The common cold is a viral infection to which there is no immediate cure for. Influenza, otherwise known as the flu, is also a viral infection. Both illnesses can make you feel tired, sore and affect your breathing, but typically they do not require medical intervention. There are a variety of treatments and remedies you can try at home to alleviate cold and flu symptoms and to possibly shorten the duration of the illness.
Natural Cold & Flu Remedy # 1: Drink Lots of Fluids
During mucus production or fever, you will lose fluid in your body. By consuming additional fluids you will avoid dehydration. Clear broth, water, juice or caffeine-free tea are good choices to replace fluids in your body. Ginger tea can help kill germs and settle upset stomachs. Garlic tea is another good tea due to antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties. Use honey to sweeten ginger or garlic tea.
Avoid caffeine and cigarettes as they can cause dehydration and make your symptoms worse.
Natural Cold & Flu Remedy # 2: Chicken Soup
Chicken Soup has been used for generations as a natural treatment when someone was not feeling well. The Mayo Clinic now says that scientists have proven that chicken soup helps relieve cold and flu symptoms in two ways. First, chicken soup acts as an anti-inflammatory and it helps temporarily increases movement of mucus through the nose which helps relieve congestion and limits how long the virus is in contact with the nasal lining.
If you have time, make some home-made chicken soup. You can find a variety of recipes for chicken soup online. Make large batches as it freezes well. Stock your freezer with chicken soup for easy and quick homemade soup for the next time you catch a cold or the flu.
Natural Cold & Flu Remedy # 3: Gets Lots of Rest
Your body needs rest to fight off your cold or flu. If you can, stay home from work and rest as much as possible. Naturally, a cold or flu will often make you feel tired and so will any cold medicines that you may be taking.
Natural Cold & Flu Remedy # 4: Soothe Sore Throats and Nasal Passages
The nasal and throat lining often becomes irritated and sore during a cold or flu. A good treatment to relieve the discomfort is by using a saltwater gargle (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt dissolved in 8-ounces of warm water.) Warm tea with honey can also make your throat feel better temporarily and will help with your fluid intake.
Nasal congestion can lead to discomfort and problems eating. Saline nasal drops can be gently squirted into the nasal cavity to relieve congestion and lubricate the lining. Using a saline solution to relieve nasal congestion before a baby's feeding time may help them eat better as well.
Natural Cold and Flu Remedy # 5: Herbs and Vitamins
Scientific support is not yet established to verify claims of effectiveness, but many people turn to herb and vitamin treatments to relieve cold and flu symptoms at home.
Zinc does have some clinical data to show that it does appear to be beneficial for colds. Doses of zinc are not yet determined, though you can buy zinc lozenges at your local grocery store.
Vitamin C doesn't necessarily prevent colds or flu but taking Vitamin C at the onset of symptoms may shorten the length of the illness.
Echinacea is another natural herbal treatment that has mixed results. Some studies have shown echinacea to be helpful in reducing cold and flu symptoms, while other studies have shown no effect. The types and preparation of echinacea have varied in these tests and further research is necessary. However, if you are not taking other medications and your are in generally good health, the Mayo Clinic indicates that taking echinacea is not likely to cause you any harm.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Sources:
Tamara Laschinsky - Health and wellness advocate, author, researcher and owner of Natural e GREEN: Natural Health & Wellness store!
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