12 Home Remedies for Cold & Flu that Work really Fast

Table of Contents

Best Home Remedies for Cold & Flu

The flu is a virus. Several kinds of viruses also causes Flu. It cannot be cured with medicine but there are some natural home remedies to get rid of it. In order to stay safe from such viruses use masks to protect from dust or air pollution.

As flu is a viral infection, it passes the virus from one person to another person. Then take a lot of care when your siblings have flu or cold because it may pass to you.

Cold and flu are usually the common illnesses that are responsible for many discomforts, such as Blocked sinuses, runny nose, sore throat, coughing, headache, and fever. In this article, we have some home remedies to get rid of flu which may help to prevent illness, reduce symptoms and also cut down the period of flu.

Honey:

The honey contains anti-microbial properties, which strengthen the immune system as well as allow the body to fight against some bacteria and viruses. It is so effective in relieving cough.

Children of less than 1 year should not consume honey because it may cause some issues which discomfort the child. You can try honey in hot water to soothe a throat. You can also add few lemon drops as it contains vitamin C which is also very effective in reducing the flu.

Garlic:

Garlic is also very effective when there is flu because it has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Those who eat garlic supplements had few chances to get flu. It has been a home remedy for the flu. You can also eat raw garlic to prevent the flu.

You can take one clove of garlic in the morning with an empty stomach to get rid of the flu and it also fights against other diseases like cholesterol and blood pressure.

Menthol:

Menthol is another good remedy to get rid of flu you can take menthol leaves to unblock sinuses and congested airways. It comes from different mint plant and it has antibacterial and pain-relieving properties.

You can take menthol by adding it into hot water for steam inhalation. It helps to reduce coughing. By inhaling it your sleep also gets better.

Vitamin C:

Vitamins are a good source of energy and support they keep the immune system healthy and they usually help to reduce the frequency of colds. The citrus fruits that contain a high level of vitamin C are a good source to reduce the flu. However, there are vitamin C supplements that you buy from the pharmacy that is good for cold and flu. Oranges are a rich source of vitamin C.

Drink plenty of water and other fluids:

When you are suffering from the flu, then it is good to take plenty of water and fluids. This is the fact that you have respiratory flu or stomach flu you have to drink more water to keep your nose, mouth, and throat moist. This helps you to get rid of phlegm. You can get dehydrated when your intake of water is low. Diarrhea and fever can also cause water loss. Usually, you have to drink plenty of water because it is an all-purpose drink.

You can drink other fluids like: Water, coconut water, sports drinks, herbal tea, fresh juices, soup of raw fruits/ vegetables. There are symptoms that show that you are taking enough water if: You have to urinate regularly and the color of urine is clear or pale yellow. If your urine is dark yellow to amber in color then you may be dehydrated

Take rest:

When you are suffering from flu or cold it is significant to take more rest and get more sleep because it will help to boost your immune system. This will help your body to fight against the flu virus. If you want to be active again cancel your busy routine and find time to make a sleep which helps you get back on your feet.

Drink Warm Broth:

Drinking warm beef bone broth or chicken is a good way to help you to stay hydrated. It helps to loosen the nose congestion because it is high in protein and minerals like sodium and potassium.

When you have flu replenish these nutrients. Protein is good for rebuilding immune cells. There are ready-made varieties also. You can make broth at home by boiling chicken or beef bones.

Increase your Zinc intake:

Zinc is very important to increase your immunity. This helps your body to fight against germs. Zinc is a good source to ease flu or cold. Zinc fights against the flu virus and slows down it’s functioning.

There is a zinc supplement available in the market or a multivitamin with a zinc compound. You can also have zinc in your daily diet like:

red meat

shellfish

lentils

chickpeas

nuts

beans

seeds

dairy

eggs

Gargle:

A warm water or salt warm water gargles can soothe a sore throat. It is also helpful to clear mucus. Boil water and add 1 teaspoon of salt into boiling water and let it cool.

Pull that water into your throat and start gargle for about 10 secs so that it rinses your mouth and throat. Split the water into the sink and repeat this procedure for 3 to 4 times a week until your throat gets good. It is good to purify bacteria particles and viruses.

Herbal Tea:

Herbal teas have natural antiviral and antibacterial properties. They are good for pain relief and for flu or cold. It usually calms your internal system and improves your functioning.

Green leaf teas have several benefits as they fight for germs they contain anti-oxidant properties. You can make green or black tea, turmeric, dried or fresh ginger tea, fresh garlic, and cloves tea.

Take a saucepan, add water and put the desired herb then bring it to boil. Cover the pan and let it cool. You can sweeten the taste by adding honey. Because honey is also effective in improving the flu or cold.

Essential oil:

Essential oils are good to fight against viruses and bacteria. Tea tree oil is the one best effective oil to protect from the flu virus. It is good when to use in just two hours of infection. To use tea tree oil, you can add a few drops of tea tree oil into your liquid hand soap. This may help you to immediate relief from such viruses.

There are also other natural antibiotics and antiviral oils which include:

Cinnamon oil

peppermint oil

geranium oil

lemon oil

thyme oil

oregano oil

Do not swallow essential oils because many are toxic. They can also be used with almonds or olive oils.

Must Read 10 Amazing Health Benefits of Sweet Potato that will Surprise You.

Inhale steam:

Steam is a good way to get relief from the flu or cold. You can take deep breathes in steam from a warm pot of water might soothe your effected nose, sinuses, and throat. It is helpful to loosen mucus congestion.

There are different ways through which you can take steam: Put a bowl or mug into a microwave or put a pot on the stove for steam. Or you can do this in a vaporizer. Do not do it with boiling water the temperature of the water should be mild to breathe in. You can also add essential oils into the water for added benefits of such oils.

Foods that are easy for the stomach:

You should eat a small amount of food during the flu. Blended foods are good and easier to digest. You are required to eat infection-fighting foods. Like:

bananas

rice

bell peppers

blueberries

curb

carrots

chili peppers

mustard

onion

black

green tea.

If suffering from serious conditions, such as sinus, bronchitis, meningitis, sore throat and asthma then you must call your doctor. Try to avoid those foods which irritate the stomach.