The Best Natural Flu (and Cold) Remedies That Actually Work

by John Griffith
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Flu season is sadly here once again. With it come colds, runny noses, sore throats and stuffed sinuses. And even when you try your best to avoid getting sick, sometimes the sniffles manage to strike. While you can start stuffing yourself with some cold medicine, and cough suppressants, you can also reach for some natural flu remedies to help you fight off the pesky flu or cold symptoms. So, today we are going to share with you some of the best home remedies you can add to your flu fighting routine.

Even when you try your best to avoid getting sick, sometimes the sniffles manage to strike

woman covered in tissues

Flu season is sadly here once again

looking at thermometer

 

Best Natural Flu Remedies

Flu symptoms and cold symptoms tend to overlap. But cold symptoms are in general slower to build up and much milder. However, are just as annoying. For centuries, countless home remedies have helped people manage flu and cold symptoms. Even experts acknowledge that there is no harm in adding some natural remedies to help you feel better. Here are some things you can do while you are sick.

Flu symptoms and cold symptoms tend to overlap

man sick blowing his nose

#Honey

Some common ingredients are amazing, like honey. It’s an amazing natural antibiotic. Honey can help fight off germs, while relieving symptoms. So, make sure to add some to your tea. This sticky gold has some great antibacterial properties, which will help you get rid of that nasty flu much faster. Honey can also help and sooth a sore throat of after coughing.

Honey can help fight off germs, while relieving symptoms

honey comb and honey on white background

#More Fluids

Drinking plenty of water, as well as other warm fluids like tea and soup, is super important when you are fighting off the flu or a cold. Especially if you have a stomach bug or the respiratory flu. The liquids help to keep your mouth, nose, and throat moist, which helps for your body to get rid of any excess build-up of phlegm and mucous. Not drinking enough liquids will also cause you to get dehydrated, especially if you have symptoms such as fever or diarrhea.

Drinking plenty of fluids is super important when you are fighting off the flu or a cold

natural flu remedies tea getting poured into cups

#Ginger

Ah, ginger is amazing. And since most colds and flus come with symptoms of an upset stomach, ginger can really help you out. This root is an anti-emetic, which means it can help to prevent nausea and stomach pains. So, if your stomach is feeling queasy, make yourself a nice, warm cup of ginger tea with some honey. Ginger can also help if you have a lack of appetite.

This root is an anti-emetic, which means it can help to prevent nausea and stomach pains

ginger root in black baskets

#Rest Well

When you are sick, it’s very important to get plenty of rest. And sleeping can really help boost your immune system a bit, which consequently will help your body fight off the pesky virus. So, don’t push yourself to work when you are sick and rather take a well-deserved nap. By resting you will help your body get rid of the cold or flu much faster.

When you are sick, it’s very important to get plenty of rest

natural flu remedies woman sleeping next to book

#Garlic

Garlic is super tasty and goes amazing in a ton of dishes, but not only is it great for cooking, it can also help you with your symptoms. Garlic contains some anti-microbial allicin that can help fight off any harmful microbes in your body.

Tasty garlic isn’t only for cooking, it’s also for fighting off viruses

garlic heads in a white bowl

#More Zinc

Zinc can do wonders for your immune system. That’s why when you are sick and your system is in a constant battle with the virus, it’s a great idea to give it a hand by adding more zinc to your diet. Zinc helps the body to make more germ-fighting white blood cells. This means it will ease the symptoms faster and the flu will be gone much faster. While you can take zinc supplements, you can also get plenty from foods such as red meat, lentils, beans, chickpeas, seeds, eggs, shellfish, nuts and so on.

Zinc can do wonders for your immune system

natural flu remedies different colors of beans

#Gargle

Gargling can really help when you are struggling with a cold or a virus. All you need is some warm water and salt. By gargling this mixture two to four times a day, you can help sooth any pain in the throat. It can also help clear built-up mucous. To make this gargle mixture just heat up or boil some water and then let it cool down until it’s just warm or at room temperature. Into the water mix half a teaspoon of salt per every 8 ounces of water. Then pull the salt water to the back of your throat and gargle for between ten and thirty seconds. Spit and repeat for at least two times.

All you need is some warm water and salt

salt on black table with wooden spoon

#Steam Yourself

Steam is your friend when you are down with the flu. Breathing in steam from a steamer, a bowl of hot water or even the shower can help sooth your sinuses, nose, throat, as well as the lungs. The vapor helps to loosen mucous congestion. It’s also great for soothing symptoms such as a dry couch, an irritated stuffy nose, as well as chest tightness. When breathing in steam make sure to avoid boiling water steam, as it can burn you. And always make sure to keep your face and hands far away, so you don’t burn yourself.

Steam is your friend when you are down with the flu

woman steaming herself over bowl

These were the best natural flu remedies that also work for a cold. We hope you found this article useful. Now you can use some of these natural remedies to help fight off that pesky virus quicker.

These were the best natural flu remedies that also work for a cold

natural flu remedies woman holding her head in pain

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John Griffith

John Griffith is a young, passionate journalist. Writing has been John’s hobby ever since he was a boy. He has worked in some of the UK’s most successful news portals over the course of his professional career but found his forever home at Archzine.