How to Beat Flu Holistically
As well as taking a toll on your body, flu leaves you feeling miserable. It can cut you off from other people, from your regular routine, and leave you feeling lonely while you’re restricted to your bed. A quick recovery from flu is always beneficial, and while mainstream medication may only see the problem muted and controlled rather than solved, there are certain natural alternatives that can help to improve your symptoms quickly.
Give Your Immune System a Boost
Your immune system is vital in fighting off the germs of flu. Even if you’ve already caught the flu, you can still provide your system with the vitamins and nutrients it needs to strengthen itself and better tackle the problem. You can find iv fluids for flu, which are packed with all the relevant nutrients for combatting flu effectively; this is a quick and direct solution if you’re looking for a fast recovery.
Drink Warm Broth or Soup
It may seem like a cliché to drink soup when you’re ill, but there’s a reason why all sick people turn to it. Warm broths and soups are ideal for loosening mucus build up in the throat, which can help to ease sinus and throat congestion. It’s also a good food substance to help you stay hydrated. Not only that, but it’s important to eat during your illness, and often, simple soups can be the only thing you crave when you have a lack of appetite. Healthy soups and broths contain nutrients to help you combat the virus.
Gargle with Salt Water
This may not sound appealing, but gargling salt water can help to soothe a sore throat and shift mucus build up. It’s important only to gargle and not swallow! Boil some water and let it cool before adding ½ tablespoon of salt. Gargle for up to 30 seconds and spit; repeat as necessary.
Use Essential Oils
Tea tree oil is significant in fighting the flu virus. This particular oil helps to slow the rate in which the virus multiplies. Certain essential oils are equipped to battle bacteria and viruses, so incorporating them into your recovery can only help. These include:
- Peppermint oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Lemon oil
- Thyme oil
- Oregano oil
You shouldn’t ever ingest essential oils. They can be used as a mixture with other items, such as adding a drop to hot water to circulate in your room, rubbing on your skin or chest, adding to your bath or combining with handwashes.
Try Installing a Humidifier
The flu virus will thrive in dry air indoors, especially during flu season, when the air will be dried out through the overuse of heating. Installing a humidifier can help to bring moisture back to the atmosphere and therefore help to prevent the flu virus from thriving and spreading more easily. Humidifiers come in many forms and sizes, so you can easily grab a small one to place in your room with you, or have a few small ones placed strategically around the home for maximum effect.