Holistic Remedies You Can Do At Home to Reduce Flu Symptoms

Getting the flu isn’t fun. Even if your symptoms are reduced because you got vaccinated, you may still feel pretty lousy for a few days. If you’re taking vitamins for flu prevention, you’ve given your immune system a good shot at helping you fight the flu. Here are some tried and true methods that can help you manage your flu symptoms to feel a little better quicker.

1. Taking Hot Showers

The steam from the shower is a great decongestant and keeps your nasal passages moist. The heat dilates blood vessels, which can relieve a headache. The hot water can also relieve sore muscles. If you don’t think you can stand up in the shower, just sit in a chair in the bathroom while the water runs.

2. Getting Rest & Staying Hydrated

One of the best remedies for any illness is drinking water and staying hydrated. These help your body flush out germs and keep the mucus thinner, making it easier to cough up. Avoid coffee, drinks high in sugar and alcohol when you’re sick. Stick to clear liquids, water with lemon, chicken broth and electrolyte drinks. Staying hydrated keeps your body functioning right.

Rest is another tried and true treatment for flu. Rest helps your body devote more resources to fighting off the virus. When you first notice cold and flu signs and symptoms, slow down and take care of yourself. You’ll feel better quicker and avoid infecting others by staying home and keeping your germs to yourself.

3. Home Remedies

In addition to getting rest, staying hydrated and taking hot showers, you can also use some home remedies to help with your symptoms. Find out what do different coughs mean to know how to treat each one.

• Gargle with salt water to relieve a sore throat. Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water.
• Increase your vitamin C and zinc intake. Both vitamin C and zinc support your immune system. Pineapple juice can also help with a cough.
• Drink honey and tea. Not only does this help you stay hydrated, but it can also soothe your sore throat. Remember to never give honey to a child under one-year-old. Add some ginger or lemon to give you a boost of vitamin C.
• Sleep with an extra pillow under your head to help with sinus drainage.
• Learn when to treat a cough and fever. A cough helps you clear germs out of your system. Your fever may actually be killing the germs faster by circulating blood through your body. Enduring mild symptoms without taking medication may actually help you get better faster.

Wash your hands frequently while you’re sick to avoid spreading germs around your home. Toss your toothbrush out after you’ve been sick and get a new one. Know when to call the doctor with more severe symptoms, a high fever or if you don’t seem to be getting any better. The flu isn’t any fun, but you will get better and be back to your normal routine soon.