Cold And Flu Natural Remedies
Cold and flu natural remedies can help alleviate symptoms and support the body’s immune system during recovery. Cold and flu are common viral infections that can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms, such as congestion, coughing, sore throat, body aches, headaches, and fever. Here are some commonly used natural remedies to help manage cold and flu symptoms.
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Cold And Flu Natural Remedies
1. Hydration and rest
Staying well-hydrated is essential for maintaining good overall health and supporting your body’s immune system. Drink plenty of fluids like water, herbal teas, broths, and fruit juices to help keep yourself hydrated and replace lost electrolytes.
Getting adequate rest is crucial during a cold or flu infection. Your body needs energy to focus on fighting the illness, so listen to your body and take time to rest when needed.
2. Chicken stock
Chicken stock is a flavorful broth made by simmering chicken bones, vegetables, and water together. Use the chicken stock as a base for soups or consume it on its own to help soothe symptoms of a cold such as congestion, sore throat, and body aches.
Here’s a simple recipe to make homemade chicken stock that can help soothe symptoms of a cold.
3. Herbal teas
Sipping on herbal teas made from echinacea, ginger, chamomile, peppermint, or licorice root can help alleviate symptoms such as sore throat, fever, and congestion.
Clove, ginger and orange tea recipe will work to help with a sore throat, warm up and provide relief from the first symptoms of a cold.
4. Honey and lemon
A warm beverage made with honey, lemon juice, and water can help soothe sore throats, reduce congestion, and boost the immune system.
5. Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that can help alleviate nausea, sore throat, and other cold and flu symptoms. Incorporate it into your meals or sip on ginger tea to reap its benefits.
You can make a ginger tea by boiling sliced fresh ginger in water, adding honey or lemon to taste. You can also chew a fresh slice of ginger.
6. Garlic
Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and has been used for centuries to help prevent and alleviate symptoms of the common cold and flu. You can mince or crush raw garlic cloves and add them to dishes like pasta, stir-fries, or salads.
Cooking garlic reduces some of its medicinal properties, so try to include a small amount of raw garlic in your meals whenever possible.
If you don’t like the taste of raw garlic or find it difficult to consume large amounts, consider taking a garlic supplement. Look for a high-quality supplement that contains allicin, the active compound responsible for garlic’s therapeutic effects.
7. Onion syrup
Onion syrup is a reliable and natural remedy for colds, cough and boosting immunity. It helps treat tonsillitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis, as well as sinusitis. The main task of onion syrup is to clear the upper respiratory tract. Its expectorant properties help treat persistent coughs, both dry and wet. Learn more how to make onion syrup for cough and cold.
8. Elderberry syrup
Elderberries have been traditionally used to treat colds and flu due to their antiviral properties. Studies suggest that elderberry extract can help reduce the severity and duration of these illnesses by inhibiting the replication of the virus.
You can buy organic elderberry syrup or you can make elderberry syrup by simmering elderberries in water with honey, ginger, and spices.
Here’s a simple recipe you can make at home:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups dried elderberries
– 6 cups water
– 1 tablespoon ground ginger
– ½ teaspoon ground cloves
– ½ teaspoon cinnamon
– ½ cup honey (or more, to taste)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the elderberries and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour, or until the liquid has reduced by half.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container, pressing on the berries to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids.
3. Return the strained elderberry juice to the pot and add ginger, cloves, and cinnamon. Simmer for another 20 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Stir in honey until completely dissolved.
6. Allow the syrup to cool completely before transferring it to a clean bottle or jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
7. Take 1 tablespoon of elderberry syrup daily as a preventative measure, or increase the dose to 1-2 tablespoons when you start feeling cold symptoms. You can also give it to children over the age of 1 year.
9. Humidifier
A humidifier can help alleviate symptoms of the common cold or flu by adding moisture to the air, which can help soothe a sore throat, relieve nasal congestion, and improve overall comfort while you’re under the weather.
Choose the right type of humidifier for your needs: There are several types of humidifiers available on the market, including cool mist, warm mist, and ultrasonic models. Cool mist humidifiers are best for dry climates or during warmer months, while warm mist humidifiers can help provide additional warmth and relief from congestion.
Make sure to clean your humidifier regularly to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria that could make your symptoms worse. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and descaling your humidifier.
Place your humidifier in a central location in your home, preferably near your bedroom where you spend most of your time.
To prevent mineral build-up and maintain optimal performance, use distilled water in your humidifier instead of tap water. Change the water daily to prevent bacterial growth.
Aim for a relative humidity level between 30% and 50%, as higher levels can encourage the growth of mold and bacteria. Keep an eye on the moisture level in your home to ensure that the humidifier is providing sufficient relief without making the environment too damp.
By following these steps, you can effectively use a humidifier to help alleviate symptoms of colds and flus while also maintaining a comfortable living environment for optimal recovery.
10. Essential oils
During the cold and flu season, essential oils can provide natural relief and support for symptoms such as congestion, coughing, body aches, and headaches.
- Eucalyptus: This oil is known for its decongestant properties and can help clear up nasal congestion and sinus pressure. Add a few drops to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and breathe in the steam to relieve sinus congestion.
- Tea tree: This oil is antibacterial and antiviral, making it an effective remedy for colds and flu. Dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil and apply it topically on the soles of your feet or inhale it to help boost your immune system.
- Peppermint: This oil can help relieve coughing and sore throat symptoms by soothing the throat and providing a cooling effect. Add a few drops to a diffuser, or add it to a cup of hot water and gargle with it.
- Ginger: This oil can help alleviate nausea, body aches, and inflammation associated with colds and flu. Dilute ginger oil with a carrier oil and apply it topically on the affected area, or add a few drops to a diffuser for aromatherapeutic benefits.
- Frankincense: This oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Add a few drops to a diffuser or dilute it with a carrier oil and apply it topically on the temples or chest area to help relieve symptoms such as headaches, body aches, and congestion.
- Lemon: This oil can help boost your immune system and provide relief from fatigue and respiratory issues. Add a few drops to a diffuser or add it to a glass of water for added vitamin C benefits.
Always remember to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them topically, and consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils if you have any underlying health conditions or are pregnant.
11. Probiotics
Consuming probiotics, such as fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, can help support gut health and boost the immune system during a cold or flu infection.
12. Vitamin C
Getting plenty of vitamin C through diet or supplementation can help enhance your body’s natural defense mechanisms and reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms.
13. Put Hydrogen Peroxide In Your Ears
Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide 3% (H202) is a safe, all natural way to fight infection and disable bacteria to neutralize germs. This is why it is used to treat a wide variety of common illnesses.
It is important to begin treatment as soon as symptoms appear. This seems to be effective about 80 percent of the time, especially if done when your symptoms first appear. If you fail to start it as soon as the symptoms appear it will likely not work.
Do not try this if you have a ruptured eardrum! Read about it more here: Put Hydrogen Peroxide In Your Ears To Stop Cold And Flu
14.Hydroxychloroquine / Quinine
Hydroxychloroquine is nothing but quinine. Something that anyone can make at home. It is tonic water. It is made out of the peelings of grapefruits and lemons. It is good for cold and flu.
Quinine has been used to treat all sorts of health conditions including infections, influenza, pneumonia, indigestion, and even cancer. Read how to do Hydroxychloroquine / Quinine – Homemade Remedy
15. Oscillococcinum
Oscillococcinum is a popular homeopathic remedy that is commonly used to treat flu-like symptoms such as body aches, headaches, and fever. It is believed to work by stimulating the body’s natural defense mechanisms to help fight off the illness.
16. Activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is known for its ability to absorb impurities and toxins, making it a popular natural remedy for various health issues. Its use during the cold and flu season can help alleviate symptoms or prevent infection. Here’s how to use activated charcoal for cold and flu:
1. Mix 1 teaspoon of activated charcoal powder with a glass of water (preferably room temperature). Stir well until dissolved.
Read more about activated charcoal proper dosage information.
2. Drink the mixture slowly, allowing it to sit in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing. This will allow the charcoal to absorb any impurities present in your mouth and throat.
3. Repeat this process two to three times per day as needed, or as recommended by your healthcare practitioner.
4. Keep in mind that activated charcoal may cause your stool to turn black or gray due to its absorptive properties. This is normal and not a cause for concern. If you notice severe side effects, discontinue use and consult a healthcare practitioner.
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While these natural remedies can help manage symptoms and support overall health during a cold or flu infection, they should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment if your symptoms are severe or persistent. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your symptoms or health.
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