14 Simple Things You Can Do at Home When You Have a Cold or Flu! (Natural Cold and Flu Remedies)

Colds and flu are common ailments that we get when the weather changes. It's very annoying when you feel tired, have a stuffy nose, and a sore throat, isn't it? So, in addition to medications, today we will talk about some simple, natural remedies that we can do at home that will bring relief. These will help you reduce the discomfort you feel to a great extent.

1. It's better to leave some symptoms untreated!

You may be surprised to hear this, but these symptoms, which actually seem like a nuisance to you, are the best evidence that your body's immune system is fighting the disease.

Think about it, a fever is a warm environment created by increasing the body's temperature to kill viruses inside the body. This heat causes the germ-killing proteins in the blood to move quickly throughout the body and start working. So if you don't have a high fever, if you can tolerate a mild fever for a day or two, you can get well quickly.

So is coughing . Coughing is a way to get rid of the thick mucus that contains germs in our respiratory tract. If this mucus is not cleared, the germs can travel to the lungs and other parts of the body.

It's best to avoid taking medication for a stuffy nose as much as possible. Some medications constrict the blood vessels in the nose. But what really happens is that the blood supply to the area around the nose increases, the area warms up, and the germs are flushed out with the secretions.

2. The correct way to clear the nose (clear mucus)

It's important to clear your nose frequently when you have a cold. It's not a good idea to blow mucus back into your head. However, if you try to clear your nose too forcefully, the pressure can push germ-laden mucus into your ear canals, causing an earache .

3. Rinse your nose with warm salt water to relieve congestion.

Rinsing your nose with salt water can help relieve nasal congestion and help flush out viruses and bacteria in your nose. It's very easy to do:

In a glass of well-boiled water (about 250 ml), add a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of baking soda and mix well. Using a bulb syringe or a nasal irrigation kit available at the pharmacy, inject this water into one nostril. At the same time, close the other nostril with your finger. Then, let the water drain out, and repeat this process two or three times in the other nostril.

4. Keep your body warm and rest well.

By warming up and resting as soon as you get a cold or fever, your body can use its full energy to fight the illness. This battle can make your body feel very tired. So, you are helping your body a lot by resting.

5. Gargle

Gargling can provide temporary relief from a sore throat and dryness. Gargle with half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water about four times a day. You can also gargle with honey or a thick mixture of honey and apple cider vinegar to reduce a sore throat.

6. Drink warm liquids

When you have a cold, you need to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and help loosen mucus. Warm things like tea, cilantro, ginger tea, and the familiar chicken soup go a long way in relieving a stuffy nose and sore throat.

7. Take a steam bath or take a hot bath

The steam from a hot shower moistens your nasal passages, relieves congestion, and makes you feel better. If you feel dizzy due to a fever, turn on the hot water in the bathroom and sit in a chair to let the steam in.

8. Apply ointment under the nose

Applying a small amount of menthol-containing ointment, such as a menthol-based ointment, under the nose can help ease breathing and provide relief from reddened skin caused by frequent rubbing. But remember, never apply these inside the nose. They should only be applied under the nose, on the outside.

9. Apply hot or cold compresses around the sinuses

Applying hot or cold compresses to your sinuses, such as your forehead and cheeks, can help reduce pain and congestion. You can make a hot compress by heating a damp cloth in the microwave for about 55 seconds (check the temperature before applying it to your skin!). A packet of chickpeas from the fridge is a good cold compress.

10. Sleep with an extra pillow.

When sleeping, keep a pillow so that your head is slightly elevated. This will help reduce nasal congestion. If you have difficulty sleeping that way, try placing pillows under your mattress to create a slight incline.

11. Avoid air travel unless absolutely necessary.

Flying while you're sick puts extra strain on your respiratory system. The pressure changes on the plane can temporarily damage your eardrums. If you must travel, use a nasal spray before boarding and disembarking.

12. Foods that fight infections

Here are some good foods to eat when fighting a cold or flu.

13. Let's also learn about vitamins and supplements.

Many people are now turning to these things to get relief from colds, but the scientific evidence on their effectiveness is a bit mixed.

• Vitamin C: While most people can't prevent a cold, some studies show that it can speed up recovery by about a day after the illness.
• Echinacea: Some studies have shown that it can reduce the duration and severity of symptoms by 10%-30%, but some have shown no effect.
• Zinc: Some studies suggest that taking a zinc syrup or lozenge during the first few days of illness can shorten the duration of the illness.
• Ginseng: The roots of this plant are said to stimulate the immune system and help prevent colds and flu.

14. Let's prevent the spread of the disease to others.

While you take care of yourself, you also need to make sure you don't spread your germs to others.

• When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coming from outside.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.

Finally, while it may sometimes seem like a common cold, it can also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a sinus infection, bronchitis, or meningitis. If your symptoms are severe and don't improve after a few days, see a doctor right away.

Cold, flu, natural remedies, home remedies, natural remedies, cold, flu, hembirissawa, una, semprathishywa, gedara prathikara