12 Effective Home Remedies for Flu

Symptoms of flu are an indicator of a weak immune system. Viruses are the most common causes of colds. Body aches, fever and chills, and nasal congestion are some of the flu symptoms that can make you miserable, and hamper your ability to perform your daily activities. 

But, there’s good news. The symptoms of cold can be managed with natural flu remedies at home. These home remedies are effective in managing colds and speeding up recovery. In this article, you can find 12 homemade flu remedies that you can try to help manage colds.

12 Home Remedies for Flu Symptoms

When you get flu, fever and chills are common symptoms that can make you weak while your immune system is fighting the viruses. With flu cure home remedies, you don't need to run to the pharmacy to manage your symptoms. Here are 12 home remedies for flu symptoms for you to give a try and sail through the days until your symptoms are gone. 

1. Salt water gargle: The single most effective one of home remedies for flu is salt water gargling. It can work wonders to provide relief from nasal congestion and have a soothing effect on a sore throat. To a glass of warm water, add a pinch of salt. Pour it little by little and gargle until the salt water touches your throat. Spit it out after 30 seconds to a minute and repeat. 
2. Ginger: Ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is antimicrobial, too. It also has a soothing effect on a sore throat and can also help with other flu-like symptoms, like nausea. You can consume crushed ginger with a cup of hot tea or in soup.
3. Garlic: Much like ginger, garlic also has antimicrobial and antiviral properties that can help alleviate your symptoms of flu. It also has preventive capabilities and protects against cough, cold, and other respiratory symptoms. You can savour garlic in almost any form, be it in soup, stew, or juice, in curries, or just eat it raw. 
4. Honey: Honey is another one of natural flu remedies that is helpful for cough and cold as well as other respiratory tract infections. Honey also has antioxidant and antibacterial properties. You can drink a spoonful of honey as it is, or mix as much as you want in a cup of hot tea or a glass of warm milk for added benefits to your immune system.
5. Vitamin C: When you have a cold or flu, your immune system is busy fighting the viruses, which can make you feel tired and fatigued. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which helps in building immunity power and fighting cold. You can get vitamin C from oranges, lemons, and tangerines, which you can consume in the form of various delicious drinks. 
6. Vitamin D: Lower levels of vitamin D have been linked to lower immunity against colds and infections. Your good old glass of warm milk can give you strength and help you feel a lot better with cold. Fatty fishes are another source of vitamin D. Supplements and exposure to early morning sunshine are also critical to preventing lower levels of vitamin D. 
7. Probiotics: Probiotics are immunity-building, gut-friendly bacteria that are present naturally in the body. By strengthening your immune system, you can help reduce the chances of falling sick and getting a respiratory infection. Yoghurt or curd is a rich source of probiotics and also contains protein and calcium in the body. 
8. Eucalyptus oil: Eucalyptus oil has a reputation to relieve a congested nose, calms down the respiratory tract by thinning the mucus, and expelling out through the throat. It can be used by putting a few drops of the eucalyptus oil in a diffuser or in hot water. The steam from the water or diffuser can be inhaled. However, you should be aware of the possible side effects, which include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
9. Warm baths: Nothing can be more comforting than a warm shower or bath when a cold infection is bugging your system. The good news is that taking a warm bath can help bring down your body temperature and alleviate the symptoms of a cold.
10. Humidifier: If you're too weak to take a shower or it's just too cold, you can opt for a humidifier instead to have similar effects as taking a warm bath. Increased humidity helps keep your nose and throat moist, thereby, effectively reducing dryness and inflammation. You can either use a humidifier in your room or boil some water in a pot, and try to breathe in some of the steam. But be careful while breathing in the steam as it can be just as hot as the water may be.
11. Topical ointments: You can always rely on topical ointments that contain menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil to help with nasal congestion and night-time cold. You can find many good brands of such ointments at your local pharmacy. Take one or two dabs of the ointment and rub it on your chest, nose, or wherever you feel comfortable. Use it before bed to help relieve congestion and coughing while improving your sleep. However, you should check the brand disclaimer and read the labels properly, as not every brand or formulation is suitable for children.
12. Essential oils: Some studies have suggested that some essential oils may help manage the symptoms of a cold and flu or other symptoms of respiratory infections. Eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and thyme oil are some of them that can help alleviate your symptoms. These essential oils may also have anti-microbial, pain-relieving, or anti-inflammatory properties. You can use these essential oils by putting a few drops into a diffuser or in a warm bath to help you relax.

Conclusion

There is no one path to curing a cold and its various symptoms, but appropriate dietary choices, supplement usage, and other home remedies may help relieve symptoms. But before you try supplements or medications that need a prescription, you must consult a doctor to understand the potential risks and benefits and make sure that you'll be safe using them. The safer alternative is to try these home remedies for flu symptoms and see the difference on your own!