Best Natural Remedies to Relieve Cold and Flu Symptoms

Flu is a viral virus that can cause mild to severe sickness and is very contagious. Fever, a dry cough, a sore throat, muscle pains, and headaches are some signs of the flu that typically appear rapidly. Serious consequences of pneumonia can result from it.

To protect yourself from the flu, vaccination is the best course of action. As soon as you notice flu-like symptoms, visit your doctor. To help you feel better sooner and relieve your symptoms, they will be able to prescribe antiviral drugs.

There are also many natural remedies that you can use at home to help relieve your symptoms and speed up healing. Here are some of the most effective treatments:

●    Ginger

Ginger is a well-known anti-inflammatory herb that can help reduce fever and body aches. In addition to its medicinal properties, ginger tastes good and is easy to incorporate into your diet. You can add fresh ginger root to your favorite smoothie or juice, add some grated ginger to your next stir-fry or enjoy some raw ginger on its own as a snack.

●    Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for colds because of its antibacterial properties. It can help relieve congestion and sore throats, too. The taste is unpleasant, but it can be taken in small amounts mixed with water, juice, or honey. You can add it to foods such as salad dressings and vegetable dishes.

●    Lemon

Lemons are rich in antioxidants that help fight infection and reduce inflammation in the body. Lemons also contain vitamin C, which boosts our immune system by helping our bodies better defend against viruses like the flu virus or common cold virus by boosting our white blood cell count (and thus our ability to fight off bacteria). Drop a few slices of lemon into hot water for a refreshing drink!

●    Garlic

Garlic has been used for centuries as an antibiotic and antiviral agent against colds and flu. To make garlic tea, chop one clove into small pieces and steep it in hot water for five minutes before drinking it warm or cooled down with ice cubes. Garlic may cause stomach upset if taken raw or too much at once, so start with one clove per day until you see how your body reacts to it. It's best not to cook the garlic first because heat destroys some medicinal qualities.

●    Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluids will help flush toxins from your body and keep mucus thin, so it's easier to cough up. Water is best, but fruit juices and sports drinks also contain electrolytes that may help restore your body's balance if you feel nauseous or lightheaded.

●    Get Plenty of Rest

Your body needs sleep to repair itself, so try to get at least seven or eight hours each night -- even if it means taking over the entire bed! If you doze off during the day, take a power nap for 10 minutes; studies show that 30 minutes or fewer naps could improve alertness, mood, and productivity.

●    Keep Cool

Hot temperatures make it harder for your body to fight infections, so if you have chills (which can be caused by fever), try wearing loose-fitting layers rather than cotton clothes — synthetics like polyester trap heat better than natural fibers like cotton do — along with a hat and gloves to protect yourself from getting too cold. And if you're feeling particularly hot, try taking a cool shower or bath to help you feel more comfortable.

●    Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry syrup is made from elderberries, which have antiviral properties that can help to fight off a cold or flu virus. It's also high in vitamin C, which boosts immune function and helps to fight infection.

Conclusion

You can do a lot naturally to distill cold and flu symptoms. Prevention is always the best option, but knowing how to keep your body healthy through these common winter illnesses will help you get back on your feet faster should they hit you. And even if they don't, it's nice (and healthy) to know that you have options at the ready in case they're needed.