Natural remedies to beat colds and flu

With winter fast approaching and the weather changing, colds and flu have a nasty way of sneaking up on you. With the rising costs of living, why not make use of natural remedies and flu-fighting foods.

When that first sneeze strikes, don’t just reach for medicine. First take careful note of your symptoms. If you have a slight fever, it may be your body’s way of fighting the virus by creating temperatures that’s warmer than what the pathogen can survive in. A slight cough also doesn’t mean you have to instantly chug some medicine.

To help the sore throat that usually accompanies a cough, gargle half a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water four times a day.

Vicks or similar ointments have been a staple in most medicine cabinets since the first container hit the shelves. Dab some under your nose to open the breathing passages and soothe a raw nose.

When those symptoms are sorted, focus on your diet. Many foods can boost your immune system and help fight off colds and flu.

Most health-care practitioners recommend increasing your vitamin C intake, which translates to litres of orange juice for some families. Bell peppers, apples, papayas and kiwi fruit are also packed with this vitamin.

Blueberries are high in natural aspirin, which may lower fever and help with aches and pains, while bananas and rice help to soothe an upset stomach.

Lemon is also loaded with vitamin C. Add some lemon juice to your tea or have a glass of lemonade with honey to help your immune system fight off bacteria.

Chilli pepper helps open sinuses and breaks up mucus in the lungs.

Ginger is great for soothing a cough or scratchy throat. Steep a few slices of fresh ginger root in hot water and then sip it or add some grated ginger to black or rooibos tea for a boost.

Garlic not only keeps vampires away, it also fights off colds and flu. Crush a clove or two and steep them in hot water and drink it like tea. If this seems too disgusting, why not shake some garlic flakes onto a slice of bread, top with grated cheese and toast it under the oven’s grill. You can also add it to soup or stew.

Honey is good for your immune system and having it daily can boost your energy levels and keep you healthy. Its antibacterial properties can also help to heal a sore throat. There’s a variety of ways to use it – in your tea, coffee, by itself or gargling with honey and lemon in salt water at room temperature. Be aware that it is not suitable for children under the age of one.

Black and green tea is thought to have natural antibiotic effects. Two to three cups a day are recommended.

Mint tea is also full of nutrients and can help you cough up that annoying mucus in your throat.

When you can’t sleep, try drinking a cup of chamomile tea. Besides having calming properties, it can also help relieve aches and pains by relaxing your muscles.

Other flu-fighting foods are cinnamon, onion, sweet potatoes, broccoli and mushrooms. Try to avoid dairy products, sugar and refined foods and too many carbohydrates. Dairy products often form mucus while the other foods can lower your resistance and increase your risk for infections. When you’ve tried most of the home remedies and your symptoms persist for more than a day or two, consult a doctor. Many serious infections like bronchitis, meningitis or even malaria can resemble that of a normal cold. Also be advised that you should inform your doctor if you are on medication as a certain amount of the above-mentioned foods can counteract with some of the medication.

Source: https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/12-tips-prevent-colds-flu-1?page=2, https://www.doctoroz.com/blog/donna-cardillo-rn-ma/cold-and-flu-home-remedies, https://herbsspices.about.com/od/herbsspiceshealth/tp/HerbsSpicesforWinterWoes.htm, https://www.health24.com/Natural/How-to-beat-colds-and-flu-naturally-20140226