People mostly seem to come down with cold or flu when the seasons change. The gradual shift in the temperature may lead to sore throat, congested chest, fever, runny nose and headache, which can be quite difficult to handle. It can disrupt your entire schedule and all you would want to do is to stay all day in bed.
Most people depend on prescribed antiviral drugs to get relief from the symptoms of flu. But with this, you can also try some safe and effective natural remedies that will ease the symptoms of flu. Here are 5 natural remedies that can help:
1. Saltwater
Rinsing with salt water can help to soothe the throat and clear the mucus build-up in the chest. The concoction of saltwater creates an osmosis effect and draws fluids from your throat. It breaks down the mucus, removes irritants and clears the throat. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle with it three times daily for a speedy recovery.
2. Essential oil
Essential oils are also effective when suffering from the flu. The oils fight the flu by stopping or decreasing the rate at which the virus multiplies inside the body. Cinnamon, peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus and thyme oils are considered best when suffering from the flu. Do not ingest essential oil. You can add a few drops in some carrier oil and apply it on your throat or you can even diffuse essential oils into the air with the help of a diffuser.
Also Read: 5 Tips for Cold and Flu Season [Infographics]
3. Increase your zinc intake
Eating foods rich in zinc when down with flu can also help you ease the symptoms. This nutrient helps our body to make more white blood cells, who fight foreign germs and viruses and is important for our immune system. You can either take zinc supplements or eat food rich in this nutrient for relief. Red meat, shellfish, lentils, chickpeas, beans, seeds, and eggs are some food items packed with zinc.
4. Honey
Honey has antimicrobial properties, which may help to fight some bacteria and viruses. Several studies suggest that honey is an effective remedy to treat flu. You can put two teaspoons of honey into a glass of warm water, stir it well and drink it to get relief from a sore throat or cough.
5. Garlic
Garlic is a superfood that is used for centuries for treating various health problems. It contains allicin, which has antibacterial properties and helps to kill viruses and bacteria. As per studies, garlic not only prevents one from falling sick but also reduces the severity of the symptoms. Include garlic in your food for health benefits.
Home Remedies For Flu
