A virus is to blame for the flu (also known as influenza). The flu can be caused by a variety of viruses. There is currently no known cure for the flu, but there are some natural treatments that could help reduce flu symptoms. They might also aid in reducing the length of your flu.
We'll go over 10 home remedies, including how to apply them and their potential benefits.
Drink fluids and water.
When you have the flu, it's even more crucial to drink plenty of fluids, including water. Whether you have the stomach flu or the respiratory flu, this is true.
Your throat, mouth, and nose stay moist with the help of water. This aids in clearing your body of phlegm and mucus that has accumulated.
Dehydration can also occur if you don't eat or drink normally. Water loss can also result from the flu's common symptoms of diarrhea and fever.
In order to stay hydrated, make sure to eat lots of:
- water
- sports drinks made with coconut water
- flavored tea
- soup base, raw fruits and vegetables, and fresh juice
You'll know you're getting enough liquids and water to drink if:
- Your urine is nearly clear or pale yellow, and you must urinate frequently.
- You might be dehydrated if the color of your urine ranges from deep yellow to amber.
Smoking should also be avoided as much as possible because it can aggravate your nose, throat, and lungs.
Get lots of sleep.
When you have the flu, it's important to rest and get more sleep. Getting more sleep can strengthen your immune system. This aids your body's defense against the flu virus. To assist you in getting back on your feet, cancel your usual schedule and give sleep top priority.
Consume hot broth.
Keeping hydrated can be accomplished by consuming warm bone broth made of chicken or beef. It aids in releasing and breaking up sinus and nasal congestion.
Additionally rich in protein and minerals like sodium and potassium by nature is bone broth. While you have the flu, drinking broth is a good way to replenish these nutrients. Protein is also necessary for the regrowth of immune cells.
You can purchase prepared options, but make sure to choose ones that are low in sodium (salt). Additionally, you can make your own broth by boiling beef or chicken bones. Broth can be frozen in portions for later use.
You can purchase bone broth online.
up your intake of zinc
The immune system benefits from the mineral zinc. This nutrient aids in the production of white blood cells that fight infection. According to research, zinc may help relieve cold and flu symptoms. Zinc aids in the body's defense against the flu virus and may lessen how quickly it spreads.
During flu season, you can take a zinc supplement or a multivitamin that contains zinc. A balanced diet should provide enough zinc for daily needs. High zinc-content foods include:
- Red meat
- shellfish
- lentils
- beans
- nuts
- seeds
- dairy eggs
- Online stores sell zinc dietary supplements.
Use salt water to rinse
A warm water and salt rinse, also known as a salt water gargle, can ease sore throat discomfort. Mucous can also be cleared with its aid. How to rinse with salt water is as follows:
Water should be heated to a boil and then allowed to cool until it is warm or room temperature. Mix 8 ounces of warm water with 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
To rinse your mouth and throat, draw the salt water to the back of your throat and gargle for 10 to 30 seconds.
Repeat two to four times after spitting the water into a sink.
Avoid ingesting the salt water. Children should wait until they can safely gargle with plain water before being allowed to do so.
Ingest herbal tea
Many plants naturally possess antiviral and antibacterial properties. Oseltamivir was traditionally made from the spice known as star anise.
A prescription medication called oseltamivir phosphate, also referred to as Tamiflu, is used to hasten the recovery from the flu or to ward it off. Some flu viruses are resistant to it's antiviral properties. Antioxidant and germ-fighting properties are also found in other herbs and green leafy teas.
A cup of herbal tea may aid your body's defense against the flu virus. Your throat and sinuses will both benefit from a hot herbal beverage.
With star anise and various other herbs, you can prepare a tea that fights the flu.
- Black or Green tea
- Ginger paste, fresh or dried ginger, or turmeric
- Fresh cloves of garlic
Use pure honey to sweeten herbal teas. It has been discovered that honey, royal jelly, and other bee products have inherent antiviral and antibacterial properties.
These dried ingredients are available in a variety of bagged teas.
Utilize essential oils
Certain essential oil varieties may aid in defending you against specific bacteria and viruses. According to one study, tea tree oil works to combat the flu virus by reducing or halting the virus's rate of replication. The study found that tea tree oil functions most effectively when applied within two hours of infection. This demonstrates that it might be useful to prevent the spread of the flu virus.
In actuality, you could mix a few drops of tea tree oil into your lotion or add it to liquid hand soap when you wash your hands. It is a component of some mouthwashes sold commercially.
Natural antibiotics and antivirals may also be produced by other plant and herbal essential oils. These consist of:
- Eucalyptus oil
- Lemon oil
- Thyme oil
- Geranium oil
- Cinnamon oil
- Peppermint oil
Only use essential oils as instructed. Because many essential oils are toxic, avoid ingestion. After being combined with oils like almond or olive oil, the majority of essential oils can be applied to the skin. To obtain comparable advantages, you can season food with both fresh and dried herbs and spices.
Using a diffuser to release essential oils into the air may also be effective in preventing some viruses and bacteria. Be aware that aromatherapy can have an impact on children, nursing mothers, and animals.
Employ a humidifier
In dry indoor air, the flu virus can survive longer. This could facilitate the virus's easier spread. Outdoor temperatures that are colder typically have lower air humidity levels. The use of heating and air conditioning can cause indoor air to become dry. Reduce the amount of flu viruses in the air by using a humidifier to increase humidity in your home and place of employment.
Smell the steam.
Your throat, lungs, sinuses, nose, and sinus cavities can all be relieved by inhaling steam from a warm pot of water. Water vapor is used in steam therapy or steam inhalation to help loosen mucous congestion.
The warm, humid air may also reduce nasal and pulmonary swelling. A dry cough, an itchy nose, and tightness in the chest may be relieved by inhaling steam.
How to heat water to produce steam:
In a pot on the stove, in a bowl or mug that can go in the microwave, in a vaporizer, or somewhere else
Stay away from steam from boiling water. Before inhaling the steam, be sure to check its temperature. To prevent yourself from being burned or scalded, keep your hands and face far enough away. For additional antiviral and antioxidant benefits, add a few drops of essential oils or a medicated vapor rub to the water.
Consume bland food
Whenever you have the stomach flu, eat little and often. Consider using portions that are the size of your hand.
You may experience diarrhea, cramps, and nausea from the stomach flu. You may feel better after eating bland foods because they are simpler to digest.
Foods that are simple to digest
- Bananas
- Rice
- Applesauce
- Toast (BRAT)
- Crackers
- Cooked cereals (including cream of wheat and oatmeal)
- Jell-o (gelatin)
- Potato boiled
- Soups made with grilled or boiled chicken and broth that are high in electrolytes
Eat less of the foods that might aggravate your digestion and stomach.
Foods to stay away from when you're sick flu
- Milk cheese
- Caffeine meats
- Fried foods and spicy food
- A fatty diet
- Alcohol
Influenza signs
Typically, respiratory symptoms of the flu include nose, throat, and lung problems. Top flu signs include:
- Fever chills
- Headache
- Body ache
- Stuffy or Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Dry cough
- Exhaustion
The flu virus that causes digestive symptoms is known as the stomach flu.
Possibly, you've:
- chills fever
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- diarrhea
- flu-related issues
Health issues can sometimes result from the flu. It can lead to bacterial and viral infections in the ears, throat, lungs, and other parts of the body.
These consist of:
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Sinusitis
- Ear infections
- Encephalitis
Those who are more vulnerable to flu complications include:
- Children under the age of five
- Adults 65 years of age or older with additional medical conditions
- Influenza and other ailments
If you have a chronic medical condition in addition to the flu, discuss it with your doctor. These consist of:
- heart disease and asthma
- lung diseases
- kidney disease and diabetes
- liver illness
- Epilepsy, stroke, and sickle cell anemia
Antiviral medications that help shorten the flu's duration and symptoms may be recommended by your doctor. When taken within two days of contracting the flu, these medications work best.
