Home Remedies For Flu

You feel that tickle in your throat and the beginnings of a headache. You just generally feel “under the weather”, all signs of the impending flu! Fortunately, there are very effective home remedies for flu.

For the first day or two, you might think you have a simple cold.

Often, by the time you realize it’s the flu, schedule an appointment, and go to the doctors for treatment, you have the full blown flu virus.

The advantage of home remedies is that you can start taking home remedies immediately you have symptoms such as:

runny nose
cough
aches and pains in the body
scratchy throat
headache
nausea

Sometimes, taking a natural remedy for flu can be enough to relieve you of the worst flu symptoms and get you back on your feet quickly.

Note – It’s important to note that the discomfort of cold and flu symptoms are there for a reason. Heat kills viruses hence the fever. During a fever, the blood circulates more quickly to help with healing.

Coughing is the body’s way of trying to clear out thick mucus.

Rest and stay warm

Suffering from flu can sap your energy. Rest as much as you can, and stay warm. This will let the body’s immune system do what it does best, heal.

Understand that you’re not “fighting” but rather working with your body to aid recovery.

The tips below can help to relieve the worst of the symptoms, but it’s important not to suppress the bodies natural healing mechanism.

For example, a decongestant will restrict the blood flow to the vessels in the nose and throat. Increased blood flow helps with the process of getting better.

Water

Drink lots of it! Water will keep you hydrated and help flush the nasties out of your system. Many people are so focused on taking medicine, they forget the vital healing power of water.

If you’re feeling nauseous, take small sips frequently.

Always remember to seek medical attention if you’re showing sign of dehydration, these include:

dry skin
dry mouth
excessive thirst
decreased urination and dark colored urine
heart palpitations
muscle cramps
headaches

Ginger

Ginger is another one of those wonderful, everyday ingredients you can purchase at pretty much any grocery store.

You can purchase ginger tea or buy some root and make your own:

Ingredients

1 ¹⁄₂teaspoons freshly grated ginger
1 ¹⁄₂cups boiling water

Method

Put the grated ginger into a 2-cup measuring cup.
Fill to the 1-1/2 cup line with boiling water.
Leave to infuse for 10 minutes.
Strain into a large mug.
If needed, sweeten with a natural sweetener such as honey

Note: Don’t take ginger root for flu treatment without first consulting your health care professional. Medicines for high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, or blood thinners can be affected.

Probiotics

Probiotics are often overlooked when it comes to natural health care.

Probiotics are used to keep your gut healthy and therefore, keep your immune system strong.

Not all probiotics are equal and it’s important to choose one that has both the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium type of bacteria (good bacteria). There has been some research done into the use of probiotics, and care should be taken when purchasing and using them.¹

If you know you’ve been in contact with someone who is ill, don’t wait for your symptoms to manifest, start taking them straight away.

Gargle

A salt water gargle can help ease a sore throat.

A teaspoon of salt dissolved into a pint of boiled water (cooled down). Like most things, not all salt is made equal, use a good quality salt, (not table salt).

Oregano Oil

Traditionally oregano extract has been used to treat respiratory problems such as coughs, bronchitis, flu etc. Thymol and Carvacrol are the active ingredients and some research has shown them to have antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.²

Oregano has other uses for aiding with flu symptoms:

helps nausea by stimulating bile flow, therefore aiding digestion
promotes sweating (helps to bring down fever)

It’s important to obtain the specific blend of high grade Oregano (P73), which is the medicinal wild Oregano.

P73 Oregano is also a good source of vitamins and minerals to aid boost the immune system:

calcium
magnesium
phosphorous
zinc
boron
potassium
copper
manganese

Check the instructions on the label for dosages, usually between 3 to 20 drops a day.

Mix the drops with water, swill around your mouth and under the tongue for about 30 seconds, then swallow.

Repeat this up to 4 times a day while you’re suffering from flu symptoms.

Kids from 6 to 10 years old can take 1 to 3 drops mixed water once a day. If the child is more than 10 years old, this dosage can be repeated 2 to 3 times a day.

The primary component of any Oregano you buy must be Carvacrol. Some products substitute with marjoram oil, this isn’t as effective for helping with flu symptoms.

Honey and Lemon Tea

A soothing warm drink of honey and lemon can do wonders for your sore throat. It will also give you a vitamin boost to help aid recovery.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoon
1/2 cup or more of hot water

Method

Spoon the honey and lemon juice into a cup or mug.
Add warm water (previously boiled) and stir.
You can add more lemon honey, or hot water to taste.

There are many home remedies for flu, but resting is the most important part of any recovery from illness. Don’t be in a rush to get back on your feet again!

References