| 8 Best Home Remedies for Colds and Flu |
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| Flu - Flu 2011 |
| Written by Frank Mangano |
| Tuesday, 01 March 2011 03:57 |
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You wake up in the morning and it feels like you’ve been hit by a 10-wheeler truck. You ache everywhere and it seems that you’re going to have a fever. You can’t move and then the coughing and sneezing starts. Is it common cold or flu? Though the common cold and flu are two distinct conditions, they basically have similar symptoms. If you’re having a 102°F fever, water eyes, runny nose, cough, sore throat, sneezing, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue then chances are you have a cold. On the other hand, if your fever is above 102°F, stuffy nose, chills and sweats, cough, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, muscles aches (notably in your arms, legs and back) then chances are, you having a flu. The common cold is caused by viruses, and there are about 200 of them that can trigger colds. However, a few number of viruses can trigger flu. That’s the reason why we have a flu shot but none for the common cold. There’s no known cure for the common cold, so it is best to ride out the condition until you get better. When you have the flu, your physician would probably advice you to address each symptom until you feel better. There are countless of antiviral drugs in the market, however, these drugs may bring about side and adverse effects that can only add insult to injury. To avoid unwanted effects, make use of the following natural ways to deal with the common cold and flu. 1. Stay in bed Yes, you have a lot of things to do at the office. You may wrongly believe that your workplace would cease to exist without you, but remember that you are only human – and sadly, it doesn’t come with the ability to will your body to annihilate viruses and instantly heal yourself in a flash. Most of us detest skipping a day or two at work, but your boss will understand. It is much better for you to stay in bed than to spread your virus in your workplace. In fact, your boss will probably commend you for being “thoughtful” of your co-workers health. The thing is, getting a well-deserved rest gives your body an ample amount of time to recuperate and will give you more energy to fight the viruses. At the same time, it is important than you should stay warm. So, don’t be foolish, go back to bed and help your immune system win the battle against germ invasion. 2. Saltwater gargle Salt plus water cannot cure the common cold, but it can relieve your symptoms. According to Dr. Phillip T. Hagen, saltwater can eliminate excess fluid from your swollen mucous membranes in your throat, therefore, easing the pain. Gargling helps eliminate thick mucus and expels allergens, bacteria and fungi from your throat which can relieve coughing. If you want to become “immune” against the common cold, study shows that if you gargle saltwater three times a day, it will lessen your risk of acquiring upper respiratory tract infection. The best way to do it is to add half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water. Gargle for a few seconds and then spit. 3. Echinacea What is Echinacea? It is a flowering plant native in the U.S and Canada. There are approximately nine species of these plant, common names include, black-eyed Susan or purple coneflower. The flowers, leaves, stems and roots are used to make supplements, teas and liquid extracts. Several individuals believe that Echinacea helps boost our immune system thus lowering the gravity or length of the common cold. A study involving 95 people exhibiting early symptoms of the common cold and flu revealed that those who consumed 3 cups of Echinacea tea each day for a period of 5 days reported feeling better sooner compared to people who consumed tea devoid of Echinacea. 14 clinical trials were also reviewed and results showed that, when Echinacea is taken in by a cold sufferer, the condition lasted only for less than 4 days. Echinacea can be taken is a tea, tincture, ointments and extracts. 4. Steam If you’re suffering from asthma, steam can definitely alleviate your condition. It is one of the best natural remedies and it doesn’t use any synthetic drugs – and it actually works! Steam can loosen sinus and lung congestion and it also soothes your airways. You can opt for natural steam or you can add some essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint. Eucalyptus oil is poison to viruses that causes the common cold or flu and other sinus conditions. It has antiseptic, antiviral, analgesic and decongestant properties. Peppermint, on the other hand, is an anti-inflammatory, thus it will aid in relaxing your inflamed sinuses and airways. Just bring a box or two of tissues since this will cause runny nose because your nose is being cleared of congestions. You can use steam remedy during your bath or you can go to a steam room. 5. Garlic It may be pungent but this herb knocks out cold in no time! Garlic helps boost your immune system because of its anti-bacterial properties. Garlic contains several helpful compounds, like allicin – a very strong antibiotic found in the plant kingdom. Combined with Echinacea you’d be saying goodbye to cold or flu in no time. Research shows that the consumption of garlic, both in cooking and in supplements, such as garlic oil, dehydrated garlic powder, aged garlic extractm can be effective and safe for adults and children as well. It’s best if garlic is eaten raw (1 or 2 cloves) for a more effective or potent effect against the cold or flu virus,. 6. Hot green tea Green tea leaves has abundant antioxidants that helps boost your immune system thus helping you fight the common cold and flu. A study recently published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition indicated that subjects who consumed green tea capsule has lowered their risk to 23 percent in acquiring cold or flu and shortened their sick-leave by 36 percent. At the same time, their immune system developed more cells that help fight viruses and bacteria that can cause illnesses. If you get the chance to sip green tea, go for it! However take note that it also contains caffeine, so be careful of the dosage if you want a good night’s rest. An 8 ounce cup of green tea contains 20 to 50 mg of caffeine. 7. Chicken Soup for the nose Chicken soup is your trusted wingman if you’re suffering from a cold or flu. Why? Because study shows that chicken soup thins mucous secretions. The noodles and the broth give your body ample carbohydrates that will maintain your energy in battling the dreaded cold and flu viruses. Add some vegetables in your soup and it will increase its nutrient levels, which will help your immune system. Slurp away and you’ll be a-okay! 8. Vitamin c If you want to boost your immune system through Vitamin C consumption, it is best that you get it naturally. Foods rich in vitamin C includes citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, sweet and white potatoes, dark leafy greens, watermelon, cantaloupe, raspberries, cranberries, blueberries, pineapple, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and green and red peppers. The recommended dietary value of Vitamin C for an adult male is 90 mg per day, while for females, it is 75 mg per day. Overconsumption of Vitamin C, 500 mg or more will not yield positive results, it will only cause stomach upset and will give you a nasty case of diarrhea. Surely, you wouldn’t want to add that on top of a headache, body ache, sneezing and cough.
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