24 Best Home Remedies For Flu - Quick Relief Guide

We are more likely to get the flu or cold due to changes in temperature. The flu is an infectious disease common throughout the world that occurs primarily in cold climates or during the winter season and therefore has been linked to deficiencies of certain vitamins such as C and D promoting the general weakening of the immune system.

The general symptoms of the flu are cough, nasal congestion, headache, fever, chills, and cramps. Usually it does not need treatment and it spontaneously subsides in a few days or a week at the most, although attention should be paid to a possible aggravation of some of the symptoms such as a fever too high especially in children and the elderly or people with depressed immune system because they are the most sensitive groups. Cases of complication in the flu that are not adequately treated or controlled can cause respiratory infections of the most serious internal organs such as pneumonia.

The hypertensive or cardiovascular problems should pay attention to flu-like symptoms because any infectious disease can raise the rate of inflammation in the body and can aggravate complications of this condition.

Why is there more flu in winter?

When the temperature is low or it rains, it is very likely that you spend more time locked, and that indicates that you share small spaces with other people and their germs, causing you to get sick and that a virus or bacteria continue to spread.

1. Ginger

For the discomfort, prepare this infusion:

• Chop a spoonful of fresh ginger
• Add it to a cup of boiling water
• Finally add honey and a little lemon.

Ginger will help you feel better for its analgesic, antipyretic and antibacterial properties.

2. Orange juice

The orange juice, in addition to having vitamins and minerals, is also ideal to fight the flu or the common cold as its properties are very good for this type of ailments.

Just by preparing a juice daily during breakfast, you can keep your defenses high and reduce the risk of suffering from it or a cold. It is a good remedy for the flu.

3. Lemon juice

Taking this type of infusion or tea for the flu is good when you have it, because it helps sweat and eliminate toxins, while it is a relaxant for the throat.

• Grate the peel of a lemon
• Add water and heat for a period of 5 minutes
• Take this constantly.

4. Eucalyptus infusion

Eucalyptus has antiseptic, balsamic properties and helps with bronchial problems. Therefore it is an excellent infusion to take when you suffer from cough, flu or cold.

5. Honey and lemon

It is one of the most popular remedies for flu. Fill a saucepan with the juice of two glasses of lemon, add seven tablespoons of honey and let it simmer for about an hour and a half. Consume this syrup to get relief from flu.

Take two tablespoons every hour the first day and from the second day take two tablespoons every three hours.

6. Chicken soup

Take a bowl of hot soup a day while the flu lasts. This home remedy will help alleviate the symptoms of cough, thanks to its beneficial effects that contributes iron and zinc among others. It also provides antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties for the throat.

Drink chicken soup with onion and garlic, because it allows decongesting the respiratory tract. It reduces congestion and lubricates the throat, relieving irritation. In addition, it contains chemical compounds similar to anti-flu, which help to heal faster.

7. Onion

This traditional remedy is widely used by mothers with young children. Split an onion in half, add a little sugar and water and place it on the headboard of the bed. The onions have a chemical reaction with the air that creates vapors, we have all witnessed this reaction by cutting onions or simply smelling that when someone is cutting it, they are quite intense and help the patient with coughing. Thanks to these vapors and their composition, you can enjoy a natural analgesic for the throat that soothes irritation, moisturizes the mucous membranes and allows you to breathe better.

8. Water with salt to clean the nose

Nasal congestion can be treated with a mixture of salt and water. In a cup of warm water add a quarter teaspoon of sea salt without iodine and a quarter teaspoon of baking soda. Pour a couple of drops into each nostril, then lean forward so it drips a little and your nose begins to open up slowly.

9. Elderberry

An infusion of bark and elderberries relieves tired body. This tree contains salicylic acid, a substance similar to aspirin, which helps relieve pain and fever. It also contains sambucol, which combats influenza virus infection.

10. Camphor ointment

If your nose has been irritated from cleaning it, apply a small amount of camphor and eucalyptus ointment. Eucalyptus vapor will open the airways and prevent congestion, and camphor will relieve pain and irritation in the skin, thanks to its analgesic and antiseptic effects.

11. Green tea

A study in Japan found that green tea contains catechins; substances with antiviral properties that help fight and even prevent the flu. The best way to take advantage of its benefits is to gargle. Experts say that the affected areas are better exposed to the antiviral effects of tea.

12. Echinacea

Taking echinacea supplements at the first signs of a cold or flu would help reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of the disease, thanks to stimulating the immune system, allowing the body to fight better against diseases.

13. Zinc

Taking zinc supplements, especially pills, would help dramatically reduce the intensity of cold and flu symptoms. Zinc has the power to control cold symptoms and reduce their duration by half.

14. Turmeric

Flu is characterized by cough, watery mucus, nasal itching and ocular congestion. To alleviate these symptoms an excellent option is turmeric, which contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and is a blockade of natural immunoglobulin.

To consume it add a spoonful of turmeric powder, a pinch of cinnamon, grated lemon rind and sugar to a quarter cup of water.

15. Mint tea

Mint tea is one of the remedies for flu and cough, mint works as an antispasmodic. It relaxes the muscles of the throat and chest, which is why it reduces the annoying cough and discomfort of the flu.

16. Cinnamon and honey

Natural antibacterial analgesic, disinfectant cinnamon mixed with honey will help you boost your weakened immune system.

Preparation:

Take one tablespoon warm honey each morning with ½ tablespoon cinnamon powder. Or drink an infusion of cinnamon sweetened with honey. Make an infusion of sweet cinnamon with honey.

• In a cup pour boiling water over 1 spoonful of cinnamon.
• Let infuse 10 minutes.
• Filter.
• Add 1 spoonful of honey.

17. Grapefruit Seed Extract

Anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory and antiviral, grapefruit seed extract is considered a natural antibiotic with an incredible spectrum of action that will help you fight against infection.

Take 15 drops diluted in a glass of water or fruit juice, three times a day at the onset of symptoms.

18. Rum and thyme

From the first chills drinking hot drinks is recommended to increase body temperature, sweat and therefore eliminate toxins quickly to help us fight the infection.

• In a bowl, pour boiling water over a tablespoonful of thyme.
• Let infuse 8 minutes then add the juice of half a lemon, 3 tablespoons of rum, hot water.
• Add honey for sweetness
• Drink very hot and sparingly in the evening before sleeping.

19. Arnica oil

In slow and deep massage, arnica oil, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, will effectively relieve aches and contractures.

20. Essential oils against the flu

Antiviral essential oils help the immune system to eradicate the viruses that causes the flu. Use these essential oils for:

• Olfaction

Pour a few drops on a handkerchief, then bring the handkerchief to your nose and breathe it several times during the day.

• Inhaled

Put your head under a towel and breathe deeply for a few minutes. Inhale the water vapor released from a bowl of boiling water with 3 or 4 drops of essential oil.

• Massage

Massage the spine and the soles of the feet with a few drops of essential oil diluted to 10 or 15% in vegetable oil.

Essential oil of ravintsara, niaouli, Eucalyptus and Tea tree are recommended

21. Herbal tea with thyme

Thyme is rich in phenol, has antiseptic, antispasmodic and antiviral properties. This herbal tea is therefore particularly effective in helping you fight the flu.

• In a cup pour boiling water over two teaspoons of organic dried thyme.
• Let infuse 5 minutes.
• Sweeten your infusion with a little honey.
• Strengthen the effect of thyme by adding the juice of half a lemon to the tea.
• Drink 3 to 4 times a day or alternately with echinacea infusion.

22. Garlic

Garlic, a natural antiseptic, attacks cold viruses. Put a small pod or half-pod in your mouth and inhale the vapors in your throat and lungs. When the effect becomes too strong, crunch it and pass it with a glass of water.

23. Juniper oil

When cold or flu strikes us, our immune system weakens, making our fight against cold or other infections more difficult. Juniper oil stimulates the metabolism and strengthens our immune system to help us fight the virus faster.

24. Astragalus

Take one 250 mg capsule of Astragalus twice a day, until you get better. This plant used in traditional Chinese medicine stimulates the immune system and seems to effectively fight cold and flu. To avoid relapse, continue treatment for one week after your symptoms have disappeared.