At some point of time, everyone faces the issue of cold and flu, and we totally understand that being sick and staying at home is not fun at all. The combination of chills, body aches, fever, and nasal congestion can be sufficient to bother anyone. Cold and flu are caused by viruses; hence the antibiotics lack in preventing or curing these illnesses. Now, if you are thinking about how to get rid of cold and flu? There is a wide range of best home remedies for cold and flu that can be beneficial for alleviating the cold and flu symptoms and help you get back to normal.
Read – Home remedies for dry cough
What are Cold and Flu?
Cold and flu are one of the most common illnesses in humans. These are infections caused by the virus. Both of them affect the respiratory system, including lungs, nose, throat, and airway. The common difference between cold and flu is that the symptoms of flu are more severe as compared to that of cold.
Cold and Flu Symptoms
Cold and flu are one of the common illnesses that cause various symptoms. Some of the symptoms are as follows-
- sore throat
- body aches
- coughing
- runny nose
- headaches
Home Remedies for Cold and Flu
Seeking how to get rid of cold and flu? The below mentioned home remedies might help in reducing the symptoms, preventing the illness, and reducing the duration of illness.
- Honey
Honey is loaded with antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. These properties of honey help in fighting viruses and bacteria. You can drink honey by mixing it with tea with lemon. It is helpful in easing the sore throat. You can also consume honey by adding it to hot water. Various studies suggest that honey is one of the best home remedies for cold and flu and is an effective cough suppressant. But always remembers, you should not give honey to children below the age of one-year-old.
- Ginger
Ginger contains a wide range of health benefits, which has been known for centuries. Add some slices of ginger root to the boiling water and consume it. This will help in soothing sore throat and cough. It is also good to cure the feeling of nausea. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger are good to relieve a sore throat.
- Garlic
Garlic is loaded with antiviral and antibacterial properties, which help in fighting the common cold. Garlic has been known as an effective home remedy for cold and flu from a longer time. You can eat raw garlic or even can add it to meals for better results. Adding garlic to your meals will also help you in avoiding sickness.
- Chicken Soup
Chicken soup is a great choice when you are suffering from cold and flu. Chicken soup with vegetables is useful to reduce the movement of neutrophils, which are the type of white blood cells in the body. These cells provide protection against infection, and when they move slowly, they get more concentrated in body areas that require more healing. Low sodium chicken soup is loaded with high nutritional value, and it helps in staying hydrated.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C has a wide range of health benefits, and it plays a crucial role in the body. Lemans, grapefruits, and oranges are a great source of vitamin C. Consuming tea containing lemon juice is helpful to reduce phlegm when you are suffering from cold. Drinks containing lemon might not clear up your throat completely, but it provides your body with vitamin C needed by the immune system. Having a sufficient quantity of vitamin C is useful to relieve infections and illnesses in the upper respiratory tract.
- Oregano Oil
Oregano is rich in carvacrol and thymol, which are loaded with antibacterial properties. For centuries people have been using essential oils loaded with thymol to relieve coughs and headaches. Rubbing oregano oil on the chest is useful to reduce the symptoms of a cold. It is one of the best solution to how to get rid of cold and flu.
- Probiotics
Probiotics are the live bacteria that help people in preventing cold and flu. Various studies show that probiotics are useful to protect the immune system from flu viruses. Probiotics are present in yogurt, tempeh, miso, and sauerkraut. Probiotics keep your immune system and gut healthy.
