6 Natural Remedies for Flu Symptom Relief

Flu is a common infection caused by influenza viruses. Most people get better on their own, and the CDC says recovery usually takes a few days to less than two weeks.

No natural remedy cures the flu or kills the virus. The remedies below can help you feel more comfortable while your body fights it off.

Natural Remedies

Some of the natural remedies are as follows:

1- Ginger Tea

One of the most common home remedies for the flu is ginger tea. Warm ginger tea can soothe a sore throat and may ease nausea. Tea is one of the oldest home remedies for flu symptoms.

Ginger tea won’t cure the flu in a few hours, and it hasn’t been shown to fight the influenza virus in people. It can still be a comforting way to get more fluids.

2- Honey and Cinnamon Tea

Another soothing drink is honey and cinnamon tea. Honey can coat a sore throat and may ease coughing. Cinnamon adds flavor, but there is no good evidence that it treats the flu.

Never give honey to babies under 1 year old, because it can cause infant botulism.

3- Drinking more water

Drinking plenty of fluids is one of the most useful things you can do. Fever and sweating make you lose fluid, so water, broth and warm drinks help prevent dehydration.

Fluids also keep your throat moist and can loosen mucus. They don’t flush the virus out of your body, but staying hydrated helps you feel better.

4- Taking food containing Vitamin C

Eating foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, lemons and tomatoes, is part of a healthy diet. Vitamin C supports normal immune function.

However, vitamin C has not been shown to cure the flu. Studies on colds suggest regular vitamin C may shorten them slightly, but taking it after you get sick does little.

5- Soups

Warm soups are an easy way to get fluids, salt and nutrients when you don’t feel like eating. The warmth can also soothe your throat and help loosen congestion. Some good choices are:

• Garlic Soup
• Spinach Soup
• Cabbage Soup
• Tomato Soup
• Mix Vegetable Soup

Soups don’t treat the flu itself, but they help you stay nourished and hydrated while you recover.

6- Warm Bath with Epsom Salt

A warm bath can ease body aches and help you relax. Some people add Epsom salt, which is sold in most pharmacies.

There is no proof that Epsom salt treats the flu or speeds recovery. If you have a high fever or feel dizzy, be careful in the tub.

Rest and Medical Care

Rest is just as important as anything you eat or drink. Stay home until you have gone at least 24 hours with no fever (without fever-reducing medicine) and your symptoms are improving.

According to the CDC’s flu treatment guidance, prescription antiviral medicines can make flu milder and shorten it by about a day. They work best when started within two days of symptoms.

Call a clinician early if you are at higher risk, such as people with asthma, diabetes or heart disease, adults 65 and older, pregnant people and young children. Get emergency care for trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, severe weakness or symptoms that improve and then get worse.

A yearly flu vaccine is the best way to lower your risk of getting the flu.

These home remedies can make the flu easier to get through, but they are not a replacement for medical care when you need it.

HP Thoughts: Sometimes home therapy works just as fine as natural remedies: Home Remedies For Flu.

Sources

• Signs and Symptoms of Flu, CDC
• Treatment of Flu, CDC