Flu is most common in the fall with a peak in the winter months. It is caused by the influenza virus: if you come into contact with someone who is infected, there is a good chance that you will get it. Fortunately, there are many natural remedies that help (faster) heal and soften.
Sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches and headaches, fever and chills. The flu comes with unpleasant symptoms. Then you can rush to the drugstore for cough, nasal spray and painkillers, but nature has everything you need. We give you tips for natural resources.
1. Ginseng helps if you already have the flu
Ginseng can help to treat and prevent flu and the RS virus (respiratory syncytial virus). The RS virus is one of the main causes of colds (respiratory tract and lung infection).
2. Garlic reduces the number of sick days
Garlic is known as a natural antibiotic. It clearly has flu fighting forces. This way, garlic reduces flu symptoms and the number of days of illness.
3. Ginger is a natural antibiotic
Ginger is known for its purifying effect. Like garlic, it is a natural antibiotic and has a cleansing effect on your lymphatic system, which helps with inflammation. Drinking ginger tea will keep you nice and warm when it’s cold outside. But ginger also has a preventive effect, the high concentrations of antioxidants support your resistance.
4. Vitamin C shortens the flu time
Take natural vitamin C in high dose before the virus strikes. Think 3000 to 4000 mg per day. This prevents the flu, and if it is too late, it at least shortens the duration of illness.
5. Chili pepper for inflamed cavities
Take chili pepper if you already have a cold and you have inflamed cavities. Thanks to capsaicin in peppers, the mucus becomes thinner and you lose it more easily.
6. Liquorice soothes the throat
Do you suffer from sore throat? Then drink liquorice tea, it relieves pain and offers all necessary resistance to bacteria and viruses.
7. Sage tea has an expectorant effect
You can also drink strongly drawn sage tea as a natural antibiotic for colds. Sage is expectorant and works – just like salted tea – soothing a sore throat.
8. Eat hot dishes for more resistance
Traditional Chinese medicine like Ayurveda agree: do not eat cold smoothies or salads with raw vegetables at this time of the year. Instead, choose warming soups and stews to build up your resistance.
9. Honey inhibits the flu virus
Manuka honey in particular can effectively inhibit the flu virus. The anti-flu effect is due to a substance in the honey, methylglyoxal. Do not forget to take a rest and only go back to work when all symptoms have disappeared.
Sources: ScienceDaily, Goed Gezond.info 1, Goed Gezond.info 2.