Did you know that there’s a difference between cold vs. flu symptoms? If you have a cold, you could have a stuffy or runny nose and nasal congestion. However, telltale symptoms of flu include a high fever, headache and body aches, fatigue or weakness, loss of appetite, dry cough or sore throat, and may also cause nausea and vomiting. To help fight off colds or flu this winter season, try these natural remedies:
1. Turmeric
Turmeric is a natural remedy that can help reduce your sore throat and your body aches and pains. It is also known for its many health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and its use in Ayurvedic medicine. To make turmeric tea, add one teaspoon of its powder to one cup of boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes before drinking. You can also add some lemon juice to make it more palatable. You can drink this tea up to three times daily to fight cold and flu symptoms. However, ensure that you do not exceed the recommended dosage since high doses may cause nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
2. Ginger
It is another spice that has been used for centuries to treat colds and flu because it has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that reduce aches and pains from sore throats and coughs. It also helps with nausea associated with these illnesses, so you may not have to deal with nausea symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea when you use ginger in your diet for relief.
3. Chicken soup
Chicken soup is one of the oldest and most popular home remedies for cold and flu symptoms. It contains warm liquid that helps loosen congestion and bring down fevers. Chicken also contains vitamin C and other nutrients that boost the immune system. The best way to make this soup is to boil a whole chicken in water (to make a bone broth), with carrots, celery, and onions, until the chicken falls off the bone. Remove the meat from the bones, shred it with a fork or put it through a meat grinder, then return it to the pot along with some more vegetables such as potatoes or squash. Boil this mixture for at least an hour longer until it becomes very thick—like a stew rather than soup—then serve hot in bowls with saltine crackers on top.
4. Other types of bone broth
As mentioned before, bone broth can be made from chicken, but it can also be made by boiling any type of meat and bones, such as turkey, beef, pork, fish, shellfish, and even vegetables in water until the liquid has been reduced by about half. It has a lot of health benefits, including helping to improve digestion, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation. It also contains minerals like manganese and potassium that help fight off infections like colds and flu.
5. Honey
Honey is a natural remedy for colds and flu. It can be taken in the form of tea or added to food. It contains antioxidants and antibacterial properties that help fight off viruses, bacteria, fungi, and even cancer cells. In addition, researchers have found that this product is effective in treating sore throats.
Our bodies are designed to heal themselves from colds and flu—but sometimes we need to give ourselves a little help. The key is to start early; the sooner you use natural remedies and self-care, the quicker you will feel better.
