The common cold and flu are seasonal infections that both adults and children suffer from. While it is not a serious disease, cold and flu can affect everyday life and can cause pain, discomfort, and fatigue. Here are some great natural remedies for cold and flu that you can try out at home. It will improve your immunity levels and reduce the intensity of the infections.
Saltwater Gargling
This helps soothe sore throat and removes infectious particles from the mouth and throat. Gargling with salt water will give you instant relief from throat pain too. Add a spoonful of salt to water that is hot enough for you to drink. Now, gargle at the back of your throat for a few seconds and then spit it out. You must repeat this a couple of times.
Eat Warm Chicken Soup
Grandma made chicken soup for you when you were not well because she knew what she was doing. It is proven fact that chicken soup is actually one of the best natural remedies for cold and flu. The soup helps with all kinds of upper respiratory infections, and helps your white blood cells fight the infection better.
Keep Sipping on Ginger Tea
Making ginger tea is easy. Boil some water and grate fresh ginger in it. Let the ginger steep for a few minutes. Sweeten the tea with honey and enjoy! Ginger is good for sore throat, and it helps you stay hydrated, which reduces the chance of developing a dry cough. Ginger is also anti-inflammatory and helps make your cold and flu symptoms manageable.
Do Some Steam Inhalation
If you are suffering from a blocked nose, sinuses, or congestion of phlegm in your chest, steam inhalation is one of the best natural remedies for cold and flu. You can use a steam inhalation vaporizer or just boil water and inhale the steam that comes from it. Be careful when you are handling hot water though.
Use the Right Essential Oils
There are studies that prove the use of essential oils as natural remedies for cold and flu. Essential oils like cinnamon, peppermint, lemon, and eucalyptus can slow down the rate at which viruses and bacteria multiply in your body. These oils, hence, act as antivirals and antibiotics. You can apply essential oils like eucalyptus on your forehead to get relief from cold and flu related headaches. Tea tree oil is also very effective in preventing viruses from growing in the body.
All these natural remedies for cold and flu are tried and tested and help you handle the conditions better. You must talk to your doctor if you find the intensity of your symptoms unbearable. These natural remedies can also be tried along with the right medication for your cold or flu condition.
