9 natural remedies to ease symptoms of cold and flu

The terms cold and flu are usually bandied around during colder seasons, which is due to drier winter air leading to dehydrated mucous membranes not able to defend as well against some respiratory viruses. There are hundreds of different types of these viruses which is why you may catch a few each year. As if the cold dark nights aren't bad enough! Flu symptoms are generally more severe than colds and should be taken more seriously. Colds can last from two to seven days with different symptoms appearing during this time, whilst it's not uncommon for flu to last more than a week. Highly contagious. Cold and flu are highly contagious and can spread rapidly from one person to another as the virus transfers by air droplets, either by breathing or sneezing. It is advisable that if you're infected you should stay away from children and older people who have weaker immune systems. Common symptoms of cold and flu. Runny nose. Irritation in nose and throat. Frequent sneezing. Sore throat. Nasal congestion and stuffiness. Dry cough. Fever. Chills. Body ache. Fatigue. Muscular pains. Loss of appetite. Influenza or Flu. Influenza, commonly referred to as flu, is an infectious viral disease that mainly effects upper respiratory tract and is a more severe form of cold. It can also travel down to infect lower respiratory tract, including chest and lungs and may produce chest complaints along with nasal and throat symptoms. Influenza is one of the most common health issues and effects almost half of the world every year. It could either be seasonal flu or it can spread from one person to another. If untreated, flu can become more serious and lead to many other complications and health issues like pneumonia, chest congestion, ear infection and bronchitis. 9 natural remedies to ease the symptoms of cold and flu. If the symptoms are not severe then natural home remedies can work well, but if symptoms persist then you must seek professional medical advice and treatment. Here are some natural remedies which have very soothing effects: 1. Honey. Honey is well known for boosting your immune system and is very effective against cold and flu. It has antibacterial and anti-viral properties to speed up the recovery. Simply take one tablespoon of honey with a glass of hot or cold water and drink two or three times a day. You can add few drops of lemon in it. This soothing drink will help to expel mucus and catarrh and will relieve irritation in your nose and throat. 2. Honey and onion juice. Mix equal amount of honey and onion juice and take one tablespoon of this mixture three times a day. It tastes better than it sounds believe me, and can be more effective and healthier than over-the-counter medicines. This natural syrup works as natural expectorant, anti-biotic and anti-inflammatory agent and also strengthens your immune system. More remedies on next page... 3. Honey and basil leaves. Basil leaves are very effective in treating symptoms of fever, cough and common cold. The juice and syrup of basil leaves and honey can also be used to bring down high temperature. Various substances in basil and honey help in mobilizing mucus, so it is also an effective therapy for other respiratory issues such as chronic bronchitis and asthma. Add extracts of 10 to 15 basil leaves to one teaspoon of honey, and take this mixture once a day. 4. Lemon. Lemon is known to have antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties. It works as a natural detoxifying agent in the body and all these properties work together to fight the influenza virus. Squeeze a lemon, put in a cup of warm water and drink two or tree times a day. To improve this, you could add one teaspoon of honey with one spoon of lemon juice, put this in a cup of warm water and take twice a day. Another method is using lemon steam. Take one chopped lemon (peel & juice) in one cup of boiling water, wait for 5 minutes and then inhale the steam. Repeat twice a day until your symptoms of flu subside, or the shop runs out of lemons. 5. Mustard. The healing properties of mustard help to relieve the symptoms of flu as it contains anti-inflammatory properties. The pungent smell can also help to decongest your chest and stuffy nose. Make a paste with one tablespoon of dry mustard, 4 tablespoon of flour, one egg white and warm water. Smear the paste on clean muslin cloth and put another muslin cloth over it. Dab some olive oil on your chest and lay this mustard plaster over your chest for 15 to 20 minutes. Important: Do not use if you have sensitive skin. Always try rubbing new ingredients/creams on your inner wrist first to see if there's a bad reaction. 6. Ginger. Ginger is well known to have warming properties which can improve many health issues. Its anti-inflammatory effects help to cure flu symptoms and the immune system boosting properties helps to speed up recovery and alleviate weakness after flu. Make ginger tea by adding half teaspoon of freshly grated ginger and mix it in a cup of boiling water. Leave it for 5 minutes, then strain it and add one teaspoon of honey and one teaspoon of lemon. This is a tasty treat which can also relieve your flu symptoms. 7. Garlic. Garlic is very effective due to its antiseptic effects, and also contains immune boosting compound allicin which relieves the symptom of cold and flu. To make a 'garlic tea', chop or crush 2 or 3 cloves of garlic and put it in hot water, leave it for 5 minutes then strain it and drink twice a day. You can also make a mixture of crushed garlic and honey, which is also known to have antibacterial and antiviral properties. 8. Hot soup. This sounds just like a normal lunch, but there's many benefits to soup, as it can boost your immune system and speed up recovery. Recommended soups include chicken, garlic, spinach, miso, and Thai hot and sour shrimp soup as they are effective in keeping you hydrated, nourished, soothed and uncongested. 9. Gargle with salt and warm water. Gargling with salt and warm water can give temporary relief to your sore throat. Warm salt water circulated at the back of the throat helps in removing irritants like bacteria, allergens and fungi. Gargling can help in relieving throat and nose inflammation and pain. The steam is an effective method to decongest the mucus and helps to remove it by thinning it. Steam also relieves chest blockage and irritation in breathing tubes. Featured photo by Evening_Tao

3. Honey and basil leaves

4. Lemon

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