Home Remedies for Cold and Flu
Category: Medical Issues
This check list is in the following categories:
Helpful advice for those who suffer with cold and flu symptoms.
These home remedies for cold and flu have been proven to reduce discomfort in most cases. However, if your symptoms linger for more than three days, or are accompanied by a high fever, crusty eyes, or symptoms of concern, you should
not hesitate to seek medical help from your physician.
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Prop yourself up in bed with more pillows
Elevating your head will help your sinuses drain.
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Drink warm lemon juice, sweetend with honey, to sooth your throat
Lemon (and other citrus) will help break up phlegm in the throat and reduce the need for coughing, which can agrevate the throat and cause it to become sore.
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Drink water and orange juice...constantly!
Water will help flush out toxins. If your kidneys are sore, it may mean you need more water. Consult your doctor if kidney pain persists.
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Rest for at least an hour at a time...several times a day
Listen to your body. If you are feeling sluggish and tired, spend most of the day resting.
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Take warm baths
Wet heat is good for relaxing muscles and clearing sinuses. It is often easier to sleep after a warm bath.
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Use warm salt water for gargling and to clear nasal passage
Salt water kills germs. Measure one-half teaspoon of table salt to one cups of warm water. Gargle or rinse. If you do not have a nose mister, wet a cotton swab and generously wipe the inside of your nose with the salt-water
solution. Even if the water doesn't make it all the way to the back of your nose or throat, it is still killing flu germs. Repeat often throughout the day.
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Take extra vitamin C
It is best to use a vitamin-C that is a time released formula. Otherwise, take at least 500 mg. twice a day. Consult your doctor.
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Rub a vapor rub emollient on your chest and around your sinuses
This has to be re-applied often, but may temporarily help you breath easier.
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Read the label before taking any cold medicine
Many cold medicines have side affects than you need to consider before taking. It may be best to try other options to reduce discomfort before resorting to a cough suppressant or decongestant cold medicine.
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Eat chicken soup, toast, rice, noodles, or other bland foods
If you have experienced vomiting with the flu, wait before introducing food into your diet. Start with water...wait several hours, then introduce chicken soup or broth.
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Light exercise may be helpful, but should be followed by a warm bath and more rest
A leisurely walk outdoors in mild weather can stimulate the immune system.
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Do not keep throat lozenges in your mouth while sleeping
Citrus lozenges will eat at the inside tissue of your mouth if left in one place for too long. Besides, it is possible to choke on them while sleeping.