It starts with a scratchy throat, then later a blocked nose, and before you know it you are fighting off a runny nose and a fever that makes you ache. One thing is certain; we all want it to go away as soon as it starts.
These are some of the flu remedies you can find at home to help you take care of the flu and get back to your usual self.
Stay warm
With the flu already making you feel like someone keeps flicking your temperature button up and down every few minutes, staying warm is crucial. Even when you feel like you are burning up. Keep yourself covered and drink warm beverages such as rooibos tea with honey and lemon. You can also include drinking steaming chicken or beef soup that can help unblock your nose. Doing this can help build your immune system and keep you hydrated.
Steam things up
The flu virus thrives in cold and dry atmosphere, which is the reason why it becomes rampant during the winter season. You can keep a humidifier in your room to keep the air moist or you can inhale a steamy concoction to keep the flu at bay. Heating water and pouring into a dish can help soothe your nose, lungs and throat.
Adding a vapour rub such as Vicks vapour rub along with essential oils can reduce the irritation and mucous congestion that you are experiencing. Place your face above the steamy water (make sure it is not boiling water) and cover your head with a towel to get a good blast of the steam.
Eat your way to health
Having flu can leave you in a catch-22 situation; you don’t feel like eating but you get hungry because you have not been eating. Taking care of your diet during this time is critical, but it is also important to be careful of what you eat. Consider eating things such as crackers, bananas, rice, toast, cereal, boiled potatoes, electrolyte drinks (Powerade/Energade) and boiled chicken. Such foods can come in handy especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
Stock up on Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential to keeping your immune system healthy. You can buy effervescing tablets that are rich in Vitamin C or stock up on food groups such as citrus fruits and avocados. While it is not scientifically proven that this can prevent you from getting the flu, it is a good way to help boost your immune system to fight off the flu.
Relax and take it easy
Your body needs as much as possible to help build your immune system to fight and recover from the flu. It also means you will be less exposed to elements in which the flu thrives and will reduce the chances of you spreading it.
