Home Remedies to Treat Cold and Flu

Home Remedies to Treat Cold and Flu

Cold and flu can make you feel miserable. It can also affect your day to day productivity. While you can make trips to the doctor and rely on antibiotics, here are some simple natural remedies for cold and flu.

Hydration
Staying hydrated is one of the best natural remedies for cold and flu. Drinking lots of fluids like water, electrolytes, and juice helps loosen mucus while fulfilling the liquid that you have lost over the process of cold and flu. You should also stay away from beverages such as caffeine that cause dehydration.

Vitamin C
Vitamins enhance your overall health, which even includes your immune system. It also helps in reducing the cold and flu’s lifespan. Natural Vitamin C sources are better than supplements. For instance, natural oranges are much better than orange juice.

Sleep
Get as much sleep as possible when you have a cold and flu because that is the time when your body needs maximum rest. When you even take more than adequate sleep, in case you have a fever, flu, or cold; your immunity system strengthens as a result of which you can better fight off sicknesses and even recover faster.

Aromatherapy
Using essential oils, such as eucalyptus and tea tree oil, has shown its effectiveness in treating cold and flu. These oils don’t just have antibacterial properties but even antiviral properties, making them an excellent option for common colds and even flu.

A steamy shower
A steamy shower is touted as one of the best natural remedies for cold and flu. Apart from relaxing you, it helps moisturize nasal passages. It also helps relieve from flu as it helps rejuvenate you and helps remove congestion.

Gargling warm saltwater
Gargling with warm salt water helps kill all pathogens. Moreover, it helps loosen mucus and ease inflammation, taking out all the germs from your body. You could use ½ a teaspoon of salt in a cup filled with water should be for gargling.

Sleep with an extra pillow to help your sinuses drain
Sleeping with an extra pillow helps lift your head, allowing gravity to drain out mucus as a result of which you will be able to breathe more comfortably. When you sleep on your back in a normal position, the mucus gets accumulated in your sinuses which cause a lot of pressure in your tender area.

Nasal irrigation
Nasal irrigation is a safe, natural remedy for cold and flu and can help relieve symptoms of allergies, flu, colds, and even sinus infections. It helps remove pollen, dust, and other debris while helping in loosening the thick mucus.

Cold and flu can affect anybody, immaterial of age. If it persists for a longer period, you should go and see a doctor. However, accompanying antibiotics with these natural remedies for cold and flu can make the recovery process faster.