Natural Remedies That Help Fight Colds And Flu
Natural remedies for the treatment of colds and flu. We all know flu and colds are symptoms of a low immune system. Both can have very similar symptoms. But while a cold is not viewed as a serious health condition. Flu can if not addressed, develop into further health complications. Especially if the body is not allowed to rest and heal appropriately.
Now, what are the main differences between colds and flu?
Both cold and flu are respiratory tract infections caused by dissimilar viruses. Although cold and flu have some similar symptoms. Generally, flu symptoms are more severe than the common cold. If you have a cold you will normally have a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing and sometimes a sore throat. Colds generally come on gradually. Flu is a bit different it comes on more abruptly, symptoms usually include fever, fatigue and weakness, general aches and pains. Sore throats, chills, and chest issues are also very common. Flu can if not treated appropriately lead to a variety of linked health complications, for example, bacterial infections, pneumonia, and sometimes hospitalization.
Recommended Medical Treatments For Cold And Flu
According to doctors within the National Health Service here in the UK, there is no recommended medical treatment for colds. A cold is regarded as a mild viral infection that usually heals itself over a few weeks. But they do advise you to drink enough fluids, make sure you eat healthily, and get plenty of rest. For symptoms, of a blocked nose, decongestant sprays are recommended. For a sore throat, they suggest gargling with salt water and using menthol sweets.
Recommended treatments for flu by the NHS here in the UK are to get plenty of rest, sleep, stay warm, and be hydrated with plenty of fluids. The NHS does recommend the use of paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce any fevers or temperatures. And to make sure you do what you can to not spread it to others. If you are elderly, pregnant, or already have other chronic or serious health challenges, you are told to check with your Dr.
Natural Remedies For Colds
If you prefer a more natural, less toxic, and fewer drugs approach. In the world of tradition and holistic medicine, we treat the body from a holistic perspective. So it is not just about treating the symptom but it is about reducing or eliminating the cause of the illness or disease which today is usually STRESS.
We look at the whole body and use natural remedies to support the whole body back into balance. In herbalism or naturopathy, this often includes helping support the body’s own natural healing and immune system. There are many alternative and natural remedies used to alleviate and help treat the common symptoms of colds and flu. Such as naturopathy, herbal remedies, essential oils and foods that heal or are packed with nutrients.
Most Common Remedies For Colds And Flu
The most commonly used natural remedy for colds and flu in the West is a hot honey lemon drink. In the East ginger is often used for these types of ailments.
So hot ginger and lemon drink are becoming increasingly popular, and back into fashion.
The Medical Medium suggests Lemon Honey Ginger Water for many things including colds, flu, and sore throat.
- Garlic is widely used at helping fight many viruses and bacteria. Medical research has demonstrated Garlic (Allium sativum) when crushed has strong antimicrobial properties due to allicin (diallylthiosulfinate). In one clinical study, we see how how the allicin in crushed garlic “Kills Human Lung Pathogenic Bacteria, Including MDR Strains, as a Vapor.”
- Lemons are packed with vitamin C and their sharpness is said to help cut through heavy catarrh and congestion. Honey even recommended by the NHS is widely known to soothe your throat and coughs.
- Ginger is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacteria it helps warm the body up in Ayurvedic Medicine ginger has so many uses that it is regarded as a wide medicine chest by itself. Ginger has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine
Over The Counter Natural Remedies For Colds
Natural remedies are now becoming increasingly available, online in our local stores and even local pharmacies. More and more consumers want to use natural and organic remedies to support their and their family’s well-being.
When you have a cold or flu, a sore throat or cough can prevent you from getting the deep rest your body needs.
Natural throat pastilles without a lot of toxic nasties such as these Eucalyptus Pastilles can help soothe the throat.
An immune-boosting throat spray, such as this Organic Elderberry and Propolis Throat Spray. Or this Organic Honey And Thyme Syrup to help soothe any throat irritation, this is suitable for any adult or child over 12 months. Including garlic in your cooking is also a well-reputed way to b
Over The Counter Natural Remedies For Flu
In holistic and traditional medicine again we treat flu holistically. And like mainstream medicine, we encourage the person to give the body enough time to heal and rest.
If you are someone who struggles to relax and rest, this Listen And Nurture Your Body guided meditation will help.
We also suggest you have plenty of fluids with hot drinks and healthy soups. And the use of a variety of natural remedies including essential oils to prevent, reduce and support the healing of influenza.
In a clinical study, Protective essential oil attenuates influenza virus infection. On Guard is one of my favourite essential oil blends was shown to have an antiviral effect on a novel H1N1 influenza virus.
You can also use a variety of essential oils that reduce symptoms of flu, reduce muscle aches and pains, fevers, and chills.
Pure lavender essential oil added to your bath to help will help relax and soothe achy muscles. Lavender oil is also used to help take the temperature down in young children.
Eucalyptus and rosemary are other great essential oils that can be used to reduce symptoms of flu and colds. But eucalyptus is very strong for the bath and skin, so should be used sparingly. Eucalyptus and rosemary are not suitable for children or if you are pregnant. Rosemary should be avoided if you suffer from epilepsy or high blood pressure.
Supplements For Colds And Flu
Vitamin C and Zinc are widely recommended to boost the immune system for colds and flu so is Echinacea. If you have been recently been run down a multi-vitamin and mineral is often helpful. In some studies, Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to act as a defense against acute respiratory tract infections. And to improve the immune system in the early stages of influenza. It is interesting that most of us suffer colds and flu in the darker, winter months when we have lower exposure to natural vitamin D.
As you can see there are a variety of natural remedies that can help treat cold and flu, above is certainly not exhaustive. But like all illnesses and dis-ease, we have to address the reasons we get sick in the first place.
The disease is a state of dis-ease, mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Are you pushing yourself too hard mentally, emotionally, or physically? Have you been getting enough sleep and rest? How much balance do you have in your life, remember all work and no play doesn’t just lower your mood it can increase anxiety and stress levels.
