{"id":336,"date":"2017-05-31T04:28:27","date_gmt":"2017-05-31T04:28:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=336"},"modified":"2021-05-11T14:35:04","modified_gmt":"2021-05-11T14:35:04","slug":"19-natural-remedies-flu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/19-natural-remedies-flu\/","title":{"rendered":"19 Natural Remedies for the Flu"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"The flu is one of the most dreaded illnesses in the Western World. Usually, it is not dangerous and will be self-limiting, although this might not be the case for those that are especially sensitive such as the elderly or the otherwise ill.<\/p>\n

But even when this illness is not life-threatening, it is still a very bad time and can force us to take a lot of time out of our usual routines, not to mention making it hard for us to relax or enjoy our free time.
\nAs mentioned, the flu is self-limiting. That means that it will subside on its own given time.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, this can take a fair amount of time and sometimes you can be left dealing with the symptoms for months on end. So the question is: what can you do to help speed things along? Or at the very least, to help you deal with the unwanted symptoms and endure the storm while it lasts?
\nIn this post, we\u2019ll be looking at 21 different natural remedies, all of which can be used to help make the flu a little shorter lasting and less horrendous while it sticks around\u2026<\/p>\n

1. \u00a0Drink Plenty of Fluids<\/h3>\n

One of the very best things you can do to speed up recovery no matter what ails you is to drink more fluids. Drinking water is crucial for your general health, which should come as no surprise seeing as we are 70%+ made from it! When you have a cold, this need for hydration<\/a> is even greater. Drinking more will help you to continuously flush your system and thereby drive out the infection. At the same time, drinking fluids will help you to fight a fever and cool your body down. Seeing as the flu often comes with a temperature, this is a double benefit!<\/p>\n

\"\"2. \u00a0Nose Blowing<\/h3>\n

Nose blowing is not just something you have to do in order to prevent yourself from making a mess everywhere, it\u2019s actually a great way to speed up recovery and ease your symptoms. That\u2019s because it helps you to clear out the mucus and phlegm<\/a> that builds up during a cold. This is essentially your body\u2019s way of expelling harmful agents and, of course, you don\u2019t want those hanging around! The correct way to blow your nose is to open your mouth just slightly and close your eyes, then blow one nostril at a time, holding the other one closed in order to exert more focused pressure.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. \u00a0Have Some Soup<\/h3>\n

Chicken soup is the age-old remedy for colds<\/a> and it actually really is a good option. Not only is consuming something liquid a great way to keep eating without hurting your throat further, but the warming nature of soup is an ideal comfort that can help you to relax and feel comforted. Soup isn\u2019t going to cure your symptoms overnight but it makes for something nice that you can look forward to when you\u2019re struggling. But what about \u2018starve a fever\u2019 you ask? This advice is actually incorrect and starving yourself during the early stages of an infection can actually be dangerous. Food helps fuel and support the immune system, so eat up!<\/p>\n

\"\"4. \u00a0Drink Apple Juice<\/h3>\n

Drinking fluid is important as we have already seen, and apple juice<\/a> will do the precise same job as water in that regard (to a marginally lesser extent). At the same time though, drinking apple juice will also provide you with vitamin C \u2013 a powerful antioxidant and immune system booster that can help you to feel better. Apple juice also reduces the stress hormone cortisol, which can help to further boost your immune system, and it encourages circulation via the epicatechin.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. \u00a0Take a Multivitamin<\/h3>\n

We\u2019ve already heard that vitamin C<\/a> can help you to fight a cold and the same thing goes for a whole host of other vitamins and minerals that are known to strengthen your immune system. If you can get more of the right nutrients from your diet, then you\u2019ll be supporting your body in its fight against colds and flu.<\/p>\n

Of course, this is easier said than done if you feel rough and you have no appetite\u2026 which is why using multivitamins can be such a great option.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. \u00a0Get Some Sunshine<\/h3>\n

Recent studies suggest that vitamin D<\/a> might just be the most useful nutrient out there when it comes to combating and even preventing colds and flu. In one study, it was shown that fortifying food in the UK with vitamin D could save the NHS millions or even billions of GBP each year. The same would hold true for other colder regions of the US and even in warmer climates to a lesser extent thanks to our office-based jobs. It has even been suggested that supplementing with vitamin D might be as effective as using a flu jab.<\/p>\n

So, the conclusion is that you should seek to either do the same or just to spend a little more time outdoors where the fresh air will also do you good. This is also a great way to combat cabin fever if you’ve been stuck at home for days.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. \u00a0Inhale Some Steam<\/h3>\n

Steam<\/a> inhalation is a very effective way to clear your sinuses as well as to open up your airways and to kill off the bacteria causing your infection. To benefit from this, just take a bowl and fill it with hot (not boiling) water. Now drape a cloth over the top of your head, to trap the steam and breathe it in. It\u2019s important not to go too hot, which can potentially cause you to burn your nostrils but if you get the temperature right, then this will effectively help you deal with one of the most frustrating symptoms of an infection.<\/p>\n

Add in a little of a choice of essential oil (see below) for the extra benefit!<\/p>\n

\"\"8. \u00a0Try a Warm Compress<\/h3>\n

Another way you can break up phlegm, ease pain and help yourself to relax is with a warm compress. Take a warm flannel and hold it against your face to help unblock your sinuses<\/a> and ease a headache or face ache. Another way to make a warm compress is by creating a rice sock. Simply take a sock, fill it with some rice and then tie the end up. Place this is in the microwave and then you should find that the rice holds onto some of the warmth. You can also add a little essential oil to help ease the breakup of mucus and provide other benefits.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. \u00a0Cough Sweets<\/h3>\n

Cough sweets are designed to help you ease discomfort in your throat and if you have a tickly cough, this can offer great relief. You can buy a whole lot of different cough sweets from most convenience stores, or alternatively, you can try making your own with ingredients like honey and natural anti-inflammatory<\/a> agents. Even just adding some honey to a glass of warm water can provide some relief.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. \u00a0Analgesics<\/h3>\n

Analgesics<\/a> include the likes of paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin. These are tablets you can buy that will help to ease pain and discomfort and thereby let you get better sleep or just enjoy relaxing more without feeling unwell.<\/p>\n

The best option is to use an aspirin. This is a blood thinner but can also improve circulation and ease headaches. Don\u2019t try to be a hero and fight the cold or flu on your own. Pain relief actually helps to speed up the recovery process by improving your mood and the general sense of well-being.<\/p>\n

\"\"11. \u00a0Gargle With Salt Water<\/h3>\n

Gargling with salt water is a good way to speed up recovery and to combat a painful throat. Saltwater<\/a> (a saline solution) is a natural anti-bacterial agent that will disinfect your throat to help combat bacteria that might be lurking there causing your discomfort.<\/p>\n

Moreover though, gargling with salt water can also help you to prevent future infections that might come from raw and angry open wounds in your throat that come from repeated coughing.<\/p>\n

\"\"12. \u00a0Nasal Irrigation<\/h3>\n

Some people believe that nasal irrigation<\/a> is something that they should do on a regular basis even when healthy for hygiene purposes. There is little evidence to suggest that this is beneficial, seeing as the nose is designed to act in a certain way.<\/p>\n

However, nasal irrigation may be useful for those suffering from a cold, as a way to moisten mucus membranes and to remove blockages. Not only that but if you use a saline solution, it could be a useful tool for combating infections as well. As you might have guessed, nasal irrigation essentially involves washing out the nasal cavity and also, sometimes can be called a \u2018nasal douche\u2019 (not a nice thought).<\/p>\n

Simply take a container with a funnel and insert into the nose. You can even use a spray. Pour water into one nostril and then allow it to run out the other. Use water that is slightly warm in order to better break up mucus and debris.<\/p>\n

\"\"13. \u00a0Warm Bath<\/h3>\n

Taking a warm bath is one of the best things you can do to combat a cold and ease the symptoms. A warm bath is instantly relaxing and will help to ease muscle pain that might be associated with the infection<\/a>. This is especially useful if you are struggling to sleep and can help you to doze off. A warm bath will also provide an option for convenient steam inhalation and if you add a couple of drops of essential oils to the water, you will get even more benefits.<\/p>\n

A warm bath is a perfect option for relaxing, easing your muscles and stress, and breaking up phlegm. Light some candles, put on some relaxing music and enjoy!<\/p>\n

\"\"14. \u00a0Essential Oils<\/h3>\n

Essential oils<\/a> are an incredibly useful tool in your arsenal when it comes to fighting colds and infections. Essential oils provide a whole array of benefits and depending on which one you use, they can help to fight infection with anti-bacterial properties, ease inflammation and swelling that causes throat pain, and even act as general analgesics to ease the pain. On top of all this, essential oils are also highly relaxing as anyone who has had a massage will know.<\/p>\n

There are many ways you can use essential oils. Some can be consumed directly when mixed, while others are best inhaled or applied topically. The key is to choose the best individual essential oil or combination of oils and then to use as directed on the packaging.<\/p>\n

Great options for essential oils include peppermint oils that include menthol for unblocking the sinuses, lemon oil which provides an energy boost and is high in vitamin C, clove oil which is antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, and eucalyptus which is also great at breaking up mucus.<\/p>\n

\"\"15. \u00a0Vapo-Rub<\/h3>\n

Another good way to use an essential oil, or a shop-bought \u2018vapo-rub\u2019, is to apply it to your chest and keep it there as you sleep. This will then be inhaled as you rest, which in turn will allow you to break up phlegm and mucus<\/a> through the night so you don\u2019t wake up struggling to breathe!<\/p>\n

\"\"16. \u00a0Sleep<\/h3>\n

In general, sleep is really important for fighting a cold. This is when you go into a more \u2018anabolic state\u2019, meaning that the parasympathetic nervous system is dominant and you are now able to focus on rebuilding tissue, digesting food, combating infection etc.<\/p>\n

Sleep<\/a> is tricky when you\u2019re coughing and spluttering but a few of the things we\u2019ve already seen on this list can help you manage it. Applying a rub or burning essential oils will help to clear sinuses for instance, while a warm bath will freshen you up and relax your muscles. Another great tip is to prop up lots of pillows and to lean against them. This more upright position will help you drain your sinuses to prevent headaches and snoring during the night.<\/p>\n

\"\"17. \u00a0Keep Warm<\/h3>\n

When you are cold, this accelerates your heart rate and puts your body into overdrive. Your immune system<\/a> is forced to work harder and this is why we\u2019re more prone to getting ill when we\u2019re cold. This is also why it\u2019s even more important to look after yourself if you are already unwell. That means wrapping up warm and closing the windows. Just make sure that you don\u2019t do this if you are struggling with a fever \u2013 in which case you should cool the environment, although not too much (your fever is actually a good thing when it comes to combating infection!).<\/p>\n

\"\"18. \u00a0Yogurt<\/h3>\n

Yogurt<\/a> is a great choice for those struggling with colds and flu. That\u2019s because yogurt is soft, cool, soothing on your throat and something you can eat when other foods are a struggle. What\u2019s more, is that yogurt contains live cultures of good bacteria. This bacteria is great for you when it comes to fighting infections. It can kill bad bacteria and it will produce powerful neurotransmitters and even crucial minerals and enzymes!<\/p>\n

\"\"19. \u00a0Rest<\/h3>\n

Most important of all is simply to rest. Anything that increases your heart rate will only speed up the infection and make it harder for your immune system to do its job. Forcing yourself into work has been shown to increase the chances of developing chronic fatigue<\/a> syndrome over time while exercising or doing manual labor can make the cold much worse. Take time off now and you\u2019ll be able to get back to work sooner!<\/p>\n\r\n

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