Influenza, also known as the grippe or flu, is an infectious viral condition that influences the upper respiratory system, such as your lungs, nose, and throat. It is one of the most popular health issues that afflict people all over the world. Therefore, learning some of the best home remedies for flu and fatigue is really necessary, and Healthy Guide is here to give you the best of them all!
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CONTENTS
I. Introduction
Before learning about some of the most effective yet simple home remedies for flu, you should know clearly what it is and what causes it. According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, a lot of people in the United States die annually because of complications due to flu.
People often mistake flu for the common cold during the early stage as their signs are so similar.
Common signs of influenza are the loss of appetite, weakness, dry cough, high fever, headache, body aches, congestion in the nasal passages, sore throat, repetitive sneezing, and a runny nose.
It is extremely contagious and can spread rapidly from people to people. A people with the condition should stay away from older people and small children who tend to have a weak immune system.
It is important to start treating the condition as soon as the signs appear as the influenza can cause many other health complications, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and ear infections. Prescribed antiviral drugs can help to relieve the signs and symptoms. Nevertheless, in several cases, easy natural treatments can help to relieve signs and symptoms of mild to moderate flu.
Flu is a respiratory infection that is triggered by a number of viruses. The viruses can pass through the air and enter the body through our mouth and nose. About 5% to 20% of people in the United States have to suffer from the flu annually. The flu could be severe or even deadly for newborn babies, elderly people, and those suffering from certain chronic conditions.
Signs and symptoms of the flu come on suddenly and become worse than the common cold’s symptoms. They may include:
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Fever
- Cough
- Chills
- Body or muscle aches
Is it the flu or a cold? Colds rarely cause headaches or a fever. Flu almost never leads to an upset stomach, “stomach flu” is not really flu yet gastroenteritis, in general.
Most people suffering from the flu can go away naturally without medical care. Those suffering from mild cases of the flu need to stay home and avoid contacting with other people, except to receive medical care from the doctors. If you are suffering from the flu, your health care provider may prescribe medicine to aid the body in fighting the infection and lessening the signs and symptoms.
The main way to prevent the flu from occurring is to get a yearly flu vaccine. Good hygiene, such as hand washing, can be useful as well.
Nonetheless, before learning the best natural tested home remedies for flu and fatigue, you need to know some basic knowledge of this issue as well as when to see a doctor. Now, keep reading on Healthy Guide!
Learn More: 16 Tips How to Prevent Asthma Attack in Toddlers, Infants, & Adults
II. Natural Home Remedies For Flu And Fatigue
Here are some of the best home remedies for flu you cannot find full in anywhere else out there. All of the remedies revealed in this article are proven by science, studies, and researches by professionals and prestigious scientists. Keep reading the article to find the real solution for your own case and do not hesitate to share the list widely with other people you know who are also struggling with the same issue. Let’s start with the first secret from Healthy Guide’s professionals:
1. Honey
This is the very first one among the best tested home remedies for flu and fatigue that we would like to introduce in the entire article today and people should try at home for good!
Honey is well-known to enhance the immune system and can aid a lot in reducing signs and symptoms of the common flu. It also contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that can help in speeding up the healing process.
- You can try combining 1 tsp. of honey with the juice extracted from ten to fifteen fresh basil leaves. Consume one time per day.
- Try mixing equal amounts of onion juice and honey. Have 1 tsp. of this mixture 3 times per day, till the flu disappear.
- Mix 1 tbsp. of honey in 1 cup of hot water. If you want, add 3 – 5 drops of lemon juice. This soothing drink can help in promoting mucus flow and helping a lot in reducing itchiness and irritation in your throat. Consume the liquid 2 – 3 times on a daily basis.
- Just try taking 1 tbsp. of honey with 1 glass of water several times throughout the day.
Note: Do not give honey to children under 1 year of age.
Learn More: 31 Best Natural Ways to Use Honey to Improve Skin, Hair, and Nails
2. Lemon
According to a study [1], lemon contains anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties that work together to help in weakening the annoying symptoms of the flu as well as the flu virus inside the body. Follow the methods below as one of the best home remedies for flu and fatigue with the support of lemon:
- Place one chopped lemon (both pulp and skin) into 1 cup of boiling water. Allow it to steep within five minutes and then try inhaling the steam and drinking this hot lemonade 3 – 4 times on a daily basis till you see the signs and symptoms subside.
- Try adding the juice of 1 small-size lemon and 1 tbsp. each of rum and honey to 1 cup of boiling water. Allow it to steep within about 3 – 5 minutes. Drink this hot lemonade two times per day for 2 – 3 days.
- Squeeze a lemon into a glass of warm water and consume it. Do this 3 – 4 times per day till your signs and symptoms subside.
Read More: Benefits Of Drinking Lemon Water – 19 Reasons To Drink It!
3. Mustard
The healing properties of mustard can aid a lot in treating flu signs and symptoms to a great extent. It is jam-packed with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help to boost the healing process as one of the best tested home remedies for flu.
- In a large bucket, add 1 tbsp. of mustard powder for every quart of hot water. Soak the feet in it for a long time period till the water cools. This can help to draw the blood to your feet and improve the circulation, which can help a lot in relieving congestion and speeding up the recovery. Do this two times per day.
- Create a paste with 4 tbsps. of flour, 1 tbsp. of dry mustard, 1 egg white and a little bit of warm water. Smear the paste on a clean muslin cloth and change the muslin cloth over it. Add olive oil to dab on the chest and lay this mustard plaster on that area. Change the cloth after about 10 minutes and use a clean cloth soaked into warm water to rinse your chest. If it does not lead to irritation, try leaving it on for up to fifteen minutes. Mustard’s pungent odor can help a lot in unclogging a stuffy nose, while the warmth can help to ease congestion and improve blood circulation. Do this once per day or very 4 – 6 hours.
Learn More: 43 Best Home Remedies for Post Nasal Drip in Toddlers, Babies, & Adults
4. Ginger
According to a research [2], ginger has long been a common natural remedy for a lot of health issues, such as influenza. The warming nature of ginger, as well as strong anti-inflammatory properties can aid a lot in treating a lot of signs and symptoms of the flu. In addition, it can help in strengthening the immune system to fight against viruses that lead to influenza. Try following the methods below to say goodbye to flu and fatigue with the support of ginger like one of the best natural home remedies for flu you can make use with ease:
- Try making ginger tea by adding 1 cup of boiling water with ½ tsp. of freshly grated ginger and allow it to steep for about 3 – 5 minutes. Add some honey and enjoy this tea 3 or 4 times throughout the day.
- Combine 1 tsp. of powdered cayenne and 2 tsps. each of bayberry bark and grated ginger root together. Add 1 tsp. of the mixture to 1 cup of boiling water. Allow it to steep for about 30 minutes and then strain it. Consume this several times per day.
- Try grating fresh ginger and consume a small amount many times per day or adding ginger slices to side dishes and soups.
Read More: 34 Tips How to Get Rid of Phlegm in Nose, Throat, & Lungs after a Cold
5. Garlic
Garlic can help a lot as one of the best simple home remedies for flu and fatigue thanks to its natural antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. It also has the immune-enhancing compound allicin that can help in relieving a lot of signs and symptoms of flu.
Chop or crush 2 or 3 fresh garlic cloves and put them in 1 cup of hot water. Allow it to steep for about ten minutes, strain and then consume it, such as a tea. Apply this tip 3 – 4 times per day.
You can also try swallowing 1 tsp. of garlic juice or chewing 1 raw garlic clove with water many times throughout the day.
6. Steam
According to a study [3], steam is a useful method for thinning mucus, making it easier to flush out of the body’s system. This is actually one of the best tested home remedies for flu and fatigue that everyone can make use at home with ease, so try it!
- Pour boiled water into a large-size bowl. Try adding about 3 – 5 drops of eucalyptus oil or thyme oil to the water to enhance the healing effects. Use a towel to drape over your head and breathe deeply for about 5 – 10 minutes. Apply this method as needed to relieve congestion.
- Sit in the closed bathroom and turn on a hot shower for about 10 – 15 minutes, inhaling the steam. Apply this method many times throughout the day to ease congestion.
7. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is used as one of the best natural home remedies for flu as it contains strong antiviral and a lot of other medicinal properties.
- Soak 1 tsp. of fenugreek seeds into 1 glass of water and let it stay overnight. In the morning, warm up the liquid after straining out the seeds. Gargle with it for soothing a sore throat. Apply this method 1 – 2 times per day for 3 – 5 days.
- Add 1 tbsp. of fenugreek seeds to 1/2 quart of water. Boil it till it is reduced to 1/3 of its original volume. Strain the solution, and then try adding 3 – 5 drops of honey and 1 tsp. of fresh ginger juice to the liquid. Consume it one time per day for 3 or 4 days.
8. Peppermint
Peppermint is another herbal remedy that is widely used to fight against signs and symptoms of flu. It is jam-packed with nutrients that can support the body relieve infection. It has menthol that can work well like an expectorant, aiding the body a lot in coughing up mucus and hence relieving congestion, calming signs and symptoms of cough, and soothing a sore throat like any among the best simple home remedies for flu you may ever discover out there:
- Add 1 tbsp. of chopped peppermint leaves to 1 cup of hot water. Allow it to steep for ten minutes, strain and try adding some honey to sweeten the drink. Consume the tea while the liquid is still warm. Have 3 or 4 cups throughout the day for a quick healing.
- You can also try mixing fresh peppermint leaves in soups or salads.
9. Chicken Soup
Chicken soup is a tested and tried remedy for influenza and highly efficient in managing signs and symptoms. A lot of research have concluded that chicken soup can help to bar the inflammatory compounds production that will be released in response to any viral infections.
The chicken soup can support the thin mucus as well as keep the body hydrated. Try having some bowls of homemade chicken soup two times per day for the first 3 or 4 days after the signs and symptoms appear. To enhance the effects of the natural treatment, add chopped red pepper flakes or chopped garlic to the soup while making it.
Note: If homemade chicken soup is not available, you can try making use of canned soup as well.
10. Orange Juice
Insufficient consumption of water during the flu can lead to dehydration, so you need to consume a lot of fluids. Consuming 8 – 10 glasses of water throughout the day will help in keeping your body hydrated and support the thin mucous secretions. To achieve the most positive results, consume orange juice many times throughout the day.
Orange juice is very abundant in vitamin C that can help to boost the immune system and increase the formation of white blood cells to fight against the infection while keeping viruses at bay. You should choose fresh orange juice as it is better than any packaged version.
Next time suffering from the flu, try one of these simple home remedies for flu and fatigue at home to see positive results as desired. You will surely feel better within a short time period.
11. Echinacea
Native Americans have used this herbal remedy and the root of this plant to relieve signs and symptoms of infections for over 400 years. Its active ingredients contain flavonoids, the chemicals that leave a lot of therapeutic influences on the body. For instance, flavonoids can aid a lot in enhancing your immune system and reducing inflammation at the same time.
Research on the effectiveness of Echinacea at fighting against the common flu and cold has been mixed. However, a review [4] suggested that consuming echinacea can help to reduce the risk of developing the common cold by over 50%. It may also reduce the length of a cold. If you’re a healthy adult, consider taking 1 to 2 grams of echinacea root or herb as a tea, three times daily, for no longer than one week. Keep reading the article as there are many other natural home remedies for flu you should not skip at all costs!
12. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is very important for your body and brings about a lot of health advantages. Along with oranges, limes, leafy greens, grapefruits, and other vegetables and fruits, lemon is an excellent source of vitamin C. Adding some honey and fresh lemon juice to hot tea can aid a lot in reducing phlegm when you are sick. Drinking cold or hot lemonade can also bring about positive results.
While these drinks cannot entirely clear up your cold, they can aid your body a lot in getting vitamin C [5] necessary for your immune system demands. Taking a sufficient amount of vitamin C can help in relieving upper respiratory tract infections and other diseases. This is also one of the best home remedies for flu that we would like to introduce in this article and readers should not skip at all costs.
13. Probiotics
Another one among the best tested home remedies for flu we would like to introduce to day is the use of probiotics. Probiotics are healthy yeast and bacteria that are found in our body, some food items, and supplements. They can aid a lot in keeping your immune system and gut healthy, and research indicated that probiotics can help to lower the risks of having sick with an upper respiratory infection.
For a nutritious and tasty source of healthy bacteria, try adding probiotic yogurt into your daily diet. In addition to its potential advantages for your immune system, yogurt is a healthy snack that brings about a lot of calcium and protein [6]. Look for products that list live bacteria on the label.
14. Salt Water
Gargling with salt water can aid a lot in preventing the upper respiratory infections. It can also support you in decreasing the severity of cold signs and symptoms. For instance, it can help to relieve nasal congestion and sore throat pain as it is among the best home remedies for flu and fatigue you will ever find.
Gargling with salt water can help to reduce and loosen mucus, which contains allergens and bacteria. To make use of this remedy at home, try dissolving 1 tsp. of salt in a glass full of water. Swish it around your throat and mouth. Then spit it out.
15. Vapor Rub
Not many people like the smell of old-fashioned topical ointments, but some of them; for example, vapor rub, appear to relieve cold signs and symptoms in children older than two years of age. Just 1 or 2 applications before bed can aid a lot in opening air passages to improve sleep, reduce coughing, and combat congestion. Vapor rub is gaining traction among some experts who encourage parents to stop using over-the-counter cold medicines for small kids as they can bring about harmful side effects. This is actually one of the best tested home remedies for flu and fatigue that we would like to encourage readers to make use at home.
16. Humidity
Flu can thrive and spread more easily in dry environments. Keeping your home with good humidity can help to relieve your exposure to this flu-causing virus. Increased humidity can also help a lot in reducing nasal inflammation, making it easier to breathe when you are sick. Temporarily add a cool mist humidifier to the bedroom to increase your sense of comfort. This is particularly true in winter as dry indoor heat can worsen your condition. Adding 3 – 5 drops of eucalyptus oil could also help in stimulating your breathing.
Never forget that it is necessary to change the water used in humidifiers every day to stop mold and other fungi from developing. For the same influence without a humidifier, take a long linger or shower in a steamy bathroom. Keep reading for more tested home remedies for flu to make use at home.
17. Warm Bathing
Sometimes you can help a child to relive his/her fever with a warm sponge bath. Warm baths can also help a lot in reducing signs and symptoms of flu and cold in adults. Adding baking soda and Epsom salt to the water can help a lot in reducing body aches. Adding 3 – 5 drops of essential oil, including lavender, orange, thyme, rosemary, juniper, tea tree, or eucalyptus, can also help to sooth the symptoms of the condition. This is actually also one of the best tested home remedies for flu you should not look down!
18. Home Remedies For Flu – Drink Up
The flu can make your body dehydrated, particularly if you are suffering from diarrhea or vomiting. So make sure to get a sufficient amount of fluids. Water is fine. So are electrolyte beverages and fruit juices. You may need to avoid consuming caffeinated drinks, as caffeine is a diuretic. Herbal tea with honey can aid a lot in soothing a sore throat. If you feel nauseated, try sipping this liquids – gulps might make you throw up. How can you make sure that you are getting enough fluid? Your urine needs to be almost colorless, often pale yellow.
Do not drink alcohol when you have a flu as it can make your condition worse.
19. Be A Couch Potato
Listen to your body. If it is telling you not to exercise, do not force it to do. If it is urging you to spend all day in bed, then you should give yourself a day off. Do not press on with daily chores even in the face of severe flu or cold symptoms. Rest is an effective way to increase the ability to fight infection of your own body, according to professionals.
And do not skimp on nighttime sleep. Good sleep cycles can support your immune system well, so it is crucial for you to get enough 8 hours of sleep every night. There are still many other home remedies for flu you can make use, so keep reading the article!
20. Home Remedies For Flu – Make A Tent
Are you looking for a way to open clogged airways? Try bringing a pot of water to a boil and remove it from the heat. Close your eyes, drape a towel over your head, and lean over the water under that tent, keep your deep breath through your nose for half a minute. The clinical instructor of family medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, David Kiefer, MD, recommended patients to add 1 – 2 drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil to the water for better phlegm-busting power. Keep repeating this as often as needed to relieve the congestion.
21. Try A Warm Compress
On the nose and forehead, a warm cloth is an amazing way to reduce sinus pain or headache. This is actually among the best natural home remedies for flu that readers should try making use at home!
22. Home Remedies For Flu – Be A Sucker
Throat lozenges, cough drops, and hard candy can be surprisingly efficient at easing a sore throat or cough. Some doctors, including Kiefer, swear by lozenges including slippery elm. Others recommend zinc lozenges to aid in shortening cold signs, though Schaffner is not convinced of their efficiency. If there is an influence (against flu and colds), it is a small one.
23. Swish And Spit
Gargling with salt water can aid a lot in reducing thick mucus that can collect at the back throat, particularly after you have been lying down. It can also aid a lot in easing stuffy ears, according to experts.
24. Try Nasal Irrigation
To ease post-nasal drip and stuffiness – and perhaps cut the risks of having a sinus infection – some experts recommend trying nasal irrigation. A neti pot can be bought from any health food store and drugstore, or you can choose a saline squeeze bottle instead. Try pouring salt water into 1 nostril and allow it to run out the other, helping to clear out the nasal passages. You can find a pre-made saline solution or try making it by yourself. Just mix salt with distilled water or lukewarm sterile.
25. Line Up A Caregiver
This is the last one among the best natural home remedies for flu and fatigue that all of my readers should follow for good. A caregiver cannot help to reduce your temperature or relieve a sore throat. Nevertheless, it would be very comfortable to have someone to tuck you into bed and bring you fluids. If a family member or a friend provides you with help, even if it is just to stop by and check in on you, you should be glad with it as it will definitely make you feel safe and better.
You can actually say goodbye to the discomfort by applying one or more of these simple home remedies for flu as mentioned in this article. We wonder whether or not you can find the suitable treatments for your own case after reading this list. If you have any question to ask about the content of the article if you know other useful tested home remedies for flu, remember to share them with other readers by leaving your comments in the comment box below. For further effective beauty and health improving tips, remember to visit our How To Page on a regular basis.
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