Tips on How to Calm Flu Symptoms Without Medication

Whether you want to give your medication a boost toward alleviating flu symptoms or if you would prefer to fight without any over the counter drugs whatsoever, soothing your pain as naturally as possible is always a sensible step. Take advantage of the following tips on how to calm flu symptoms without medication as you face down the infamous illness of the season.

Tip #1: Ease the ears with a salt water gargle. At first it doesn't seem to make sense, but there is a reason that gargling salt water can ease the ear "congestion" associated with the flu. Because the salt can ease inflammation and there is a relationship between the throat and the inner ear, gargling the concoction a few times a day may ease stuffy ears.

Tip #2: Clear nasal passages with a saline rinse. Prevent or alleviate nasal congestion with a sterile saline rinse that will remove germs and any mucus build-up. Rather than using an over the counter solution, try the same salt water mixture used in Step #1 to calm your nagging nasal symptoms.

Tip #3: Cut back on physical activity. Everything from workouts to parking at the back of the grocery store parking lot need to be put on hold if you are experiencing moderate to severe flu symptoms. Because the body needs rest to fully utilize its natural defenses against flu symptoms, its best to allow it to expend most of its energies for that purpose. Even if you do not yet feel any signs of fatigue or weakness, prevent them by omitting your usual exercise program and any unnecessary movement until you are back to your old self again.

Tip #4: Consume vitamin C rich foods. Vitamin C can boost your body's natural flu fighting abilities and may help speed your recovery. Of course, fruits and vegetable are your best source for this infection-fighting natural remedy, but you'll need several servings a day to make a difference. Be sure to consume a fruit or vegetable at every meal as well as in between.

Tip #5: Soak in Epsom salts to alleviate soreness and stiffness. The flu is synonymous with an achy body, so run a steaming bath water and soak in Epsom salts once or twice a day, especially right before bedtime. About thirty minutes after your body's temperature drops upon exiting the warm soak and entering the cool air, your natural desire to sleep will increase, as well. Not only will muscles be less achy, but you'll also be ready for a more restorative rest.

Tip #6: Ease an unproductive cough with honey. A dry, hacking cough will do nothing to clear your lungs of mucus. If you are experiencing a painful dry cough, take 1-2 teaspoon of natural, dark honey to coat your sore throat and naturally suppress coughing.

Tip #7: Ease all flu symptoms cumulatively with meditation. Because stress can aggravate your symptoms, naturally easing your anxiety can promote quicker healing and a more restful night's sleep. Turn on a serene, instrumental CD and turn down the lights as you concentrate on your breathing, no matter how jagged it may be at the time.

Tip #8: Soothe a chapped nose with cocoa butter. While it's not really a "symptom" of the flu, even using the gentlest tissue can lead to eventual chapping of the skin around the nose. Pain, redness, and even open sores can result, and an open sore with mucus flowing around it full of the flu virus is never a good thing. To keep skin in tact as you continue to use tissues, apply cocoa butter with a clean cotton swab. For best results, employ this tactic well before any signs of redness appear. Otherwise, burning may occur. Speak to your doctor if open sores or severe chapping have already taken place before applying any natural skin protectants.

Remember, these natural flu fighting tips can generally be safely used in conjunction with over the counter medications, but do speak to your doctor first if at all possible before undertaking any natural regimen (especially if you are currently on prescription medications for any reason).