Every year cold and flu season rolls around and everyone can become a little bit panicked. There is always a debate about whether or not to get vaccinated, worries over what kind of symptoms will accompany the newest strain of the flu virus, and of course all the ads that promise certain prescriptions or over the counter medicines will make you feel better fast. Unfortunately, it can all be a little overwhelming at times; if you like to avoid chemicals and man-made substances when it comes to fighting the cold and flu symptoms you have come to the right place! Here are some natural remedies for cold and flu symptoms that will have you feeling better without any chemicals!
Natural and home remedies are never a catchall or complete alternative to a doctor’s care! If you have severe cold or flu symptoms that do not improve you should always seek medical care, a doctor may also be able to recommend which of these natural remedies can aid your health the most!
Natural Remedies for Cold and Flu Symptoms
Warm Salt Water
There are multiple uses for warm salt water when it comes to treating cold and flu symptoms naturally. Natural remedies for congestion suggest that you use warm salt water as a sinus and nasal flush. Mix several tablespoons of salt into some warm (not hot) water, use this to flush your nasal passages and your sinuses. There are many devices around to aid in this process and they can be quite helpful in dispelling mucus and relieving pressure. Warm salt water can also be a natural remedy for a scratchy and sore throat. Gargle with warm salt water several times per day to help remove irritation caused by drainage and coughing. Salt water has some slight antiseptic properties as well so it can also help in removing some bacteria and other yucky stuff that hangs around during your cold or the flu!
Grandma’s Home Remedies
Your mom and your grandma were probably not too far off when they suggested plenty of liquids, sleep, and staying warm. The warm liquids will soothe your cough and sore throat, they will keep you well hydrated and give you some energy when you have an upset stomach and do not feel like eating, and they can help keep you from feeling chilled. Sleep is your body’s natural way of healing itself. Give yourself plenty of time to rest. Even if you are just lying around on the couch, binge watching Netflix and reruns, your body can use this time to help repair and fight off the cold and flu viruses. Keeping warm during this time will help break any fever that might be hanging around, as well as keep you from suffering from chills! You don’t have to let them say “I told you so” but they probably wouldn’t mind reminding you that they were in fact, right!
Choose Good Foods
Fighting the cold and flu symptoms naturally can have a lot to do with what you choose to eat. Choosing foods that have properties that aid in fighting these symptoms can help you get to feeling better more quickly. They can also help you feel better by providing your body lots of healthy fuel! Blueberries, cranberries, and bananas are all great fruits to reach for when you are feeling sick. Blueberries contain natural enzymes that mimic aspirin, cranberries can help keep bacteria from sticking to the cell linings in your bladder and urinary tract, and bananas contain enzymes that naturally act as an anti-diarrheal. These foods are also easy for your body to digest and they provide lots of vitamins and nutrients!
Other foods that can help include onions and peppers. Chili peppers and bell peppers have natural properties that can aid in fighting cough, as well as cold and flu symptoms. Bell peppers also have high levels of Vitamin C which will help get your immune system in tip top fighting shape. As for onions you can use them to help fight a cough just by breathing in their strong vapors!
Honey can be used to soothe a sore throat, provide natural enzymes to fight sickness, and it can help coat the throat to ease coughing. Use it to naturally sweeten hot teas while you are sipping them when sick with the cold or flu!
How do you fight the cold and flu symptoms naturally? What do you reach for when you start feeling sick?
Some of these I have used (banana and honey), but I’ll have to try blueberries next time I’m sick.
I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve after all these years. I always use cinnamon in my teas (natural antibiotic) and I never let anyone eat white foods because they cause more mucus. Also Vitamin D3 helps with recovery.
I know my doctors have recommended gargling with salt water. These are very helpful suggestions, thanks for posting!
I agree with sleep & plenty of fluids. I use essential oils too.
Perfect timing for me to find this. We’ve been hit hard with a “bug” of sorts this morning. I think I will go gargle with warm salt water right now.
Great tips/remedies! My husband apparently just caught a cold. I’m hoping it doesn’t transfer over to me!