“Unlock the Secrets: 13 Surprising Natural Remedies to Conquer Cold and Flu Season!”
Added on December 14, 2024 inFun And Facts Cards
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Flu season is a bit like an unwanted party crasher—just when you think you’ve got the cozy warmth of fall all figured out, someone coughs, and boom! Your plans for merriment and hot cocoa turn into a race for tissues and chicken soup! Ever wonder if there’s a way to navigate through the flu season without feeling like you’re in a slow-motion zombie flick? After all, it’s not just the occasional sniffle; we’re talking about nearly 8% of the U.S. population getting blindsided by the flu every year!
While the flu shot can only offer a variable shield—ranging from a miserable 22% effectiveness to a mere 56%—you might want to consider nature’s arsenal. Enter the world of natural remedies! These age-old solutions are not only kinder on your body with fewer side effects but also are tried and true methods to help boost your immune system. Ready to dive into a list of 13 fabulous options that could keep you from joining the ranks of the unwell? Yup, you can even chat with your doctor if you’ve got any health concerns before you embark on this journey! From honey’s sticky sweetness to garlic’s zesty charm, you’ll find plenty to explore.
So stick around—let’s uncover how you can grace this chilly season with strength and a touch of humor!
LEARN MORE.
Ever wonder if there’s a way to survive flu season without feeling totally miserable? It’s tough to avoid getting sick when the virus spreads so easily from person to person. Just being around someone infected puts you at risk. Plus, the flu season can be quite longer than you think, starting as early as October and stretching to February (sometimes beyond). No wonder 8% of the U.S. population gets hit with it yearly.
Medical professionals recommend the flu shot. Depending on the year, the effectiveness can range from 22 to 56% (according to the CDC). Yikes! So what can you do? Natural remedies that can support the immune system!
These tried-and-tested solutions have existed for centuries, and the best part is that they have fewer side effects. Here are 13 awesome natural remedies for tackling colds and flu (and preventing them via immune support). You can pair them with meds or opt to go all-natural. They’re worth checking out (just talk to your doctor first if you have any existing conditions).
Honey is a natural sweetener with a history of use as a traditional medicine. It can help relieve sore throats and coughs, and its antibacterial properties reduce throat irritation. Some studies even found honey is more effective than cough syrup.
You may take a spoonful of honey to soothe your aching throat or mix it with tea or warm lemon water for your cough. Honey is safe for most adults and children over one, but consult a healthcare provider if symptoms don’t go away or worsen.
Garlic has been used in medicine for centuries. When crushed or chopped, it releases allicin, a compound with antibacterial and antifungal effects. Allicin can slow the growth of certain bacteria and fungi, which helps fight infections.
Adding garlic to your diet may support your immune system and lower the risk of common illnesses. However, you should talk to a doctor before using garlic as a treatment, especially if you take medications or have health conditions.
Ginger is a root with a strong flavor. It provides several health benefits, especially for soothing sore throats and easing inflammation. Compounds like gingerol and shogaols reduce throat irritation and pain through their anti-inflammatory effects. Ginger may relieve congestion, which makes it quite useful for cold and flu symptoms.
Ginger can be consumed as tea, food, or supplement. However, it is important to speak to your doctor before using it as a treatment to make sure it doesn’t interfere with medications or existing health conditions.
Zinc is an essential mineral that supports the immune system and helps heal wounds. Research suggests that zinc supplements may help shorten colds by slowing viral replication and strengthening the immune response.
The effectiveness of these supplements can vary, and taking too much zinc may cause side effects. So, it is important to consult a doctor before using zinc supplements, especially for children or those with health conditions. A balanced diet with zinc-rich foods like seafood, meat, and whole grains provides a good alternative to meet your zinc needs.
Chicken soup is a traditional remedy used for centuries to relieve cold and flu symptoms. It may help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and soothe a sore throat.
Its nutrients, like protein and vitamins, can support recovery and strengthen the immune system. Scientific studies are limited, but many people find chicken soup comforting and helpful during illness.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant essential for your immune system and increases the number of white blood cells. Eating foods high in vitamin C, like citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens, can be beneficial for your immune system. It may also reduce the severity and duration of colds.
Supplements are available, but getting vitamin C through a balanced diet is often the best approach.
Probiotics are good bacteria in the gut. They support the immune system and may reduce the effects of colds and flu by promoting a healthy gut environment, boosting the gut-immune connection, and helping produce immune cells to fight infections.
Their effectiveness may vary, but adding probiotic-rich foods or supplements can support immune health and help manage common illnesses.
Nasal irrigation involves flushing the nasal passages with saline to clear out mucus and other debris. Clearing out nasal passageways helps relieve flu and cold symptoms and allows you to breathe more easily.
You can use a neti pot, bulb syringe, or saline nasal spray for irrigation. Regular nasal irrigation can really reduce the severity of your symptoms.
Saltwater gargling is an easy way to soothe a sore throat and cold. It blocks out bacteria, reducing the risk of infection in the mouth and throat. In some cases, it also reduces inflammation.
To try it for yourself, mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Repeat every few hours as needed. This remedy can provide temporary relief, but you should see a healthcare provider for severe or ongoing throat pain.
Turmeric has long been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory effects. Curcumin, its active compound, is a strong antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation in the body. Curcumin may ease symptoms of respiratory infections. It can also support the immune system and protect against oxidative stress.
You can consume turmeric in food or as a supplement. If you take medication for certain conditions, be sure to consult your doctor before using turmeric as a natural remedy.
Menthol is a cooling and soothing compound found in mint plants that is typically incorporated into salves and lozenges. It helps relieve cold and flu symptoms by interacting with cold receptors in the nose and throat, creating a cooling sensation that can ease congestion and reduce coughing.
It may also help open airways, which makes breathing easier. It provides only temporary relief and does not treat the infection itself, but incorporating it into your treatment plan may ease symptoms.
Herbal teas can help ease cold and flu symptoms naturally. They’re also an easy, comforting way to consume more fluids, one of the most foolproof ways to support your body as it battles a cold. Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes relaxation.
Peppermint tea contains menthol, which may relieve congestion and coughing. Ginger tea helps soothe a sore throat. Drinking these teas can provide comfort and support recovery.
Rest is essential for recovering from a cold or flu. Your body needs time and energy to heal while you are battling it.
Sleep helps your immune system work effectively, promoting your body’s natural defense mechanism. So, getting enough rest can shorten your illness and support faster recovery.
Did you know that about 60% of your body is water? Water is essential for nearly everything your body does, yet you constantly lose it through sweat and urination. That’s why staying hydrated is such an important part of maintaining your health, but we all know how hard it is to remember sometimes.
Superfoods are foods that boast an exceptionally high nutritional density and are packed with many of the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants our bodies need to thrive. They have continually gained popularity for their ability to improve overall health and prevent diseases.
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We all have friends or family members who are very conscious of their choices and how they relate to their health. From the gadget that catches their eye to the products they put on their body (or in their body as food), they are always on the lookout for healthy and sustainable options.
Admittedly, I am one of those health-conscious individuals (aka a health nut). I love learning about the latest cutting-edge research, trying out new products, or finding ways to change my daily habits to see how they impact my health.
As a fellow health nut, I have curated a list of 22 gift ideas that are sure to make any health enthusiast in your life smile and feel seen.
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Aqsa is a passionate writer who loves spending her free time jotting down her thoughts. But that’s not all. She is a devoted mom to two boys and a skilled pharmacist specializing in hematology. When she’s not running after her energetic kids, you can find her lost in a good book or writing beautiful words. A nature lover at heart, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, staying active, and always seeking ways to learn new things.
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