There are medicines for cold and flu that will help you feel better right away. But, you can feel better with some natural alternatives.
Here is a list of 7 home remedies to help you if you have the flu. Try them.
1. Honey
There is a way to make the flu go away. It is honey. Honey has chemical properties that kill viruses that cause the flu. It can make your throat feel better and shorten what would otherwise be a long cold. A study concludes that honey can be used as a treatment for cough in children.
Mix 2 teaspoons of raw honey with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or ginger juice. Drink this mixture 2-3 times a day. You can also take one spoonful of raw honey before bed for relief from a cough.
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2. Saline Water
Mucus build-up is a common symptom of the flu. Saline water clears your nose and helps you breathe with ease. A study suggests that sea salt can help to beat cold.
Take 1 cup of lukewarm water and add 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Put a few drops of the solution into your nostril with the use of a dropper. Then blow your nose gently to remove excess solution and mucus. Use this remedy 3 times a day, but not more than that.
3. Turmeric Mix
Turmeric has anti-infective properties which can help to treat flu. It helps you get better quickly by acting as an excellent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. Turmeric helps with sore throats and nasal inflammation too.
Add a teaspoon of turmeric and a little black pepper to warm milk. Drink it twice every day. You can also mix it with salt and water, then gargle with the mixture twice a day for relief from sore throat.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar helps to kill the virus that causes a cold. It makes your body more alkaline. It also works quickly on nasal congestion. Apple cider vinegar is good for your immunity too.
Mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar into one cup of warm water. Gargle with it for a few minutes, up to six times per day. You can also mix 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with water and honey in a glass. Drink the mixture twice daily for relief from your sore throat.
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5. Steam
Steam inhalation can be good for getting better from the flu. It will quickly make your throat feel less scratchy, your nose not so stuffy and make you sneeze less. A study from 2013 suggests that steam helps to get rid of mucus in your body.
Mix eucalyptus oil or menthol into hot water. Place your face over the bowl, cover your head with a towel to trap the steam, and breathe in for about 10 minutes. You can also do this after taking a shower or bath to clear stuffiness.
6. Ginger Tea
Ginger can help reduce the mucus in your throat and nose. It also helps with inflammation. Ginger’s properties make it useful for keeping the body warm, which is good for healing.
Studies have shown that ginger has antiviral properties. If you want relief from cold symptoms, you can drink ginger tea or chew on some pieces of ginger.
7. Chicken Soup
Chicken soup may not be a cure, but it is good when you are sick. Researchers say that eating chicken soup with vegetables can slow the movement of neutrophils in your body.
Neutrophils are cells that fight off infections. When they are moving slowly, they stay concentrated in the parts of your body that need healing the most.
People with upper respiratory infections found that chicken soup helped their symptoms. The study showed that low-sodium soup is good for you because it is nutritious and helps you stay hydrated.
There are many things that you can do at home to feel better. If you still feel sick a few weeks later, go see your doctor. If you have trouble breathing, have a fast heartbeat, or have other severe symptoms, get medical help sooner.
