During fall and winter, it is very misfortunate for most of the people who fall prey to cold and flu. Few of the symptoms of a common cold are congestion, sore throat, sneezing, running nose and coughing. If these symptoms are accompanied by a fever of 102°F or more, headache, muscle ache, extreme fatigue, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, you are likely to have flu. Your head feels stuffed up and you feel uncomfortable.
There are numerous natural home remedies for cold and flu that can soothe your cold symptoms and help you with your overall health too. These home remedies help to ease the discomfort of colds and dreaded seasonal flu. Read on further to know about a few of the cold and flu home remedies.
Natural Home Remedies For Cold & Flu
Blow your nose regularly instead of sniffling the mucus back into your head. Press a finger over one nostril and blow gently to clear the other. Be sure to wash your hands after blowing your nose.
When diagnosed with cold or flu, take complete rest to help your body direct its energy towards the immune battle. Lie down under a blanket.
You can gargle to moisten a sore throat and bring temporary relief. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in warm water and gargle. Repeat this four times a day.
Gargle with tea that contains tannin. This is an astringent gargle which will reduce the tickle in the throat and tighten the membranes.
Put one tablespoon of raspberry leaves or lemon juice in two cups of hot water. Add in one teaspoon of honey. Cool the mixture to room temperature and gargle.
Increase your intake of hot liquids to relieve nasal congestion, prevent dehydration and soothe the uncomfortably inflamed membranes lining your nose and throat.
Run a steamy shower while sitting on a chair nearby and taking a sponge bath. Doing this will moisturize your nasal passages and relax you.
Dab some mentholated salve under your nose to open breathing passages and soothe the irritated skin at the base of the nose. Some of the mild numbing ingredients that help in relieving the pain of a rubbed nose are menthol, eucalyptus and camphor.
Mix olive oil with a few drops of eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil and rub this on the chest.
Apply hot or cold packs around your congested sinuses to make you feel comfortable. Take a damp washcloth and heat it in the microwave for 55 seconds. You can also take a small bag of frozen peas and use it as a cold pack.
Keep extra pillows under your head to drain the nasal passages. If you feel uncomfortable in this position, place the pillows between the mattress and the box springs to create a more gradual slope.
In case you are flying with cold or flu, chew gum and swallow frequently to relieve pressure. Use a decongestant and carry a nasal spray to use just before takeoff and landing.
Take a 45-minute walk to shake the cold. This will direct the immune system to circulate infection-fighting antibodies.
Wet your cotton socks and wear them on your feet. Now wear wool socks. This will draw the moisture from the head downward to the toes.
Mix amla powder with juiced carrots and a little raw cream. This is a good vitamin tonic helpful in cold and flu.
Vitamin C is excellent for relieving cold and flu symptoms and helps the body fight infection. Combine orange, pineapple, seedless grapes, lots of fresh ginger, banana, pink grapefruit, and cantaloupe in a blender. Add orange juice if required. Apart from being a delicious drink, it is healthy and fights cold.
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