable to bacteria and viruses. For the greatest effect, chop up an entire lemon (even the skin and pulp) and add to boiling water. After it has steeped for about five minutes, the lemon oil essence will have “bloomed.” Breathe in the steam first, then add a teaspoon of honey and drink the rest. You can use this home remedy for the flu up to four times a day.
Drinking any kind of juice will also soothe congestion and boost the immune response, but your best choice is eight ounces of carrot juice daily. The beta-carotene is an excellent anti-bacterial.
You should drink plenty of fluids and use warm, moist compresses on your cheekbones to relieve the pain of clogged sinuses as well. And of course, get lots of rest. If you use one or more of these home remedies for flu, you’ll be feeling better much sooner than usual.