Seasonal cold and flu are quite irritating and it interrupts your routine. Not all remedies cure cold and flu; however, there are a few that make you feel better and shorten the duration of cold and flu. Natural and age-old remedies provide a cure to these problems and also strengthen your immune system reducing your tendency get infected. A few remedies are listed below to help you get better and stronger.
1. A herbal supplement called Echinacea
Echinacea is one of the herbal remedies used to boost your immune system. However, it is not scientifically confirmed that Echinacea is used to cure cold and flu symptoms. This herbal medicine might shorten the cold and flu duration. Before you try any herbal or non herbal medicine it is best to check with the doctor.
2. Consumption of zinc
Zinc is supposed to be consumed within 24 hours of the first cold and flu symptom. It simply reduces the severity and the duration of common cold and flu. Zinc does not strengthen your immune system in fighting cold and flu. Zinc has antiviral properties; it restricts the formation of a certain protein that the viruses used to reproduce. Zinc nasal products need to be avoided as it may impair olfactory system permanently.
3. Use of vitamin C
Studies suggest that consumption of vitamin C is not a cure for cold and flu. Vitamin C can just boost your immune system and reduce the severity and duration of cold and flu. Consuming over 2000 milligrams of vitamin C daily can also cause diarrhea and stomach upset.
4. Multiple properties of chicken soup
A multiple function cure can be done by simply sipping some chicken soup. The hot steam of the soup will help to cure nasal congestion, the fluid of the hot soup will prevent you from getting dehydrated and also chicken soup has anti-inflammation properties that soothe inflammation. Though it doesn’t really cure cold, it helps you feel better.
5. Having a hot cup of tea
A hot cup of tea especially black and green tea has ample of antioxidants that help in fighting diseases. Besides, sipping in the hot fluid of tea hydrates you and soothes your throat. The hot steaming tea also helps as steam and unblocks your nasal congestion. This is an amazing age-old remedy used by most of the people suffering from common cold.
6. Herbal hot toddy
Herbal hot toddy is supposed to be sipped in the night before you go to bed. This makes you feel better and allows you to take enough rest at night while you suffer from cold and flu. Sipping in hot tea in the night would not be suggested, instead add in a teaspoon of honey or brandy, add in bourbon and finally squeeze in a lemon to a hot cup of herbal tea and sip in the toddy before you go to bed. Have only one hot toddy a day as excess of alcohol might affect your immune system.
7. Use of garlic
Add garlic to your daily meals as it has ample of nutritional value besides it is has amazing germ fighting abilities. Garlic is full of medicinal properties. Also adding garlic would change the taste of your meal and add a little spice to the food.
8. Use steamers and humidifiers
Everyone knows that taking steam is the best natural method of getting a relief from nasal congestion and running nose. Steam can also prevent the acute effects of sinus. Inhaling steam with the help of a steamer or a room humidifier can help you feel better and unblock your congested nose. You can also shut the doors of the bathroom, run the hot shower and sit in the bathroom for a while to inhale plain water steam.
9. Salt water nasal drops
Salt water drops can help ease congestion by removing excess mucus from your nose. All you have to do by over the counter saline drops or make them at home. You can add ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of baking soda to 8 oz of warm water. With the help of cotton or a bulb syringe you can pour the water into your nostrils keeping the other nostril closed. Repeat the same for the other nostril. Repeat the procedure about 2-3 times to get rid of nasal congestion.
10. Neti pots
Neti pots are used for an organized nasal wash. It is a petite ceramic pot used to pour warm salt water into the nostrils this helps in diluting the thickened mucus and draining it out. Neti pots can help patients suffering from sinus symptoms, facial pain due to sinus, nasal congestion, and acute sinus.
