Flu Home Remedies: 7 Tried And Tested Tips For Quicker Recovery

Flu or influenza is caused by virus. Experts recommend that one should get a flu shot (vaccine) every year to prevent catching it. There is no cure for flu, which can be caused by several kinds of virus. In this article, we are going to talk about home remedies that can help in soothing symptoms and also reduce the duration of it. Symptoms of a flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue amongst others.

Home remedies for flu that can offer quick relief

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking water and fluids help in keeping the nose, mouth and throat moist, and eases release of mucous and phlegm. When suffering from a flu, you can drink water, soup, coconut water and herbal tea to name a few. You need to drink enough liquids to be able to urinate regularly, and the colour of your urine must be clear or pale yellow.

Also read: Is It Possible To Get Cold And The Flu At The Same Time? Here's What A Recent Study Says

2. Rest well

Resting well is the key if you want to recover quickly from flu. Sleep well as it can give a boost to your immunity. You need to cancel your usual routine and make sleep a priority in order to recover from flu quickly and effectively.

3. Bone broth

Bone broth can provide you with minerals like sodium and potassium. Drinking bone broth when suffering from a flu can also provide you relief from nasal congestion. This hydrating soup is also rich in protein, which is an essential nutrient for rebuilding immunity.

Also read: Foods Other Than Vitamin C Sources That Can Help Boost Immunity

4. Increase intake of zinc

Zinc is an important mineral for immune system. It helps the body make white blood cells that are responsible for fighting germs. Studies have found that zinc can enable the body's ability to fight flu virus and slow down its growth. Lentils, chickpeas, nuts, beans, seeds, dairy products and eggs are food source of zinc.

5. Salt water gargle

Sore throat can be more discomforting than one can imagine. Doing a salt water gargle several times a day can reduce cough and reduce sore throat effectively. It can help in clearing mucous as well.

6. Herbal teas

Herbs like garlic, ginger, turmeric, cloves and star anise have antibacterial properties. Drinking teas infused with these herbs can help with a speedy recovery from flu. Herbal teas can provide almost instant relief from throat pain and nasal congestion.

Also read: Healthy Herbal Teas You Must Try: Learn Methods To Prepare These

7. Steam inhalation

Like salt water gargle, steam inhalation is a time-tested age-old home remedy for dealing with the likes of common cold, cough and flu. Warm moist air can reduce swelling in nose and lungs. Dry cough, irritated nose and chest tightness can also be reduced with steam inhalation. Have it in morning and evening to get quick and effective relief from cold and flu.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.