Flu or influenza is an infection in the respiratory system caused by flu viruses. Flu is extremely contagious and spreads even if you are around somebody who sneezes or coughs, or touch an object that has come in contact with a contaminated person; you are bound to catch the flu infection. It spreads at slightest contact and even before you experience the symptoms, you may have passed the infection to others.
Flu is more like a common cold and distinguishing between them is difficult. Some of the symptoms may also be same but actually the infection is caused by different organisms. And both of their treatment is also different. Flu is actually more severe than common cold and affects the throat, nose, lungs, bronchial tubes and middle ear. The good news is that flu can be effectively treated at home with simple and natural home remedies some of which are found in your kitchen cabinet.
Symptoms Of Influenza Or Flu
Flu symptoms are not difficult to detect though it may take few days time to appear. The symptoms commonly include chills, body aches, headache, stuffy nose, cough, sore throat and fever.
Home Remedies For Flu Are As Follows
Pepper And Ginger Tea
Ginger and pepper tea is very effective in reducing the symptoms of flu. Crush ginger and boil in a cup of water. Then add a dash of black pepper to the water. Let it steep for a moment. Now strain the water and add little honey for taste. Drink this tasty and effective remedy to get rid of flu symptoms naturally.
Honey
Honey works wonder in treating influenza. Lick one teaspoon honey by sprinkling a dash of black pepper powder to it, as often as you like. You may also add honey to tea.
Lemon And Honey
Honey when combined with lemon shows excellent results in treating flu infections. Take a glass of warm water and squeeze one lemon to it. Then sweeten the water with honey. Drink the solution at short intervals. This is a very simple but effective natural remedy for flu.
Warm Water And Salt
Simple gargle your throat with warm water and salt added to it. It will help to relieve the sore throat. Do this every day at morning and before going to bed.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps to boost the immune system and prepares the body to fight off the infection. It also increases white blood cells in the body.
Prepare your own tea by mixing the following ingredients:
Mix 1 teaspoon bayberry bark, 1teaspoon ginger root (grated), half teaspoon cayenne powder in 1 cup boiling water. Allow it to steep for about 20 minutes. Drink this tea at least once a day. This is a very beneficial home remedy for flu.
Zinc Lozenges
Suck on zinc lozenges, they are available at any medical shop. Sucking lozenges is very helpful as the saliva flow helps to keep throat moistened. You may also suck on any other medicated lozenges or hard candy.
Hot Soups
Hot soups are also very helpful in eliminating the symptoms of influenza. Take broths or hot soups in small quantity. Soups are very comforting. It will lessen the scratchy or itchy feeling inside the throat and provide nutrition for fighting of the virus.
Salt Water And Dry Mustard
Fill up a tub with warm water. Add salt to it. Also add one teaspoon dry mustard to the water. Now immerse your feet in that warm salted water for few minutes. This is an easy and natural treatment for flu; you can easily do at home.
Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lemon And Lavender Oil
Fill up your bath tub with hot water. Then add 10 to 20 drops each of eucalyptus, lavender, lemon and tea tree oil to the water. Soak your body in that water for at least 15 minutes. It will not only ease the flu symptoms but also help the immune system to fight off the viral infection. This is a trusted and proven herbal remedy for influenza.
Prevention Tips
During flu epidemic avoid visiting the crowded places such as theaters, cinema halls, shopping centers as the flu virus spreads very easily.
Maintain distance from people sneezing or coughing. Quit alcohol and smoking as they may bring harm to the respiratory tract and hamper your resistance, eventually making you vulnerable to flu.
Wash hands frequently to reduce the chances of infection.If you are continuously blowing nose it may become red and sore. Use petroleum jelly based products to keep the nostrils lubricated.Reduce your level of stress to overcome the infection easily. Take plenty of rest to aid the body fight off the organisms.Avoid exposing yourself to chemicals, dust and extreme or sudden changes of temperature.
Increase the intake of fluids to keep your body hydrated. Dehydration can make the symptoms worse. Drink juice or water at frequent intervals. Also take hot energy drinks to get relief from itchy and sore throat. Make sure that your room gets enough fresh air all the time. Wear warm clothes to prevent chills. Stay home to prevent spreading the infection to others.
Diet
Diet plays a vital role in the treatment of any kind of diseases. Though there is no particular food to prevent flu, however healthy diet helps to keep your immune system functioning properly during the flu and cold season. Take foods that are rich in ‘phytochemicals’ like vegetables and fresh fruits. They form a major part of the flu prevention and treatment diet.
Garlic, blueberries and tomatoes are also rich in phytochemicals. Dairy products like yoghurt play a vital role in providing strength to the immune system to fight against influenza. Avoid fried and excessive oily foods and gorge on a low sweet diet.
Take chicken noodle soup for boosting the immunity system. Generally it is recommended during severe illness but it can be taken anytime. Add spices like cayenne pepper and garlic to the chicken soup as they are rich in ‘immune-stimulating compounds’ like capsaicin and allicin. Stick to the recommended diet and follow the natural home remedies for flu to get rid of the infection from the root. These remedies are absolutely safe for both children and adults.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.