Natural home remedies for your cough, colds, and flu

by Excel Dyquiangco / January 6, 2022

The start of 2022 was supposed to signal a new beginning, a clean slate from all the stresses and stressors that the past two years had brought. Unfortunately, the year was met with a bevy of cough, colds, chills, and flu, prompting many to seek solace in tablet and syrup remedies – which eventually ran out.

If you are having a fit because you can’t purchase anything from the drugstore nowadays, know that there are some other home substitutes for these medicines. Here are some of them.

Honey

If you have a sore throat, honey is the next best remedy. Because of its natural antibacterial characteristics, honey can heal wounds, providing rapid pain relief while also reducing inflammation. Honey also has the ability to destroy germs and aid in the battle against viral diseases.

To make your own cure at home, mix up to 2 tablespoons of honey with herbal tea or warm water and lemon. While the honey soothes, the lemon juice can aid with congestion. You may also either consume the 2 tablespoons of honey by themselves or make a snack out of it by spreading it over toast.

Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that provide a variety of health advantages. While they don’t immediately treat a cough, they do assist to keep your gut bacteria in check, which dwells in your intestines. Because of this, they help your immune system work properly.

With different types of probiotics in the market nowadays, it is important that you first check with your doctor to determine which one is best for you and your situation.

These probiotics are found in fermented foods such as miso, sauerkraut, yogurt, kimchi, and sourdough.

Pineapples

Pineapples contain bromelain, an enzyme found solely in the stem and fruit of pineapples, which can aid to relieve coughs and release mucus in the throat. Bromelain is also believed to assist with sinusitis and allergy-related sinus difficulties. Pineapples are also occasionally be used to relieve edema, a swelling caused by fluid trapped in your body’s tissues, and inflammation.

Eat a slice of pineapple or drink 3.5 ounces of fresh pineapple juice three times a day to reap the maximum advantages from pineapple and bromelain.

Peppermint

The therapeutic effects of peppermint leaves are widely recognized since peppermint contains menthol, which can help calm the throat and make breathing easier.

Drinking peppermint tea or breathing peppermint vapors from a steam treatment can both help. You can do this by adding 7 or 8 drops of peppermint essential oil to around a cup of just-boiled water to produce a steam treatment. Take deep breaths straight over the water while wearing a towel over your head.

Saltwater gargle

This is probably the most famous remedy in this list since parents often chide their children to gargle with saltwater if there is an itch in the throat. And for good reason too because gargling with saltwater submerges the cells and draws liquids to the surface, as well as any virus or bacteria in the throat. When you spit out the saltwater, you’ll also be ridding your body of harmful pathogens.

To start, mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water – and then gargle.

Ginger

Ginger is a well-known herbal medicine commonly used to relieve nausea and stomach distress, but it may also help to relieve coughing. Ginger can also help to relax the airway muscles, and heal asthma symptoms.

Ginger also contains anti-inflammatory chemicals that may help to relieve throat pain and swelling.

If you have a cough, take ginger tea – which can help with throat discomfort, dryness, and mucus. Slice a 1-inch section of fresh ginger root to create ginger tea. Boil for 10 to 15 minutes in 1 cup water, depending on how strong you want your tea. Ginger tea bags are also available in stores and online.

Water and other fluids

When you have the flu (either a respiratory or the stomach flu), it is even more crucial to drink plenty of water and other fluids. Water keeps your nose, lips, and throat wet – which can help you in the removal of mucus and phlegm that has built up in your body.

Experts advise drinking lots of the following: coconut water, sports drinks, soup, herbal tea, fresh juice, and raw fruits and vegetables.

Taking these home remedies can indeed help relieve you of its symptoms, and give you comfort from all the pain. If symptoms persist, however, best to consult your doctor. Cheers to a healthy new year, let us drink to that!

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