Home Remedies for Flu

The term 'flu' refers to a common viral infection known as influenza, which affects the nose, throat, bronchi, and other parts of the upper respiratory system. Flu, in most cases, does not lead to any severe complications.

The common symptoms include fever, headache, dry cough, chills and sweats, nasal congestion, runny nose, and loss of appetite. Symptoms may also include back pain, limb pain, fatigue, weakness, and a feeling of being washed out, as well as diarrhea and vomiting in children. Flu is highly contagious, and can easily spread through sneezing, coughing, and even talking. Virus particles can travel through the droplets released by affected individuals, and subsequently infect a healthy person.

Rest is the foremost home remedy for flu. Getting ample amount of sleep helps the body to relax, and boosts the immune system to ward off the infection.

Homemade chicken soup is yet another remedy, which is followed by several individuals. It not only tastes delicious, but also aids in taking care of the symptoms.

When flu is accompanied with fever, vomiting or diarrhea, the body suffers from dehydration. This can further aggravate the condition. So drink plenty of water, fruit juices, herbal teas, soda, electrolytic beverages, warm soups, etc., and keep the body well hydrated. Avoid coffee and other caffeinated drinks, as they serve as diuretics (any substance that tends to increase the flow of urine, which causes the body to get rid of excess water).

Elderberry has been tested to reveal antiviral activity against influenza types A and B. Apart from this, elderberry also serves as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Studies have revealed that elderberry extract is helpful in getting rid of flu symptoms in 2-3 days, followed by a complete recovery.

Another natural remedy to reduce the symptoms of flu, is the use of a herb known as licorice root. This herb is also anti-viral by nature, and is helpful for the treatment of flu, as well as herpes and hepatitis.

Dry cough may keep you from getting enough sleep, and it may cause fatigue. You may chew raw cloves of ginger root in order to lessen the cough, or consume a mixture of ginger and honey. Alternatively, you can mix some honey in a cup of hot water, and drink it whenever you feel the need to cough. You may also squeeze some lemon into this drink, to add taste.

You may consume oranges, grapefruits, lemons, papaya, guava, pomelo, dalanghita, anonas, kasuy, datiles, atis, tomato, balimbing, guyabano, mango, etc. These are rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, and prevents the condition from aggravating.

The spread of flu is rapid during winter, since the virus can thrive well at lower temperatures. Ensure to take the right precautions, and prevent the spread of infection to others.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.