6 Natural Cures For The Flu

Flu is very often confused and used interchangeably with cold. Cold is caused by a variety of virus whereas flu is the progeny of Influenza A or B virus. Cold and flu usually have similar symptoms.

You may have chest congestion, sneezing, runny nose, fever and chills. It is a common ailment and so has some very common and simple natural cures that have been used for ages for subsiding the dilapidating symptoms of flu.

Different Cures For Flu

Warm Up To Water

If you have experienced flu, you would have noticed the feel of dry mouth and lips when you are suffering from it. The reason is dehydration.

Dehydration can be worse in case of vomiting and loose motions. Keep yourself hydrated with lots of water. If you are suffering from sore throat, sip on some warm water instead of normal room temperature one.

Salt Water Gargling

Take a glass of warm water and add a spoon of salt in it. Stir until it has mixed thoroughly. Gargle for 5 minutes with this solution. It will provide relief from sore throat, dryness in throat and cough.

This method is also widely recommended by the doctors. However, do not try it with a young child who cannot gargle. Consumption of salt water has dehydrating effects in the body.

Chicken Soup

Chicken soup has been around for centuries as a cure for the flu symptoms. There is a compound present in the chicken soup called Carnosin is known to help the body’s immunity. This helps in fighting the virus that causes flu and may make you feel better and energetic generally.

Some studies have also shown that chicken soup is anti-inflammatory in nature and can therefore relieve you of the discomfort and aches caused in the body by the flu. The inflammation of respiratory track may also be contained and healed with it.

Steamy Affair

Steam therapy is a great remedy for chest and nasal congestion. Take a vaporiser and add some nasal balm or a few drops of eucalyptus oil in it. Inhale the vapours. It will clear the accumulation of congestion causing mucus.

If you do not have vaporiser then take a pan of hot water and cover yourself and the pan under one towel. Inhale the vapours for relief.

Menthol And Eucalyptus Oil

Both these oil have properties that can open up your nasal tract instantly. These are normally found in lot of over the counter balms and lozenges. As mentioned earlier you can add a few drops of the oil while inhaling the steam. Alternatively, just apply them to your nose, forehead and chest. You will find that your laboured breathing is easing out. The blockages also seem to have disappeared. These oils are especially beneficial at sleep time as the lying flat clogs up the respiratory tract much faster.

Cold Compress

In case you have a high run of fever somewhere close to or more than 102 degrees, applying a cold compress can bring down the temperature.

This is also one of the oldest home remedies for bringing the fever down. Take a cloth strip and immerse it in ice cold water. Squeeze completely and rest it on the forehead. Do this for at least fifteen minutes and you will find the temperature returning to normal.