Once in a lifetime you might have suffered from influenza, better known as the flu. Basically, it is an infectious viral disease which is said to affect the upper respiratory system, inclusive of throat, nose and your lungs too. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most common health problems and people all across the globe are affected.
If you think it is a normal or minor problem, then you are probably mistaken. Do you know that thousands of people die due to complications headed from influenza every year in USA? And the other fact, which is often not considered important, is that people mistake influenza for the common cold in the initial stages and this lead to greater problems. Another problem is that it is highly contagious. Yes, it spreads rapidly. Hence, if you are infected, you need to stay away from others, especially small children and older people, as they tend to have weaker immune systems.
If you are suffering from flu, it is important to begin the treatment as soon as you observe some of the symptoms. It can be a runny nose, body aches, headache, repetitive sneezing, a sore throat, high fever, dry cough, weakness, congestion in the nasal passages, and loss of appetite. If any of them appear, start with some easy and natural home remedies listed below.
Honey: Being one of the greatest gifts of nature, it is widely used all over the world for several medical applications. And now you can use it to treat flu. It is the antioxidants and anti-microbial properties of honey, which helps reduce sensitivity and treat cough efficiently. For most effective results, add 1 table spoon of lemon juice to 1 tablespoon of honey in a cup of warm water. Sip it slowly daily until the signs disappear.
Herbal and Green Tea: You all are aware of the health benefits of green tea. They are countless and yes, there is nothing better than a cup of green tea for relaxing when suffering from sore throat, runny nose or cold. You can also switch to other variants which come with chamomile or ginger tea for better taste and results. It will help strengthen the immune system, fighting the infectious agents and increasing the resistance power of the body. For maximum benefits, dip a bag of green tea into a cup of boiling water. Cover it and leave it to soak for 10 minutes. Take it the same way or add a tea spoon of honey.
Lemons and Oranges: The abundance of vitamin C in citrus fruits like oranges and lemons turn out to be an accepted remedy for common colds. Loaded with amazing health benefiting nutrients, they act as agents with natural defense mechanism to fight flu virus and bacteria. Moreover, it helps in reducing phlegm, clearing the chocked respiratory system and thinning mucus. So, make sure to have a glass of fresh homemade orange juice. You can also try a warm variant. To prepare it you need to add 2 table spoon of lemon juice to a glass of warm water. You can add and 1 table spoon of honey.
Ginger: For years, it has been used for treating persistent cough, bronchitis and infections of the respiratory tract. There is a compound, Ajoene, which is known to control infections by bacteria, viruses and microbes. And it present in ginger in greater amount. You can use it to treat muscle cramps and muscle pain too. So, in winters enjoy the delicious ginger tea. Prepare it boiling water in a pan and adding one inch of fresh ginger (grated). Also add 2 table spoon of lemon juice and one table spoon of honey for a soothing drink.
Remember, influenza can lead to health complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections, and many other. Hence, it is important to stop it from increasing. The afore-stated home remedies may sound to be simple, but they can alleviate mild to moderate flu symptoms in a safer way!