Natural remedies for cold and flu

Natural remedies for cold and flu

Even when you are at home in bed and off work, being sick is not enjoyable. Anyone can become unhappy from the mix of body aches, fever, chills, and nasal congestion.

There are numerous natural cures that might reduce your symptoms and restore you to health. Make an appointment with your doctor if, after a few weeks, you’re still feeling unwell. And seek medical attention right away if you have difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat, feel dizzy, or have other serious symptoms.

See what home treatments you may conjure up for the cold and flu in the following paragraphs.

• Chicken soup

Even though it’s not a miracle cure, chicken soup is a fantastic option when you’re sick.

The circulation of neutrophils in your body might be slowed down by a warm bowl of homemade or re-heated chicken soup with veggies. A typical category of white blood cell is the neutrophil. They assist in preventing infections in your body. They remain more concentrated in the parts of your body that need mending the most when they move slowly.

Low-sodium soup is very nutritious and aids in maintaining your fluid balance. Whatever your emotions may be, it’s a wise decision.

Natural remedies for cold and flu

• Ginger

Although ginger root has long been praised for its health advantages, we now have scientific evidence to support these claims. A sore throat or cough may be relieved by boiling some raw ginger root slices. According to research, it may also help prevent nausea that frequently comes along with the flu. Therefore, ginger is one of the remedies for cold and flu

Order some ginger tea online right now to experience its calming effects.

• Honey

Although ginger root has long been praised for its health advantages, we now have scientific evidence to support these claims. A sore throat or cough may be relieved by boiling some raw ginger root slices. According to research, it may also help prevent nausea that frequently comes along with the flu. Hence, honey is one of the remedies for cold and flu .

Order some ginger tea online right now to experience its calming effects.

• Garlic

Allicin, a substance found in garlic, may have antibacterial effects. Garlic supplements may lessen the intensity of cold symptoms if you include them in your diet. Some studies suggest that it might even assist you in preventing illness altogether.

The potential benefits of garlic in preventing colds require further study. Increasing your intake of garlic will probably not harm you in the interim.

Natural remedies for cold and flu

• Echinacea

For more than 400 years, Native Americans have employed the herb and root of the echinacea plant to heal diseases. Flavonoids, which are substances with a variety of medicinal effects on the body, are among its active components. Flavonoids, for instance, can strengthen your immune system and lower inflammation.

There is conflicting evidence regarding how well the herb works to prevent the flu and the common cold. However, a 2020 study indicates that giving echinacea to kids may help treat their typical cold symptoms.

• Vitamin C

Your body depends on vitamin C, which also has a number of health advantages. Lemons are a good source of vitamin C, along with limes, oranges, grapefruits, leafy greens, and other fruits and vegetables. When you’re sick, adding fresh lemon juice to hot tea with honey may help you cough up less phlegm. Lemonade, whether hot or cold, may also be beneficial.

These beverages can help you obtain the vitamin C your immune system requires, even though they might not completely cure your cold. By getting enough vitamin C, upper respiratory tract infections can be treated.

• Probiotics

Probiotics are “friendly” bacteria and yeast that are found in your body, some foods, and supplements. They can help keep your gut and immune system healthy, and probiotics may reduceTrusted Source your chance of getting sick with an upper respiratory infection.

For a delicious and nutritious source of helpful bacteria, include probiotic yogurt in your diet. Besides its potential benefits for your immune system, yogurt is a healthy snack that provides plenty of protein and calcium. Look for products that list live bacteria on the label.

Natural remedies for cold and flu

• Saltwater

Gargling with salt water can help prevent upper respiratory infections.  Additionally, it might lessen how bad cold symptoms are. For instance, it might relieve nasal congestion and painful throat discomfort.

Mucus, which contains bacteria and allergies, is reduced and loosened by gargling with salt water. One teaspoon of salt should be dissolved in a full glass of water to attempt this cure at home. Your lips and throat should be rubbed with it. Finally, spit it out.

• Vapor rub

Some traditional topical ointments, like vapor rub, may not smell pleasant, but they seem to help kids older than 2 years old who cough at night. Using just one or two applications before bed can help to clear airways and enhance sleep while reducing coughing and congestion.

Some doctors are advising parents not to give young children over-the-counter cold medications due to negative side effects, although vapor rub is becoming more popular.

• Humidity

In dry settings, influenza thrives and disperses more readily. Your risk of contracting this influenza virus may be decreased by increasing the humidity in your home. Additionally, increased humidity may lessen nasal swelling, making it simpler to breathe when you’re sick. You might feel better at ease if you temporarily add a cold mist humidifier to your bedroom. This is particularly true in the wintertime when dry interior heat might make your symptoms worse. A few drops of eucalyptus oil could also help to improve breathing.

Online humidifier purchases will make breathing easier.

Keep in mind that humidifier water needs to be changed every day to prevent the growth of mold and other fungi. Without a humidifier, take a long shower or spend some time in a steamy bathroom to achieve the same results.

• Warm baths

Giving a youngster a warm sponge wash can occasionally help lower their temperature. Adults who take warm baths report fewer cold and flu symptoms. Body aches can be eased by putting baking soda and Epsom salt in the water. Tea tree, juniper, rosemary, thyme, orange, lavender, or eucalyptus essential oils, among others, may have a calming effect when added.

Natural remedies for cold and flu

You can take proactive measures to proactively build up your immune system, such as eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising, if you want to be healthy at all times.

Another question that someone will ask is, what are the remedies for cough.

1. Honey

A well-known treatment for sore throat is honey.

A 2018 assessment of honey’s impact on children’s acute coughs discovered that some OTC drugs may not be as efficient at relieving coughs as honey. These medicines included those that contained the prescription bronchodilators salbutamol (ProAir) and the antihistamine diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

However, the same review did not reveal that honey was significantly superior to the over-the-counter cough suppressant dextromethorphan (Delsym).

By combining up to two teaspoons of honey with herbal tea or warm water and lemon, you can make your own treatment at home.

While the lemon juice might relieve congestion, the honey soothes. The two teaspoons of honey can be consumed or spread over the bread as a snack.

Never feed honey to infants under 12 months old due to the risk of botulism.

ALSO SEE: Natural remedies for stomach aches

2. Probiotics

Microorganisms known as probiotics have a number of positive health effects. While they don’t immediately treat a cough, they do aid to maintain healthy flora in your digestive system. In your intestines, there are microorganisms called gastrointestinal flora.

The overall health of the immune system can be supported by this equilibrium. Although the evidence is still equivocal, a 2015 study revealed a drop in the number of persons getting upper respiratory infections after receiving different strains of probiotics.

The suggested daily intakes vary depending on the supplement brand. Probiotics are also included in some varieties of yogurt, as well as in kombucha and miso soup.

You should consult a doctor about which probiotic is best for you and your situation given the range of probiotics that are currently available. Probiotics can be obtained naturally by eating fermented foods, such as miso, sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, kombucha, tempeh, and kimchi.

Natural remedies of cough

3. Bromelain

Though it’s possible that you haven’t heard of bromelain because you don’t typically think of pineapple as a cough treatment.

There is some evidence to suggest that the enzyme bromelain, which is exclusively present in pineapple stem and fruit, may help to reduce coughing.

Eat a slice of pineapple or consume 3.5 ounces of fresh pineapple juice three times per day to get the most benefits from pineapple and bromelain.

It may help reduce sinusitis and allergy-related sinus problems, which can lead to coughs and mucus, according to some 2018 studies. However, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, there isn’t enough research to support this (NCCIH).

The treatment of edema and inflammation is another use for it.

Bromelain supplements should not be given to kids or adults who are on blood thinners. Additionally, avoid using bromelain if you’re taking antibiotics like amoxicillin because it can increase the absorption of the medication.

Before taking any new supplements, always with your doctor, especially if you are already using drugs or other supplements. Some might result in interactions.

Natural remedies of cough

4. Peppermint

It is commonly known that peppermint leaves have therapeutic qualities. In addition to being frequently found in a variety of foods and drinks, peppermint oil also has the potential to ease cold symptoms. The menthol might also be calming for a cough.

Both consuming peppermint tea and breathing in the vapors from a steam treatment have advantages.

Add seven or eight drops of peppermint essential oil to a cup of freshly boiled water to create a steam treatment. Take a few deep breaths immediately over the water while draping a towel over your head.

5. Marshmallow root

Althaea officinalis, a perennial with summer flowers, is the source of marshmallow root. It differs from the soft marshmallow you bake over a fire.

Since ancient times, sore throats and coughs have been treated using the leaves and roots of the marshmallow plant.

A study conducted in 2020 discovered that the marshmallow plant’s ability to calm irritated nasal and throat tissues made it efficient at minimizing coughs. This might be as a result of the plant’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities.

The mucilage found in marshmallow roots helps calm inflammation.

You can buy marshmallow root in pill or tea form today. If you have a sore throat and a cough, the warm tea may help.

Although the herb is generally considered safe, doctors don’t recommend marshmallow root and leaves for children.

Natural remedies of cough

6. Thyme

Thyme is sometimes used to treat respiratory conditions. In fact, a 2021 randomized controlled trial discovered that the herbal extract of thyme and ivy benefited research participants’ acute cough and cough intensity. Furthermore, no negative side effects were reported by the subjects.

The flavonoids in thyme leaves may help to reduce inflammation and calm the throat muscles used in coughing.

2 tablespoons of crushed thyme leaves and 1 cup of boiling water can be used to prepare thyme tea at home. For 10 minutes, cover the cup, soak; then strain.

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