The Home Remedy Series: Traditional Remedies to Prevent Common Flu Symptoms

Although characterised by ‘season’, the common cold, or as it is mostly referred to, the ‘flu’ is an ongoing phenomenon that everyone around the world experiences at least once every six months, per year, in their lifetimes. Because it is so common and everywhere, all at once, it is very random, and can spring up on you at the most inconvenient of times. Due to its irregular and sporadic nature, we sometimes do not have the necessary prescribed medications on hand. Sometimes a three-day long cold does not warrant a visit to the doctor, of hefty sum allocated to a prescription of antibiotics.

It is therefore important that we, as consumers, are aware of specific home remedies and solutions that are convenient, cost effective, and can be implemented with household items at our fingertips. We can nip specific symptoms and ailments in the bud, upskill our home-making skills, and save money! Let's explore four prevalent flu symptoms and traditional remedies to help prevent the worsening of infection, and boost the immune system accordingly.

1. Sore Throat

This is often the first, and most mild symptom, but it can feel like the end of the world when you wake up in the morning, and your throat is sore. To ease your panic and anxiety at a possible onset of illness, use the following tinctures to possibly cure, and minimise the prominence of the sore throat for the day to come:

Honey: A spoonful of honey, not sugar, is the medicine. Honey possesses natural antibiotics which can kill off some of the germs and bacteria in your throat.

Saltwater gargle works wonders: As another natural antibiotic, gargling your mouth with saltwater can minimise and control the viral load existing in your throat.

Peppermint: Chewing on peppermint, or drinking peppermint tea provides similar antibacterial and antibiotic benefits, minimising the spread and intensity of infection from day one.

2. Congestion and Stuffy Nose

Ever had a stuffy nose, and thought about all of the times you took having a clear nose for granted? Same. It can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and not something to easily slip into the background, and continue simply existing. Some solutions are outlined below, but they are more preventative and alleviate the symptoms. In other words, it is not once off, and consistency and thoroughness are key:

Use a Humidifier: A fancy machine and equipment are not necessary here. Many companies manufacture and market these devices as desirable and crucial to possess in one’s repertoire. Rather, boiling some water, adding a few drops of Vicks, and inhaling deeply through the mouth and out of the nose, and vice versa does the trick. Be sure to cover your head with a towel to ensure you are inhaling all of the steam! Your sinuses are less congested, and you are able to let in some fresh air with ease. If you do not have Vicks, other solutions like eucalyptus oil or rosemary and clove oil will do the trick.

Stay hydrated: It is crucial that you are getting enough fluids, as your body can become easily dehydrated when unwell. Fever and temperature increases rapidly, and the body requires hydration more than ever.

Drink warm liquids: Constantly sip at some warm water, and warm liquids such as herbal teas. Hydration also thins mucus, and eases congestion and inflammation in the sinuses.

3. Cough and Chest Congestion

That dry cough can be very irritating. You’re gasping, and you don’t know when your next breath of fresh air is going to be. Nothing is doing the trick. Water is making it worse, and a sense of hopelessness is permeating your already sick and worn out state. Some of the tips outlined for congestion assist too, specifically congestion of the chest, and stubborn coughs that persistently intrude on your daily routine and well-being.

Conduct a Vicks inhalation daily: This will open up all air passages in the body, thin down mucus and phlegm, and ease breathing exponentially. The cough may dissipate, but can be persistent, so this is not a one-size-fits-all solution, unfortunately.

Hot water, ginger and honey: Honey can be classified as a natural antibiotic, meaning that the more you ingest, the maximum benefits are gained. This, alongside ginger, which possesses anti-inflammatory properties, are effective in reducing coughing and relieving the weight and pain associated with congestion.

Thyme: Thyme is another natural herbal remedy that can assist to some extent. Prepare some hot water for inhalation, and use thyme oil to complete the process.

4. Fever and Body Aches

When the fever emerges and the fatigue sets in, there is a looming sense of hopelessness. You cannot move, you cannot think. It’s hard to do anything. Even waking up from the bed makes you feel dizzy and disoriented, in the most unpleasant of ways.

Once the fever strikes, you may even feel discomfort and difficulty in getting yourself some medication or seeking advice from the doctor. Ensure that you take the above precautions from the onset, i.e. the sore throat, and follow them with consistency to minimise the extent and force of what the fever and aches could have been.

Drink fluids: As mentioned earlier, and pretty much consistently across this article, staying hydrated is of the utmost importance. Your body is losing a lot of fluid and essential electrolytes as it is fighting off infection. It is imperative that you drink lots of water, lemon, honey and ginger solutions, and lukewarm to warm teas. Ensure there is enough hydration to both nurture and physically sustain you.

Aromatherapy: Stay consistent with rosemary or thyme oil. Lavender or rose oil may also be beneficial. If you cannot purchase essential oils, invest in a candle or diffuser with a comforting scent. Alternatively, invest in the oil, but use hot water, and the inhalation technique to ensure your body is ingesting and taking in all of the goodness the herbs have to offer.

Lukewarm baths: Do not drain your body’s already depleting sources of energy. Moreover, do not exhaust yourself with a hot shower. I myself, enjoy a shower where the water is over the boiling point. This can be very counterproductive when ill, and can cause a drop in blood pressure. A hot shower also spikes your temperature, making it harder for your fever to break. Stay consistent with lukewarm baths to preserve your energy, and control your body temperature accordingly.

In retrospect, it is always an important idea to be taking care of your immune system, and treat it with respect and love, consistently. This is crucial, regardless of whether or not you are feeling sick. A strong immune system decreases risk of infection, and increases your strength in fighting off persistent and stubborn ones. Lifestyle changes such as exercise, following a balanced diet, and consistent consumption of natural probiotics are some measures to maintain and follow for continuous boosting of immunity and gut health.

Equally important is knowing when to seek the advice and treatment of a medical professional. Although the above guidelines are productive and beneficial, they are helpful to an extent, where recovery can be enhanced through supplementary over the counter medication. They are preventative, so be sure to monitor your symptoms accordingly, and stay vigilant when maintaining your health.