Cold and flu are two very different respiratory diseases, but most of their symptoms overlap and vary only in terms of severity. The common cold or flu is also triggered by different types of viruses that affect men, women, and even children across the country. However, it is possible to manage some of the persistent symptoms from the comfort of your home with the following simple remedies. Check them out!
Have some chicken soup
Nothing beats the classic hot bowl of delicious homemade chicken soup. The hot broth helps slow down the movement of white blood cells in the body and boosts healing in the disease affected areas. While it does not cure any condition, chicken soup is the go-to home remedy for relief among most people suffering from the symptoms of upper respiratory diseases and infections. You can also add a ton of veggies to make the soup a bit thicker and boost immunity with the added natural nutrients.
Drink different types of tea
Throat irritation is one of the worst cold and flu symptoms, and a hot freshly brewed cup of tea will soothe the inflammation and help relieve any congestion. The good news is that you have a variety of options for making the hot beverage. Ginger tea is a crowd favorite and also one of the top recommendations for a sore throat by your local doctor. You can alternatively try garlic tea to fight the infection and boost immunity. Simply use the powder or crush fresh garlic in lemon or plain tea. Some people also add a bit of cinnamon and honey to improve the flavor of the tea.
Stay hydrated throughout the day
Do not forget to also drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is one of the most important things to do in sickness as the body tends to lose a lot of fluids. Water also makes the mucous lighter and thinner to provide some relief from congestion. Water and other fresh fruit juices also help provide relief from any sensation of dryness in the nasal passage.
External remedies
Body aches are one of the common and irritating symptoms of both cold and flu. And you can soak your feet in a bucket of warm water to relax sore muscles and counter the pain. The same effect can be mimicked with a bottle of hot water between your legs. Ensure that the water is not scalding hot and repeat the process if your body aches frequently. Steam inhalation is another effective home remedy that provides much-needed relief from nasal congestion. Slowly inhaling steam infused with a Vaporub or a few drops of eucalyptus oil will unblock the nasal passage and at the same time provide more relief from muscle aches.
