The flu and cold season are upon us, and it’s no surprise that many people are sick now. Of course, you want to take care of your health, but sometimes it’s hard to find time to do things like go to the doctor. Luckily, there are many natural remedies for flu and cold that you can easily do yourself. This blog post will look at the symptoms and help to treat your cold and flu symptoms and get well faster with these natural remedies.
What is Flu?
Flu is an illness caused by the influenza virus. Influenza is a contagious illness that can affect any age group, though it is more common in adults and older people. Flu is particularly dangerous for young children, pregnant women, and people with underlying medical conditions.
When someone first gets the flu, they develop symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, and muscle aches. These symptoms usually go away after a few days, but in severe flu seasons, they can last up to two weeks. The flu typically goes away without any significant complications. However, if the infection is severe, it can lead to pneumonia, bronchitis, or ear infections.
What are the possible complications from the flu?
The flu, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses. There are three flu viruses: A, B, and C. Flu A and B are the most common.
- The most common complications of the flu are pneumonia and sinus infections.
- Flu can also cause ear infections, headaches, and body aches.
- Flu can cause vomiting and diarrhea, but is rarely fatal.
- The flu is usually mild, but occasionally it can cause death. In rare cases, it can also cause very severe illness.
What are the signs and symptoms of a cold and flu?
Cold and flu viruses typically spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes.
– Coughing and sneezing: Cold and flu symptoms often begin with a dry cough and runny nose. But coughing and sneezing are symptoms of many other illnesses, including the common cold, allergies, and sinus infections. So when you’re sick, you must pay attention to these symptoms and contact your doctor if they’re not improving.
– Nausea and vomiting: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are severe symptoms. Frequent nausea and vomiting can also signal a stomach virus.
– Headaches and muscle aches: Headaches and muscle aches are another common sign of the flu. Some headaches and muscle aches may be the result of dehydration. When your body is dehydrated, you may feel tired, weak, and dizzy, and your headaches and muscle aches might worsen.
– Fever and chills: Fever and chills, headaches, body aches, and a runny nose are other common symptoms. Fever can indicate either that the flu is present or that your body is fighting it off.
– Fatigue: Fatigue can be another symptom of the flu. Flu symptoms can be tiring, and so can taking care of a sick child or ageing parent.
What are the natural ways to relieve flu and cold symptoms?
Your immune system fights viruses, bacteria, and other foreign invaders daily. But when your body is fighting off an illness, your immune system also needs extra help.
Apart from eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of fluids, and resting, there are other ways to relieve flu and cold symptoms:
– Heat up. Cold and flu viruses thrive in relaxed environments. To combat viruses, try using a heating pad to stay warm. Heat can also help you feel better.
– Soothe your throat. Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat.
– Rest. Your body needs time to recover when you are fighting off an illness. So rest, drink fluids, and get a lot of sleep.
– Breathe easy. Breathing through your nose helps clear nasal passages, which can be a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria.
Natural home remedies for flu and cold
Being sick isn’t fun even when you’re home in bed and off work. The combination of body aches, fever, chills, and nasal blockage can be enough to make anyone unpleasant.
There are a lot of natural home remedies for colds and flu that can ease your symptoms and get you back to normal. However, visit your physician if you still feel ill after a couple of weeks. And if you have difficulty breathing, have a quick heartbeat, feel faint, or experience other severe signs, get medical help faster.
Chicken soup
There are many recipes for chicken soup that can help treat the flu or a cold. Some people believe chicken soup has medicinal properties and can help clear congestion and improve breathing. Others find that chicken soup is simply comforting and helps to soothe symptoms such as a sore throat. Chicken soup may not cure the flu or a cold, but it can help make someone feel better.
Ginger
Ginger is effective in treating the flu and colds. It has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that help reduce these conditions’ symptoms. It also helps to boost the immune system, which helps to fight off the infection.
Honey
Honey is a natural remedy for flu and cold. It is effective in treating both acute and chronic respiratory tract infections. In addition, honey has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antiviral properties, which help relieve flu and cold symptoms.
Garlic
Garlic is one of the best home remedies for flu and cold. It has antiviral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help in treating coughs and colds. You can consume raw garlic or take garlic supplements to get relief from the symptoms of cold and flu.
Echinacea for flu and cold
Echinacea, commonly called eye-chin-what, is a herb that has been used medicinally for a long time. It’s best known for boosting your immune system to prevent illness, especially colds and influenza.
Many people know that echinacea has potent antiviral properties, but many other health benefits exist. Echinacea also helps strengthen and cleanse the blood by stimulating the liver. In addition, the herb is reputed to boost circulation, and it’s also known to protect against radiation.
Vitamin C
Vitamin-C benefits include preventing colds and flu, supporting the immune system, and enhancing your mood. Vitamin C can also help prevent and treat infections, wounds, and bleeding.
Vitamin C can help boost your immune system by 90% and inhibit blood clot formation. It can also improve digestion and iron absorption, thus enhancing your energy levels.
Vitamin C also helps to reduce depression symptoms, cancer, and age-related decline and improve eye health.
The recommended daily intake of Vitamin C for healthy individuals is 90 mg. It can be taken in tablets, capsules, and chewable forms. For example, one orange, one cup of green or red bell peppers, two cups of strawberries, or one cup of broccoli provide the required amount of Vitamin C for the day.
Probiotics
Probiotics for cold and flu are live microorganisms that confer a health benefit on the host when administered in sufficient doses and proportions. However, they are natural, and in some cases, they may cause side effects.
Probiotics for cold and flu are beneficial for treating various common cold and flu symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach upset, and bloating. Despite popular belief, probiotics are harmless and can be taken without consulting your doctor.
Probiotics are available in various formulations, such as capsules, tablets, and yoghurt. They are frequently added to yoghurt. Taking probiotics for cold and flu is a good idea since oral ingestion of probiotics replenishes the beneficial bacteria in your gut and boosts your immune system.
Other natural remedies for flu
Saltwater
Gargling with salt water might help prevent trusted Source upper breathing infections. It might also decrease the seriousness of cold signs. For example, it may reduce sore throat discomfort and nasal congestion.
Swishing with salt water decreases and loosens up mucous, which includes irritants and germs. To attempt this solution in your home:
- Liquify 1 teaspoon of salt in a full glass of water.
- Swish it around your mouth and throat.
- Spit it out.
Vapour rub
You might not like the smell, but some old-fashioned topical lotions, such as vapour rub, appear to decrease nighttime challenging trusted sources in children older than two years. A couple of applications before bed can help open air passages to fight congestion, minimize coughing, and enhance sleep. Vapour rub is gaining traction among some medical professionals who encourage parents to avoid giving non-prescription cold medications to young kids because of unwanted adverse effects.
Humidity
Influenza flourishes and spreads more easily in dry environments. Developing more humidity in your house might decrease your exposure to this flu-causing infection. Increased humidity may also reduce nasal inflammation, making breathing more accessible when sick. Adding a cool-mist humidifier to your bedroom may make you feel comfier. This is particularly real in winter when dry indoor heat can worsen your symptoms. Including a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil might also stimulate your breathing.
Get a humidifier
Humidifiers can help relieve symptoms by moistening the mucus and phlegm in the throat. They can also be used by those having difficulty swallowing. A humidifier can help soothe dry coughs, runny noses, and sore throats.
These devices can help you breathe better by reducing dry throat and nose. Using a humidifier for flu symptoms also helps in chest congestion, sore throats, and laryngitis. These devices help humidify the air in your home, which, in turn, helps keep your nasal passage moist and clean.
Remember that humidifier water must be changed daily to prevent mould and other fungi from growing. For the same result, remain or take a long shower in a steamy restroom without a humidifier.
Warm baths
You can sometimes lower a child’s fever by giving them a warm sponge bath. Warm baths can likewise minimize cold and flu symptoms in grownups. Including Epsom, salt and baking soda in the water can reduce body pains. Adding a few drops of essential oil, such as tea tree, juniper, rosemary, thyme, orange, lavender, or eucalyptus, might have a relaxing impact.
Steamy showers moisturize your nasal passages and may help you relax.
Top things you can do at home to recover from cold and flu
1. Drink a lot of water. Take at least 8 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea because they lower your immune system.
2. Get lots of rest. Your body uses a lot of energy to fight off a cold. So make sure you’re getting enough sleep. If you don’t get enough sleep, your body won’t be strong enough to fight off an infection.
3. Take vitamin C supplements. Taking 500 to 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C daily can shorten a cold’s duration. In addition, vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help your body fight off infections.
4. Stay active. Regular exercise boosts your immune system. If you don’t have the energy to exercise, try doing light exercise. For example, try walking, washing the car, raking leaves, or doing yard work.
5. Eat healthy foods. A fresh fruit and vegetable diet can help your body fight infections. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables gives your body the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants it needs to stay healthy. Healthy foods can also help soothe cold symptoms.
6. Wash your hands. Washing your hands often can help prevent the spread of germs. Germs are tiny organisms that can cause infections.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cold and Flu
1. What is the difference between a cold and the flu?
A cold is a relatively mild viral infection that can cause sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and cough. The flu is much more serious and can cause high fever, severe body aches, and severe respiratory illness. Flu symptoms can last for several days, and hospitalization may be necessary.
2. How do you catch a cold?
You catch a cold by coming in contact with someone infected with the virus or by touching something contaminated. The virus then enters your body through your nose or mouth and begins to multiply.
3. How do you catch the flu?
The flu is usually spread through the air by coughing or sneezing. It can also be spread by touching something contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth or nose.
4. What are the symptoms of a cold?
The symptoms of a cold include a runny nose, sneezing, congestion, and sometimes a cough. These symptoms usually appear one to three days after you have been infected with the virus. Colds typically last for seven to 10 days.
5. Which natural remedy works best for adults?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best natural remedy for adults may vary depending on the individual’s specific health needs. However, some popular natural treatments that adults may find helpful include herbs such as ginger, turmeric, and lavender; essential oils such as lemon, peppermint, and eucalyptus; and supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and vitamin D.
Conclusion
So, now that you understand why natural cold and flu remedies work so well, it’s time to check out the most effective homemade remedies. Keep reading to find the best natural home remedies for flu and cold. If the symptoms persist, contact your healthcare provider. Let us know in the comments if you think natural home remedies for flu and cold are effective and if you have tried any of the remedies on our list!