When you get the flu, you feel so miserable with aches, chills, fever, and congestion.
The flu is caused by a virus invading your healthy cells. In an attempt to fight it off your body raises the temperature (to kill the virus), makes you tired (so it can focus its attention on the virus), and sends extra mucus to trap the virus in your lungs.
You see, your immune system is hard at work fighting this dreaded virus invader.
Your immune system is always hard at work fighting the germs that make it inside your body. Usually, there is victory, but occasionally a germ gets through.
The best thing you can do is help your body fight the invader.
Here are some natural remedies for the flu that work with your body to get you well again.
Rest
Let your body sleep and rest. Lay down and let your eyes close. While you sleep, your immune system is busy working, but it isn’t distracted by all the activity when you are awake.
Fluids
Drink plenty of fluids to flush out your system. Herbal teas are wonderful because the warmth feels so good inside and the liquid is beneficial.
Chicken Soup with Garlic & Onions
Nothing tastes better than Momma’s homemade chicken soup. Make sure that you ask for plenty of garlic and onions in that soup. You see garlic and onions work as natural antibacterial and antiviral foods. They also boost your immune system.
Eucalyptus Oil
Vick’s Vapor Rub or eucalyptus oil rubbed on the neck, chest, and back can help loosen secretions so you can cough them out. You will breathe easier after a treatment with eucalyptus oil.
Zinc
Zinc is a key player in producing white blood cells and aids the immune system in fighting the flu.
You can find zinc in
- red meat
- nuts
- beans
- seeds
- dairy products
- eggs
Steamy Shower
A warm shower that produces plenty of steam can help you breathe better. You can also use a cool mist humidifier.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another important nutrient for the immune system. You can get vitamin C in foods like strawberries, tomatoes, oranges, and grapefruit.
Honey/Lemon or Salt Water
Honey and lemon mixed with hot water is a great drink to soothe a sore throat. Or you can sooth a sore throat by gargling with salt water or apple cider vinegar.
Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands is the number one way to stop the spread of germs. Keep yourself from getting other germs by washing your hands often and stay away from people so you don’t spread your germs.
Warm & Cool Compresses
Warm compresses can relieve the achy feeling and cool compresses can take down a fever.
Bonus: Fresh Air & Sunshine!
If you are able and the weather is good, try to get outside for 15 or more minutes. Fresh air and sunshine work wonders to make us feel better!
If you are suffering from the flu, I hope you feel better soon!
Be blessed!
Meredith Curtis
