Five Natural Ways to Lesson the Symptoms of a Cold or Flu
Gargle
Gargling with salt water can sometimes bring some relief to a sore throat. One teaspoon of regular table salt mixed in a glass of warm water and gargled three to four times a day can help with a sore throat.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps aid the immune system in fighting against different viruses. You can take a vitamin D supplement or you can just go sit outside for fifteen minutes per day and let the sun rejuvenate your vitamin D supply naturally. You can also get Vitamin D from food sources such as Salmon, Tuna and Eggs.
Drink Hot Liquids
Drinking something hot can help with nasal congestion and make your throat feel better. My mom used to give me a steaming cup of tea with a teaspoon of lemon juice and honey in it. This drink may help soothe your throat while helping to clear your sinuses. The hot steam from the liquid can relieve nasal congestion.
Eucalyptus
You can use the Vicks Vaporub and place some of the salve under your nose, which I find to be irritating. Or you can place some of the Vicks salve into a large pot of boiling water and breathe the steam from it. This will open up your nasal passages and clear nasal congestion temporarily. The great thing about this is you can do it as much as you like without the side effects you might get from over the counter cold medicines.
You can also find Eucalyptus oil and use it as you take a shower. Just close the tub so the water doesn't drain and add a small amount of eucalyptus oil to the bottom of the tub. Then shower as usual, the vapors from the oil and the steam will naturally open up your sinuses.
Don't Suppress Your Immune System
Don't eat, drink or take things that can suppress your immune system. This includes smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol and caffeinated beverages or using illegal drugs. All of these things can make it harder for your immune system to fight off the colds and flu.
Published by Mary Kirkland
Mary is originally from Redondo Beach, California and now lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband and daughter. Mary has had extensive experience with small animal care as well as rescuing and re-homing.... View profile
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- Gargling with salt water can help with sore throats.
- Sitting outside in the sun can help you get Vitamin D naturally.