Everyone gets the cold and flu, particularly in winter. Although not severe, these symptoms might leave you fatigued, congested, and sick. Home remedies have been used for years to relieve pain and hasten healing, but there is no cure. Try these tried-and-true methods to relieve your symptoms and enhance your body.
1. Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Staying hydrated is essential while sick. Frequent fluid intake loosens mucus, moistens the throat, and prevents dehydration. Water is the easiest and most efficient cure, although herbal teas, broths, and juices may also help. Warm drinks may relieve a sore throat and cleanse nasal passages.
Ginger tea is popular for its anti-inflammatory and calming effects. For added relief, boil fresh ginger slices in water, drain, and add honey or lemon. Honey is relaxing and antibacterial, which may relieve cough symptoms. In addition to nostalgia, homemade chicken soup is rich in nutrients and anti-inflammatory, reducing congestion and keeping you hydrated. Coconut water contains electrolytes to restore fluids lost from fever or perspiration.
2. Ease Congestion with Steam Inhalation and Humidifiers
One of the worst cold/flu symptoms is congestion. Steam inhalation opens airways and easily relieves stuffiness. To achieve this, boil water, pour it into a wide bowl, and bend over it with a cloth over your head to catch the steam. A few minutes of heated steam loosens mucus and clears nasal passages. A few drops of decongestant essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint might help.
Humidifiers benefit dry house air. Their moisture content keeps nasal passageways wet, making breathing easier and minimizing nose and throat discomfort. As an alternative to a humidifier, a steamy bathroom might provide comparable advantages.
3. Try Salt Water and Honey for Sore Throats
A sore throat makes swallowing and speech uncomfortable. A classic and efficient remedy is salt water gargling. Saltwater reduces edema, flushes irritants, and loosens mucous. Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt in warm water to gargle for 30 seconds and spit out. Doing this many times a day may significantly reduce throat discomfort and irritation.
Honey is another popular sore throat treatment. Adding a tablespoon of honey to warm water or tea coats the throat and minimizes coughing. Honey’s antimicrobial qualities relieve pain and may prevent infections. However, due to the risk of botulism, honey shouldn’t be given to children under one year old.
4. Natural Immune System Boost
Supporting your immune system helps expedite recovery from a cold or flu. Vitamin C boosts white blood cell formation, which fights infections, making it a popular immunity booster. Buy vitamin C-rich oranges, lemons, kiwis, and leafy greens.
Zinc, along with vitamin C, is essential for immunological function. Applied early in sickness, zinc reduces cold symptoms. It is found in oysters, spinach, pumpkin seeds, and fortified cereals.
Probiotics, gut-healthy microorganisms, enhance immunity. Since a large part of the immune system lies in the gut, a healthy gut bacteria, balance may boost defences. Fermented foods, including yoghurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, contain probiotics.
Finally, sleep enough. Recovering takes time, and overexertion might prolong sickness. For faster healing, get enough sleep, relax, and let your immune system operate.