The Easiest Home Remedy For Common Flu

Flu and common cold share almost similar symptoms with body aches, congestion, tiredness, headaches, rise in the temperature of the body, throat pain, lack of appetite etc. However, common colds last only four five or six days while a common flu can go up to 12 days and in some cases even more. There is no known cure for common flu in modern medicine and most prescribed or over-the-counter medications are only given to ease symptoms. As a safe alternative, herbs and natural remedies can be used in order to obtain relief from common flu symptoms.

Flue symptoms

Flue Home Remedies

One of the most important things to do during a common flu is to get as much adequate rest as possible throughout the day. While battling flu at home, keep sipping plenty of warm fluids all day long such as lukewarm water, herbal teas, soups, broths and juices. The fever caused by a common flu tends to dehydrate the body and hence sipping plenty of fluids can rid the body of the flu virus as well as hydrate the body. Avoid caffeinated, alcoholic and carbonated beverages during a flu as these drinks work as diuretics and leave the body further dehydrated. Hot chicken soup is believed to be a popular remedy in easing the symptoms of flu and is believed to work wonders for a number of flu afflicted patients.

Lozenges that contain zinc are also useful in keeping down flu symptoms and reducing the duration of the common flu considerably. Some herbalists believed that goldenseal and Echinacea contain powerful anti-viral and immune stimulating properties; however these herbs must be taken during the first signs of a common flu in order to get beneficial results. Other important herbs for common flu include coneflower, St John's Wort, Yarrow, elder flower, and others. These herbs can be consumed in the form of tinctures or dried extracts as well as in the form of an herbal tea. Ginger extract is the best known home remedy that is easily available as well as highly effective to treat a common flu. Ginger tea with the help of fresh ginger or dried ginger root makes for a wonderful and soothing tea to ease sore throats and help keep the lungs free from congestion. Garlic is also useful in easing common flu symptoms. Vitamins C in the form of supplements are highly recommended and can be taken in doses of 500 mg every day to reduce the duration of common flu.