The air is cold, the wind is blowing and the rain is pouring, that’s right, its flu-season.
Winter rolls around every year bringing the dreaded cold into our homes. People often turn to prescription treatments, but is it really more effective than home flu remedies?
Natural remedies may not be a cure-all, Cape Kingdom Nutraceuticals‘ researcher, professor Patrick Bouic, says “going natural is always first prize”.
“What’s great is that the natural options are endless and they can also be used long-term with no side effects.”
You can nip your flu in the bud naturally, getting yourself feeling better faster, while boosting your immune system. As the saying goes, Prevention is better than cure. When you’re giving the body what it needs and keeping a constant supply of nutrients, it will ensure the body can resist any virus it comes across. However, what can you do once you’ve already caught the virus?
The number one way to fight common colds and flu’s is to boost your immune system. People with a weak immune system or nutrient deficiencies may be more prone to catching the flu or a cold. Stress, lack of sleep and exposure to toxins can worsen flu symptoms.
Restis very important, you need to remove other obstacles in front of your immune system and let your body focus on fighting the flu only. Rest and sleep as much as you can.
Drink plenty of fluids,such as water, at the first sign of the flu and not just a glass or two, but a lot of water. Hot fluids, such as hot water with lemon and honey, herbal teas and lots of homemade chicken soup or bone broth, will help the body’s immune system. To stop the rise of the virus sip your hot fluids until you can’t even look at it anymore. Remove carbs and sugars from your diet until your symptoms subside. Sugars are toxic.
Hot liquids also “relieve nasal congestion and soothe the uncomfortably inflamed membranes that line your nose and throat,” according to Vicks’ site.
Detox baths are a quick way to relax, clean your system of toxins and absorb minerals that will strengthen your immune system. Add Epsom Salts or magnesium flakes and 2 tablespoons of baking soda (which is optional. It helps promote elimination of toxins and clean unfiltered water) to a hot bath and enjoy. This remedy is also safe for kids, visit 75 Amazing Healthy Reasons Why Your Children Need Detox Baths to read more on this.
Vitamin C is an excellent flu-fighter. You can find vitamin c in citrus fruits and juices, such as oranges and grapefruit; and in fruits such as Kiwi, Mango, Papaya, Watermelon, Pineapples, Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and cranberries.
Ginger is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, as well as an antioxidant. You can use ginger to reduce your pain and fever and to sooth your stomach, nasal passages and throat. Homemade ginger ale from real ginger is the way to go when using ginger to fight the flu.
Raw honeycan also be used to fight colds and flu viruses. Raw honey is a natural immune system booster, studies show that children who get a dose of raw honey cough less and sleep better than children treated with cough and cold medicines.
A dose of garlic, a natural antifungal and antibacterial, can help against almost any illness. However, it loses effectiveness when cooked, when you’re sick its best to be taken raw.
You can also make a herbal steam treatment with kitchen herbs. Just boil 1-2 cups of water in a large pot. Remove from heat; add 2 teaspoons each of thyme, some rosemary, and oregano.
Then cover for 5 minutes with a lid, and remove lid and put face directly over pot with towel covering your head to hold in the heat and breathe in the steam as long as you can. This remedy will help loosen congestion and kill viruses and bacteria in the lungs or sinuses. A 1/2 cup vinegar in the steam will help fight the illness, although it won’t smell good.
At the first sign of illness, remove foods that suppress immune function. These foods slow your body’s healing ability. You should completely remove all white foods from the diet. This includes grains, sugars, milk, cheese, dairy, sweeteners and fizzy drinks.
The secret to kicking the flu to the curb is to catch it in the beginning; attack it with these natural weapons and rest until you are symptom free.
A flu vaccine is also advised.
Most medical insurance plans like Affinity Health and Clientele Life have a selection of doctors for when you need a little extra help to kick the nasty flu germs out the window.
Affinity Health 