Home Remedies for Colds and Flu

Fight the Flu with Common Sense Methods

Sleep and rest. Extreme activity will weaken your defenses.

Keep elevated while sleeping. This allows you to be able to breathe more easily.

Keep your clothes changed and clean. Keep your bed linens changed and clean. Don’t use your toothbrush after the first symptom of the cold or flu. All this helps prevent the virus from re-infecting you later.

Lubricate your nose to help decrease irritation.

Back rubs can activate the immune system to fight colds or flu virus.

Soaking your feet or using a heating pad helps with the aches and pains associated with colds and flu.

Drink plenty of fluids. Apple juice, dark grape juice, carrot juice, beet juice and clear soups are recommended. In addition you need to drink a quart of water daily.

Honey mixed with a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon powder taken daily for three days will help when you have that nagging cough. It also will help clear the sinuses.

Taking 1000mgs of vitamin C daily will help the body fight virus infections.

Drink ginger tea. Ginger tea is antiviral and helps break up the mucus and congestion. Boil 2 tablespoons of fresh grated ginger in 8 ounces of water. Let it cool and drink as needed.

Two garlic supplement tablets, found in most health food stores, taken three times a day will help break up the mucus from sinus or chest congestion.

Make a drink by adding a teaspoon of cumin seeds to 8 ounces of boiling water. Let it seep for a few minutes, strain and drink. Do this about 12 times a day.

Taking Echinacea is believed to help prevent colds and the flu virus. Take it a week and follow the recommended dosages on the packaging.

Using over the counter drugs to combat fevers, aches and pains is sometimes helpful. These include aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Do not give aspirin or any drug containing aspirin to anyone under the age of 21. It has been found to cause Reye’s syndrome, a life threatening illness.

Gargle with salt water. This helps relieve the pain of a sore throat.

Gargle with sage tea. It disinfects the mouth and by breathing the aromatic fumes can relieve the inflammation in your nose and throat.

Dairy products cause the body to produce more mucus. Avoid all dairy products while you have the virus.

Do not drink alcoholic beverages. They dehydrate the body and lower your body’s defenses.

These are only suggestions to use when having a cold or flu. You must check with your doctor if you are on any medications for interaction problems that might occur.

Article by Bertha Sutliff.