Cold and Flu season is upon us, which means more and more people are finding themselves and their families falling ill. Although the best you can do is to let these viruses run their course, the good news is that there are a number of natural treatments that can aid in keeping you comfortable and helping your body fight them off faster.
Here are 6 natural treatments to keep in mind this season:
1. Get Lots of Sleep
Fighting off a cold or flu virus requires a lot of energy from your already fatigued body.
To aid in the healing process, make sure that you get plenty of sleep so your body can focus its energy on fighting off the virus. You can also prop yourself up with an extra pillow to relieve congested nasal passages and make breathing a little easier.
2. Harness the Power of Heat/Steam
Drinking hot teas (or hot water with lemon) and taking hot, steamy showers are two great methods for promoting nasal decongestion.
The heat from these two remedies loosen congestion, can heal irritated and inflamed membranes, and can also be very relaxing.
However, if your flu has left you dizzy, opt for sitting on a chair in the bathroom while you run hot, steamy water in the shower.
3. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated during a bout of the cold or flu is very important to your recovery. Avoid drinking caffeinated teas, and opt for herbal options.
A simple mug of warm lemon water, which will soothe your throat and nose (see above), will also help you stay hydrated.
4. Soothe a Sore Throat
Along with drinking warm liquids, gargling can be an effective means of soothing a sore and irritated throat.
To do this, mix half a teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of water, gargle, and then spit out. Do this four times daily to soothe and promote healing.
5. Keep Nasal Passages Clear and Clean
Clearing congested nasal passages during a cold/flu is very important, as a congested nasal passage that remains that way for an extended period of time can turn into a sinus infection.
You can help prevent this from happening by gently blowing your nose (NOT sniffling congestion back into your sinuses), and then using a saline rinse solution to clean your nasal cavity.
One popular home-remedy includes mixing 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda in 8 ounces of warm water, then using a bulb syringe of nasal irrigation system to spray water into the nose.
6. Ease an Upset Stomach
Getting enough food to fuel your body during the cold/flu can be difficult when an upset stomach is one of your symptoms. To combat this, stick to the BRAT diet.
This acronym stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast; all of which are gentle on an upset stomach.
When the cold or flu strikes in your home, keep these remedies in mind so that you can help you and your family get back on their feet as quickly as possible, the natural way.
