6 Natural Remedies for Cold and Flu
Everyone knows the common cold has no cure, but there are plenty of remedies that can help relieve and soothe its symptoms. Here are some of the best remedies for cold and flu that will have you up and about in no time at all:
- Chicken soup : One of the most popular and best remedies for cold and flu is to drink soup either made from scratch or from a can. Soup can help slow the movement of neutrophils, which help protect the body from infection. When these neutrophils move slowly, they are more concentrated and able to function more effectively. According to a study, chicken soup can help reduce the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. That said, opt for low-sodium versions if you’re using soup from a can or packet.
- Ginger : Another well-known and one of the best remedies for cold and flu is ginger. It has been used as an ingredient in many home remedies for cold and flu. The easiest way is to add some ginger to boiling water to make ginger tea. You can sip on this herbal tea to soothe a cough or sore throat, and this remedy can also help relieve the symptoms of nausea, which can accompany the flu.
- Honey : Honey has many antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, so you can add it to your lemon tea to ease throat pain due to the cold or flu. According to a study, honey can also be used as a cough suppressant. You can give a child 10 grams of honey at bedtime to reduce the severity of their cough and help them sleep better. However, children younger than a year should not be given honey.
- Vitamin C : Citrus fruits like limes, grapefruits, and oranges and vegetables like leafy greens are packed with vitamin C. Although these items don’t clear cold, they help boost your immune system and help it to fight the infection better. You can add fresh lemon juice to your tea to help reduce phlegm or sip on lemonade. Staying hydrated is essential when you have a cold and or the flu, so sip on juices to stay hydrated.
- Salt water gargling : Listed among the best remedies for cold and flu, gargling with salt water can help ease throat pain and relieve nasal congestion. Simply add a teaspoon of salt to warm water and use it to gargle.
- Warm bath : Soaking in a tub of warm water can help alleviate body ache and other symptoms of cold and flu. You can add Epsom salt and baking soda to your bath water to make the remedy more effective. Adding in a few drops of essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus can provide a soothing and calming effect.
These are some of the most effective and best remedies for cold and flu that can provide quick relief from the symptoms.