Homemade Flu Treatments

Influenza, commonly known as flu, is a viral infection of the respiratory system. The viruses that cause flu are airborne and can be serious or deadly for newborns, the elderly and people with some chronic conditions. Flu symptoms such as head and body aches, persistent cough, fever, chills, runny or stuffy nose and sore throat can cause great discomfort. They may also stop you from performing your normal everyday activities. Fortunately, there are some homemade treatments you can utilize to ease your flu symptoms.

Homemade Flu Care Beverages

Staying hydrated is important to your flu recovery. Fever symptoms may dehydrate your body. As a result, it is important to keep drinking fluids. Some fluids can be beneficial to your health and recovery aside from their hydration benefits.

Make homemade juices out of your favorite fruits. Squeeze citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and limes into glasses or larger containers. Mix them with water and a little sugar to taste if necessary. Citrus fruits contain vitamin C, which can be helpful to your recovery.

Make a homemade tea out of your favorite tea leaves and herbs. Fill a tea infuser ball or tea bag with the ground tea leaf and herb combination of your choosing. Warm liquids such as tea can ease cough and soothe a sore throat. They are also helpful for breaking up congestion associated with your flu. Try European Elder and Echinacea in these blends. European Elder’s berries and dried leaves can soothe pain and cough. Echinacea can provide an immune system boost to fend off your flu. You can squeeze Echinacea root into juices as well.

Homemade Flu Care Foods

There are also foods you may eat that can keep you healthy and hydrated during your flu recovery.

Cook a pot of homemade chicken soup. Boil chicken, your favorite vegetables, chicken stock and your favorite spices to taste. Do not make the soup overly salty, as salt may dehydrate you. Much like tea, warm soup helps keep you hydrated, soothes cough and sore throat, and breaks up congestion. A hearty soup also provides much needed nourishment.

Make a fruit salad using soft, water-rich fruits such as grapes and melons. Cut the melon up into small pieces that are easy to chew and swallow. Include citrus fruits such as orange or tangerine slices for vitamin C. Toss the fruits in a bowl and serve. A homemade fruit salad containing water-rich fruits will help keep you hydrated as well as nourish your body.

Homemade Gargle

Create a gargle rinse by mixing a half-teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Use this gargle to soothe sore throat caused by flu. Gently gargle two to three oz. of the solution at a time for at least 15 seconds.

Tips and Warnings

Check with your doctor before undertaking any form of alternative treatment or home remedy. Your doctor may also deem an antiviral medication such as Tamiflu necessary if your flu symptoms are severe or persistent.

See a doctor immediately if you have shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, dark or bloody sputum, severe ear pain or if your condition does not improve at all after a few days.