Despite being commonly lumped together, the cold and the flu are two different illnesses with different symptoms. The cold is caused by a virus, while the flu is caused by bacteria. Colds usually last for one to two weeks and can be easily spread through droplets in the air; the flu can last for up to three weeks and spreads through contact with someone who has it. Here are natural remedies for cold and flu:
1. Drink lots of fluids
Fluids, especially water, help your body fight infection and keep you from getting dehydrated, which can worsen the symptoms of cold and flu. For example, dehydration thickens the mucus that clogs your chest and sinuses when you are ill. As such, drinking a minimum of 8 cups of water a day when you are sick should reduce your recovery time and can thin out your mucus, helping to make the experience a little bit more comfortable for you.
2. Take vitamin C
Vitamin C is an important nutrient for supporting your immune system. It can act as an antioxidant and as a natural antihistamine, helping to ease coughing and congestion.
3. Ginseng
Ginseng is a root that has been used for centuries as a remedy for cold and flu symptoms such as fatigue, dry throat, headaches, and sore throat. It is thought to help boost the immune system, keep hormones in balance, and improve blood flow in the body.
4. Bone broth
Bone broth is made by simmering the bones and meat of organic, grass-fed animals with vegetables, herbs, and spices. It’s a great way to get natural nutrients like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and collagen, which can help fight against a cold or flu, into your system. Bone broth also gives your body glycine and proline, which are essential amino acids that you can’t get anywhere else. While these amino acids do not specifically aid with cold or flu systems, getting the body all of its vital nutrients when you’re sick helps it stay strong and fight off the infection.
5. Honey
Honey has antiviral properties that make it a great addition to any remedy for the common cold, because it will speed up the healing process while also providing relief and a sweet treat. It has been used for centuries in homeopathy, folk medicine, and traditional medicine. It is also a versatile ingredient that can be used to cook, eaten raw as a natural sweetener, or used as an oral health aid.
How do you prevent a cold or flu from occurring in the first place? It’s not easy to answer this question. Many factors can contribute to whether or not you get sick. It’s important to keep in mind that there is no way to completely protect yourself from getting sick, but there are ways to reduce your risk by:
- Maintaining a healthy immune system
- Getting plenty of sleep
- Drinking plenty of water
- Using soap and water to wash your hands frequently, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoiding using unwashed hands to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth
- Avoiding close contact with sick people
