Cheap And Effective Home Remedies for The Flu

It's no pleasure to be sick, even when you're at home and off work. It can be hard to feel good when you have fever, body aches, chills, and a stuffy nose.

A number of different viruses can cause the flu (or influenza). Even though there is no cure for the flu, there are many remedies you can do at home to feel better and get back to normal. They might also lessen the duration of your flu symptoms.

This article will discuss some cheap and effective home remedies for the flu, as well as how to utilize them and why they are effective.

17 Cheap and Effective Home Remedies for The Flu

1.    Water

When you have the flu, drinking water and other fluids is even more crucial. This is true for both the respiratory flu and the stomach flu. Water helps maintain the moisture in your nose, mouth, and throat. This assists your body in eliminating excess mucus and phlegm.

If you're not eating or drinking normally, you can also become dehydrated. Flu symptoms like diarrhea and fever can also lead to dehydration. Consuming enough water, coconut water, sports drinks, herbal tea, fresh juice, or raw fruits and vegetables can help you maintain your body's water balance¹.

2.    Saltwater

Gargling with saltwater may assist in the prevention of upper respiratory infections, including the flu. Additionally, it may reduce the severity of cold symptoms. For instance, it may alleviate the pain of a sore throat and nasal congestion. Mucus contains germs and allergies, both of which can be reduced and loosened by gargling with salt water.

If you want to try this cheap and effective home remedy, all you have to do is mix one tsp of salt into a glass of water. Move it all around in your mouth and down your throat. Spit it out, then. Don't take the saltwater in. Children should not gargle until they are able to gargle with normal water safely².

3.    Bone Broth

Warm bone broth made from chicken or beef is a good way of keeping hydrated. It helps to break up and relieve nasal and sinus congestion. Additionally, bone broth is naturally abundant in protein and minerals such as sodium and potassium. When you have the flu, the broth is a fantastic way to replace these nutrients. Furthermore, protein is necessary for immune cell regeneration.

You can prepare bone broth at home by boiling chicken or beef bones in water or purchase ready-made options, but you should seek out those low in sodium (salt)³.

4.    Chicken Soup

The chicken soup won't make your flu go away entirely, but it's a wonderful option. Warm chicken soup with veggies, whether made from scratch or reheated from a can, may inhibit neutrophil movement throughout the body. Neutrophils are a common white blood cell type. They aid in the prevention of infection. When they move slowly, they remain more concentrated in the parts of your body that need the maximum healing.

Low-sodium soup is both nutrient-rich and hydrating. Regardless of your emotional state, it's the right call⁴.

5.    Ginger

Ginger root's health benefits have been promoted for generations, but we now have scientific evidence of its healing abilities. If you have a cough or a sore throat, putting a few slices of raw ginger in boiling water will help ease those symptoms. According to research, it can also prevent nausea that commonly accompanies the flu⁵.

6.    Honey

Honey possesses numerous antibacterial and antimicrobial effects. A sore throat can be soothed by drinking tea with honey and lemon. According to research, honey is also an efficient cough suppressor.

Honey, which often includes botulinum spores, should never be given to children younger than 1-year-old. Infants can't protect themselves from them, but older kids and adults usually don't have any problems with them⁶.

7.    Garlic

Allicin, which is present in garlic, may have antibacterial effects. It has been suggested that taking a garlic supplement will lessen the intensity of cold and flu symptoms. Some studies have shown that it can help keep you healthy and away from the doctor's office⁷.

8.    Echinacea

For almost 400 years, Native Americans have relied on echinacea's herb and root to treat a wide variety of infections. It contains flavonoids, which are molecules with numerous medicinal benefits for the body. For instance, flavonoids can strengthen the immune system and decrease inflammation. What's more, a recent study suggests that giving children echinacea may help alleviate cold symptoms⁸.

9.    Vitamin C

Vitamin C offers numerous health benefits and plays an essential role in the body. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, along with oranges, limes, grapefruits, other fruits, and leafy greens. Adding fresh lemon juice to honey-sweetened hot tea may help minimize phlegm when you get the flu. Lemonade, whether warm or cold, can also be beneficial.

While these beverages may not completely cure your flu symptoms, they can help you obtain the vitamin C your immune system requires. Getting adequate vitamin C prevents upper respiratory infections⁹.

10.        Herbal Tea

Several herbs have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Traditionally, oseltamivir was derived from the star-shaped spice star anise. Tamiflu, or oseltamivir phosphate, is a prescription medicine used to hasten recovery from the flu or prevent its onset. Its antiviral effects are beneficial against certain strains of influenza virus.

Other herbs and teas with green leaves also have antibacterial and antioxidant benefits. A cup of herbal tea may assist your body combat the flu virus. A hot herbal beverage soothes the throat and sinuses as well.

Star anise with additional herbs such as green or black tea, fresh or dried ginger, turmeric, fresh garlic, and cloves can be used to prepare a flu-fighting herbal tea. Use pure honey to sweeten herbal teas. It has been discovered that honey, royal jelly, and other bee products possess antiviral and antibacterial characteristics¹⁰.

11.        Probiotics

The term "probiotic" refers to the "friendly" bacteria and yeast that can be found naturally in the human digestive tract, as well as in some meals and dietary supplements. Probiotics can help keep your digestive tract and immune system strong and may even protect you from catching a cold or the flu.

Probiotic yogurt is a delightful and nourishing way to get some beneficial bacteria in your diet. In addition to its potential benefits for the immune system, yogurt is an excellent source of protein and calcium. Look for items with live bacteria listed on the label¹¹.

12.        Menthol

People with the flu often have stuffy noses and clogged airways, which menthol can help clear up. Menthol is derived from numerous species of mint plants. It has antimicrobial and pain-relieving properties and is found in numerous vapor rubs.

Additionally, menthol can be added to hot water for steam inhalation. A 2013 study revealed that inhaling menthol helped minimize coughing caused by environmental irritants¹². Additional research has shown that vapor rubs containing menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor greatly enhance sleep quality in children and adults experiencing cold symptoms¹³.

13.        Berries

Berries include polyphenols, which possess antiviral characteristics and may aid in combating flu viruses.

Elderberries have been reported to alleviate influenza symptoms, and a cranberry beverage may boost the immune system. In certain in vitro investigations, berry extracts were found to be effective against the flu. Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries blueberries, and are also excellent sources of vitamin C, which can strengthen the immune system¹⁴.

14.        Essential Oils

Essential oils have been investigated for their potential to ward off viruses, and some do appear to be effective. According to one study, tea tree oil aids in the battle against the flu virus by delaying or halting the pace at which the virus replicates. Based on the study, tea tree oil is most effective when used within two hours of the onset of an infection. This indicates that it may prevent the influenza virus from replicating¹⁵.

Some people use a few drops of tea tree oil in their hand lotion or when washing their hands with liquid soap. Using a diffuser to spread essential oils into the air may also help fight off some viruses and bacteria.

Other essential oils like cinnamon, peppermint, eucalyptus, geranium, lemon, thyme, and oregano may have similar antibacterial and antiviral effects¹⁶. If you want to try this home remedy, you can buy Harmony's Essential Oils, as these are pure and effective.

15.        Steam

The nasal passages, sinuses, throat, and lungs can all benefit from receiving relief when you take in steam from a heated pot of water. Water vapor, inhaled by a steam inhaler or through steam therapy, can be used to ease congestion of the mucosal membranes. Additionally, the warm, moist air may reduce swelling in the nose and lungs. Inhaling steam may alleviate a dry cough, itchy nose, and chest discomfort.

Boiling water steam should be avoided. Before inhaling the steam, it is important to check its temperature. Keep your hands and face far enough away to prevent scalding or burning. The water will have even more antiviral and antioxidant effects if you add some vapor rub or a few drops of essential oils¹⁷.

16.        Humidity

Dry conditions are ideal for the development and spread of the influenza virus. Increasing the relative humidity in your home may limit your exposure to this flu virus. More humidity in the air may also make breathing easier when you're sick by reducing inflammation in your nose. Putting a cool mist humidifier in your room for a short time could help you relax. This is especially true during the winter when the dry heat indoors can intensify your symptoms. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil may also help increase breathing.

Remember that humidifier water must be changed daily to prevent mold and fungi growth. If you don't have a humidifier, you can get the same effect by taking a long shower or staying in a steamy bathroom¹⁸.

17.        Sleep

When suffering from the flu, it is necessary to rest and sleep more. Sleep can help strengthen the immune system. Taking this step aids your body in its fight against the flu.

In addition, stress and poor sleep may raise the likelihood of contracting a cold or influenza. A minor study showed that those who slept for fewer hours were more prone to catching a cold.

Stop doing what you normally do and put getting enough sleep at the top of your to-do list. Harmony's Ear Candles can help reduce stress and get adequate sleep so that you can start feeling better soon. Smoke, aromatherapy, and ambient sound work together to relax you and promote natural healing. 

The Bottom Line

A virus causes flu (or influenza); antibiotics cannot treat or prevent the illness. People who have the flu need to get a lot of rest and drink lots of fluids to get better. However, you may also find relief from flu symptoms by employing above mentioned cheap and effective home remedies. Additionally, Harmony's Ear Candles may reduce your stress and relax you, shortening your flu duration and alleviating its symptoms.