Just like another series of a show that nobody wants to watch, the flu season is back. That means that you can expect a high percentage of people to experience fever, chills, coughing, sinus pressure, runny nose, and more in the coming months. If you do come down with the flu, there are many natural remedies that are safe and effective for reducing the severity of symptoms.Â
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, flu season is a little scarier this year. Both COVID-19 and the flu share a couple symptoms, and they are both respiratory infections caused by viruses. One of the primary benefits of working from home, schooling at home, and wearing facial coverings everywhere is a dramatic reduction in community transmission. Too often does the flu virus pass between coworkers in offices and kids in schools. Infected people bring the virus into their homes and infect others. Stay-at-home orders, however, don’t make people immune or safe from the flu virus.
As always, prevention is essential for optimal health. Try your best to stay hydrated and eat a healthy, balanced diet that is rich in nutrient-dense foods. You can supplement with vitamin C and other immune-supporting vitamins and minerals. If you do come down with the flu, take extreme caution and use the following natural remedies to improve symptoms and reduce the length of illness.Â
Sleep Your Symptoms Away
One of the best things you can do when you’re sick is to rest or sleep as much as possible. This helps you isolate from others and it boosts immune function to fight the virus. Sleep as much as you can in the first 24-48 hours after experiencing initial symptoms. You can place another pillow under your head to help drain your nasal passages. This also makes sleeping a lot easier.Â
Take Elderberry
Many studies found that the bioflavonoids, essential oils, and tannins in elderberry exhibit antiviral activity against influenza. It is not a cure by any means, but it may help reduce the severity of symptoms and the length of the flu. The reason it is effective against the flu is because it stops hemagglutinin, a protein that the influenza virus needs to replicate. In order for elderberry to be effective, start consuming it within 48 hours of the initial symptoms. You can make an immune boosting elderberry syrup by clicking here.Â
Increase Your Zinc Intake
Zinc is one of the best minerals for optimizing immune health because it helps the body produce white blood cells. According to several research studies, zinc may help to reduce the severity of both cold and flu symptoms. Health experts believe that zinc does this by slowing down the rate at which the virus multiplies in the body. Slower multiplication of the virus gives your body a better chance at fighting it off. You can take zinc supplements, but you can also get a lot of zinc from oats, pumpkin seeds, ginger, raw cacao, wheat germ, chickpeas, lentils, and nuts.Â
Drink A Lot Of Water
If you develop a fever, one of the most important things you can do is to drink a lot of water. High fever puts you at risk of becoming dehydrated, which can extend your symptoms and delay recovery time. Additionally, the immune system cannot function optimally if the body is dehydrated. Water helps to moisten the throat, nose, and mouth, assisting the body with getting rid of excess mucus. You can keep the body hydrated by drinking water, freshly made juice, herbal tea, fresh coconut water, and eating raw fruits and vegetables.Â
Take Steamy Showers
You shouldn’t waste water, but long steamy showers are extremely beneficial and necessary when you have the flu. The steam helps to moisturize the throat and nose, making it easier for you to clear them of mucus. If you want to enhance the sinus-cleansing benefits, you can make some peppermint shower bombs. The peppermint scent and steam help to improve breathing and provide relief from sinus congestion.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
