Home Remedies For Flu

Flu is a dreaded illness that strikes many, beginning in the fall and lasting until early spring. Flu is brought on by a virus that invades the upper respiratory tract. There are two kinds of flu—Type A and Type B. The flu virus affects the nose, lungs, throat, middle ear and bronchial tubes. It makes the whole body feel out of joint and can last up to a week or more.

The symptoms of the flu are many and vary from person to person. However, the usual symptoms of flu are: hot and cold sweating, headaches, fever, nausea, vomiting, coughing, fatigue, lack of appetite and throat pain that is moderate and sometimes severe..

But, there are some home remedies for the flu that can help. One of the most effective home remedies for flu is drinking plenty of water. Fruit juices and soda also help. Some feel that a person who has the flu should stay away from caffeinated beverages such as coffee and soda because caffeine is a diuretic. In addition, many have found that herbal tea with honey can ease a sore throat—a sore throat that sometimes accompanies the flu. And, it is advised to stay away from alcohol. Alcohol dries out one’s system and should never be mixed with medicines.

Soup is another great home remedy for the flu. For many years people have been soothed by having chicken soup. Chicken soup has been found to relieve certain symptoms of the flu—especially when it comes to easing the upper respiratory tract infections.

Still another home remedy is by simply taking it easy. By taking it easy—resting—you give your body an advantage in fighting the infection. Good, sound sleep always helps the body to fight whatever is attacking it.

Another way to deal with the flu is by breathing in steam from a humidifier or by taking a shower. When you breathe in the moist air, the steam helps to loosen nasal congestion and accompanying sore throat pain. A similar way to loosen nasal congestion is to bring a pot of water to a boil, remove it from the heat, put a towel over your head, close your eyes, lean over the water—being careful not to get too close to the steam—and breathe in deeply the steam. Do this on and off for about 10 minutes—taking a break now and then and you will feel a relief from congestion. You can also add several drops of eucalyptus oil, that will help loosen your congestion.

In addition, think about using a warm compress. Place a warm towel or cloth on your forehead and nose. This will also help loosen your congestion. Another way to help ease flu symptoms is to suck on throat lozenges and cough drops. Still another way to ease flu symptoms is to gargle with salt water. This helps to loosen the thick mucus and helps to soothe your throat.

And of course, having someone around to help you with the flu certainly helps and if you feel that your symptoms are worsening, always seek the help of a doctor.