12 Best Home Remedies for Cold and Flu

 

1- Use warm salt water to soothe a stuffy nose:

Rinsing your nose with salt water relieves nasal congestion and cleans your nose of bacteria and virus fragments. Here is a well-liked recipe:

In 250 ml of boiled water, combine 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. To irrigate the nose, use a nasal irrigation kit or a bulb syringe. Apply light finger pressure to keep one nostril closed while squirting the salt solution into the other nostril. Flow it out. After two to three repetitions, move on to the other nostril.

By cleaning out any thick or dried mucus, a saline nasal spray helps to keep nasal passageways open so that the mucus can drain more quickly.

2- Keep Warm and Get Sleep:

When you initially get sick with a cold or the flu, staying warm and relaxing will help your body focus its efforts on fighting the infection. This conflict strains the body. So take a break and help it out.

Rest is one of the top recommendations for people with the flu since it will assist your body to have the energy it needs to battle the flu virus and flu symptoms when you first get sick with it. Particularly during the first 24 hours after feeling ill, remain at home and get plenty of rest.

3- Rinse:

Gargling might temporarily relieve sore throat symptoms by moistening it. Four times per day, gargle with 8 ounces of warm water and a half teaspoon of salt.

Try gargling with an astringent substance to tighten the mucous membranes and lessen the tickling in your throat. You might also gargle with a thick, viscous mixture of honey or honey and apple cider vinegar. Two cups of boiling water should be used to brew one tablespoon of raspberry leaves or one teaspoon of lemon juice. Before gargling, allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.

4-Ginger tea:

Hot beverages reduce nasal congestion, keep you hydrated, and soothe your throat and nose's uncomfortable irritated membranes. If your congestion is so bad that it keeps you up at night, brew a hot cup of herbal tea.  

In a kettle add 1 cup water, add a piece of ginger cook for 4-5 minutes . Add a lemon slice and mix well . Cook for 2 minutes. add honey and mix well.

5-Take a steamy shower:

You can relax and moisturize your nasal passages by taking a hot shower. If the virus is making you nauseous, run a warm shower while you sit on a chair nearby and take a sponge bath.

6-Use a salve under your nose :

A tiny dab of mentholated ointment can be used to calm the irritated skin at the base of the nose and open the breathing passages. The slight numbing effects of menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus all have the potential to lessen the discomfort of a raw nose. To avoid getting it inside, only apply it to the outside of your nose.

7- Echinacea:

The immune system may be supported by components of echinacea, according to research. Some people may be able to fight flu viruses because of their antiviral characteristics.

Echinacea has been studied for its potential to treat colds, but results have been inconsistent, with some studies suggesting no benefit.

Various Echinacea supplements may lower a person's risk of catching a cold by 10–20%, according to other studies.

Boiling water should be used to soak the echinacea for ten minutes. After that, pass the mixture through a mesh strainer, and then immediately sip.

8-Sleep with an extra pillow:

Sleep with an additional pillow under your head to aid sinus drainage. Place an Additional Pillow Under Your Head While You Sleep Raising your head will assist clear congested nasal passages. If the slope is too difficult, try placing cushions between the mattress and box springs to create a more gentle slope.

9-Chicken soup:

When you're feeling under the weather, consuming clear broths and soups like chicken soup helps keep you hydrated and provides you with essential vitamins and minerals.

Hot beverages, like soup, can help you stay hydrated and lessen mucus buildup. Chicken soup's anti-inflammatory qualities help lessen the unpleasant side effects of a cold.

10- Honey:

 Honey Due to its antibacterial qualities, honey may be able to combat some viruses and bacteria.

 one teaspoon of honey in a glass of warm water. Every morning, use this honey for cold and flu combo to help ease your sore throat.

To ease a sore throat or cough, people can try adding some honey to hot water. Honey is available online, at local markets, and in grocery shops.

11- Consume foods that fight infections:

When you have the flu or a cold, try eating these foods

• Beta-carotene, which is present in carrots
• Chili peppers may help break up lung mucous and open the sinuses.
• Cranberries may aid in preventing bacteria from adhering to the cells lining the urinary system and bladder.
• Horseradish or mustard may aid in clearing mucus from the airways.
• Onions include phytochemicals that are thought to help the body fight off bronchitis and other illnesses.
• Catechin, a phytochemical thought to have natural antibacterial and anti-diarrhea properties, is a component of both black and green tea.

12-Whenever to visit a doctor:

Although they can persist up to two weeks, the severe symptoms of a cold or flu virus normally remain for two to three days

If cold or flu symptoms persist for more than 10 days with no indications of improvement, patients should visit a doctor, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

People should consult their doctor if they experience any unexpected symptoms or if their symptoms are acute

When experiencing flu symptoms, people who may be at a higher risk of complications should see a doctor since they could need antiviral medication.

Young children and the following individuals are among them:

• pregnant
• 65 years of age or older
• at risk because of additional health issues

Parents or other adults should seek medical attention right immediately if a baby under three months old has a fever.