Few Home Remedies For Flu That Are Effective

Flu is a viral infection that is characterized by a cough, cold and fever. Other symptoms include a sore throat, congestion, and chills. Since it is a viral infection, most medicines are ineffective before it. However, home remedies help ease the symptoms and `provide relief from flu. Here are a few home remedies for flu that are time-tested and effective.

# Hydrate

Drink up a lot of fluids to stay hydrated. Water, fruit juices, and electrolyte beverages are healthy options. Stay away from colas and caffeinated drinks. Herbal teas also help with flu symptoms.

# Soups

Soups are nutritious and delicious options to ward off flu symptoms. They soothe the upper respiratory tract and ease breathing. Good choices would be dal soup, Tulsi shorba, and mixed vegetable soup.

# Rest and Recoup

Rest as much as you can to heal faster. Any illness can be dealt with more efficiently if the body is rested. Stay away from exercising and labor-intensive work.

# Gargle with Salt Water

Gargling with salt water prevents further damage because of upper respiratory infections as it loosens mucus. It opens up the nasal passage as it removes congestion. A sore throat also gets benefitted from gargling.

# Warm Bath

A warm bath reduces flu symptoms. To deal with body aches, add baking soda or Epsom salts. You could also add essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender or thyme for increased benefits.

# Increase Humidity

Flu virus thrives in dry air. Increase the humidity in your room to decrease the severity of your flu. You could also indulge in hot, steamy baths or use a humidifier in the room. All this will also reduce nasal congestion.

# Do Steam Inhalation

Bring your face over a pot of hot water and drape a towel loosely over yourself and the container. Close your eyes and do steam inhalation. Doing this two to three times a day eases congestion and provides almost instant relief from the cold.

# Cough Drops

Cough lozenges, especially those with Zinc help to shorten the cold symptoms. Try those that have ginger and honey.

# Herbs

Garlic, ginger, and Tulsi are beneficial flu-busting herbs. Have a concoction of ginger and tulsi tea, add garlic to your soups and have a few drops of ginger juice in a teaspoon of honey to ease your flu symptoms.

# Probiotics

Yogurt is your friend during a bout of flu. Probiotics are bacteria and yeast that are beneficial to the body. They boost immunity, restore gut health and increase the odds of falling sick. Apart from all this, probiotics like curd and fermented food are nutritious, easy snacks.