Drink Plenty of Fluids to Stay Hydrated
To get over a cold or the flu, keeping your body hydrated is key. Drink plenty of fluids like water, herbal tea, and warm broths. Aim for 8-10 glasses a day. The more you drink, the more you'll flush out toxins and relieve congestion.
Hot beverages are especially soothing for a sore throat. Sip on chamomile tea with honey, peppermint tea, or warm water with lemon. The heat will relax your throat muscles and the honey coats and protects your throat.
Chicken broth is also a good option. It's hydrating and provides electrolytes to replace what you're losing. The sodium can help relieve congestion too. For extra relief, add ingredients with anti-inflammatory effects like turmeric, garlic, and ginger.
If plain water is too boring, infuse it with berries, cucumber and mint or citrus peels for some flavor. Their antioxidants will give your immune system a boost. You can also make homemade popsicles or fruit smoothies.
Staying hydrated thins out mucus secretions, making it easier to cough them up. This helps relieve chest congestion and makes it more productive. The more you're able to cough up, the quicker you'll recover. So drink up - your body will thank you! Keeping a water bottle by your side will help remind you to hydrate frequently. Before you know it, you'll be feeling better in no time.
Get Extra Rest to Allow Your Body to Heal
The best thing you can do when you have a cold or the flu is get extra rest. Your body needs time to heal, so take it easy and avoid strenuous activity.
•Stay in bed as much as possible. Catch up on your reading, TV shows, movies, anything that allows you to relax. The more you rest, the faster you'll recover.
•Sleep as much as you can. Aim for 9-10 hours of sleep per night. Naps are also helpful, so take one or two short power naps during the day if needed. While sleeping, your body works hard to fight infection.
•Limit stress and screen time. Too much blue light and mental stimulation will only slow down your recovery. Do some light meditation or deep breathing to unwind.
•Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Have tea, warm water with lemon, broths, or diluted fruit juices on hand. Staying hydrated helps loosen congestion and keeps your body functioning properly.
•Eat healthy, warm foods. Soups, stews, oatmeal, rice, and vegetables are good options. Spicy foods may help relieve congestion. Focus on comfort foods that are nourishing. Avoid anything too sugary, fatty or processed.
Getting extra rest is one of the best ways to recover from an illness naturally. Be patient and allow your body the time it needs. The cold and flu season always passes, so take it slow and you'll be back to 100% in no time. Focusing on self-care will have you healed and rejuvenated.
FAQ: Home Remedies for Colds and Flu
The common cold and flu—we’ve all had them at some point. While modern medicine has developed vaccines and antivirals to help prevent and treat these illnesses, many people prefer natural home remedies that have been used for generations. Here are some frequently asked questions about home remedies for colds and the flu.
What are some effective natural remedies for colds and flu?
Some of the most popular natural remedies for colds and flu include:
•Ginger - Ginger can help relieve congestion and soothe a sore throat. Steep fresh ginger in hot water to make ginger tea or add ginger to soups.
•Honey - Honey is a natural cough suppressant and can help relieve coughs. Take 1-2 tablespoons of honey, or add honey to tea or warm water with lemon.
•Chicken soup - Homemade chicken soup can help relieve congestion and provide hydration. The warm, salty broth helps thin out mucus secretions.
•Elderberry - Elderberry has antiviral properties and can help boost the immune system. Elderberry syrup or lozenges may help reduce cold and flu symptoms.
•Vitamin C - Vitamin C helps support the immune system. Take 500-2000 mg of vitamin C per day to help prevent or reduce the severity and duration of colds and the flu.
•Essential oils - Certain essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint and lavender oil have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Add a few drops to a diffuser or inhale the vapors to help relieve congestion and open airways.
•Rest - Getting extra rest helps your body fight infections. Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep per night plus naps if needed.
•Hydrate - Drink plenty of fluids like water, herbal tea and broth to avoid dehydration and help thin out mucus secretions.
Are natural remedies safe and effective?
Natural remedies are generally considered safe for most people and can be effective in relieving cold and flu symptoms. However, you should always follow the recommended dosages and talk to your doctor about any interactions with medications you're taking. Natural remedies may not prevent illness altogether, so vaccination and good hygiene like hand washing are still the best ways to avoid getting sick.