How to Prevent and Treat Common Colds and Flu With Natural Remedies

Colds are one of the most prevalent illnesses in America, affecting approximately three out of every four adults. While most colds heal on their own without medication being necessary, some require prescription medicines in order to get better.

Some individuals turn to herbal treatments in an effort to alleviate colds and flu symptoms, but it’s important to remember that they cannot replace standard medical care.

Lemon Tea with Honey

Wintertime can bring on colds and flu, but there are ways you can combat or even eliminate them altogether. Reduce exposure to germs that spread infections; stay away from sick people; wash hands frequently – these steps should all help!

Drinking hot liquids such as soups and teas may also help combat colds by relieving congestion, soothing membranes and providing key immune-enhancing nutrients to boost immunity.

Honey can help loosen phlegm, relieve soreness and discomfort, as well as potentially reduce or suppress coughs.

Lemons are well known for their vitamin C content, which has been shown to fight infections quickly and hasten recovery processes. Lemon also boosts immune systems which makes it a suitable remedy against colds and flu.

Ginger can be an effective natural treatment for colds and flu. It has antiviral properties to combat infection as well as analgesic, antipyretic and antibacterial properties which make it an excellent natural way to tackle symptoms associated with these ailments.

Dandelion flowers can also be an effective natural remedy against colds, as it contains antioxidants and vitamins like A and C as well as iron and zinc which help strengthen the immune system.

As well as herbal remedies, diet and regular exercise can strengthen your immunity. Avoid heavy meals which deplete energy from your body; consume lots of fruit and vegetables as well as adding vitamin E as an effective antioxidant supplement to your daily regimen. Finally, aim to lower stress levels as this can exacerbate cold symptoms while leading to feelings of depression.

Elderberry

Elderberry is one of the most effective natural treatments for colds and flu, often found in supplements, syrups, lozenges and teas.

Leaves, bark, berries and seeds of this plant possess antiviral and antioxidant properties which help fight various diseases and infections. Furthermore, its antiviral and antioxidant effects may lower blood sugar, improve cardiovascular health and help keep skin health at its optimum.

Vitamin C-rich food sources like orange juice can help shorten the length and severity of cold symptoms. But to see results, regular use is required for it to work effectively.

If you’re seeking natural solutions to treat cold and flu symptoms, it’s advisable to speak to your physician first before beginning any new diet or supplement plan. They will know which supplements may not be safe for you to consume and which are suitable.

As with any supplement, it’s essential to read and follow all instructions provided with the product. Furthermore, drinking plenty of water is highly advised.

Studies suggest that taking Sambucol (Nature’s Way) elderberry extract syrup within 48 hours of first showing signs of cold can reduce both length and severity of flu symptoms, though it might not help those with lung conditions or children younger than 12 years.

Study conducted among 312 air travelers taking capsules containing 300 mg of elderberry extract three times a day found that those who got sick experienced shorter colds and milder symptoms than in the placebo group. Although these findings are promising, more research must be completed in order to confirm its efficacy.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is one of the best natural remedies for common colds and flu. It helps clear blocked sinuses by loosening mucus build-up to make breathing easier and also soothe sore throats.

Anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric help soothe sore throat pain while its natural antibiotics help fight off infection in your chest and nose, providing relief. Inhalation with steam may also provide additional benefits.

Use Eucalyptus Essential Oil as Massage Oil to soothe a cough and associated aches and pains associated with influenza. Mix the oil with carrier oils like coconut or jojoba and apply to chest, neck or under the nose for maximum effectiveness.

Before using Eucalyptus oil during your pregnancy, it is wise to consult with a healthcare provider. Due to its potential allergy-causing properties, it would be prudent to avoid applying it directly onto your skin until having been tested for allergies.

Avoiding ingestion of eucalyptus oil as this can lead to poisoning. If ingested, symptoms include dizziness, suffocation, small pupils, vomiting and fainting.

Eucalyptus oil can not only treat colds and flus, but it is also an effective means of keeping bugs away. Research shows it increases macrophages – white blood cells responsible for fighting infections by eliminating foreign particles like bacteria from the bloodstream – lowering your chances of contracting an illness such as cold or flu.

Epsom salts have proven effective as a fungicide, as evidence indicates they inhibit yeast growth. Furthermore, they can be used to kill germs on kitchen surfaces, tables and floors.

Epsom Salts

Epsom salts will help flush away toxins that contribute to cold and flu symptoms while relaxing you and easing any associated body aches.

Epsom salt contains magnesium and sulfate as its key ingredients, playing an integral part in maintaining normal blood pressure levels, steady heart rhythms and building bone strength.

Magnesium also plays an essential role in protein formation found in joints and brain tissue, flushing out toxins from your system and supporting overall body wellness. Low levels of magnesium have been linked with high blood pressure, hyperactivity, heart disease and other serious health conditions.

Epsom salts contain magnesium, which helps soothe muscle discomfort while also helping reduce the inflammation caused by colds or flus. They may also help heal wounds quickly while drawing out any embedded splinters from skin tissue.

Soaking in a warm Epsom salt bath can also help soothe sore throats and improve breathing, dilate blood vessels and increase white blood cell production, all of which aid recovery from colds.

Also used to treat itchy bug bites and various skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, aloe vera can provide natural relief for itchy bug bites and skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. You can add it directly onto the itchy area for maximum effectiveness. Adding water can create a spray, while you can directly apply aloe directly over any affected areas for maximum relief.

Epsom salts can be found at most drugstores and grocery stores as well as online. When selecting one to use, ensure it carries the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) designation; this ensures it has been tested to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Vitamin C

As soon as they feel a cold coming on, many turn to vitamin C supplements, juices, cough drops or tea to strengthen their immune systems and Linus Pauling has even advocated its use as part of his book Vitamin C and the Common Cold. But recent research indicates that taking this vitamin alone doesn’t seem to have much of an impact in treating colds or flu.

An influential 2013 review from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews concluded that only those in extremely good physical shape who spend a great deal of time outdoors benefit from taking higher doses of vitamin C, according to studies involving those consuming over the recommended daily amount (2,000 milligrams) had lower rates and severity of colds than usual.

As far as vitamin C goes, you can only get enough to combat or prevent a cold by eating plenty of citrus fruits, berries, melons and tomatoes. Milk, fatty fish and 100% juices fortified with Vitamin C also contain it in abundance.

Studies evaluating whether vitamin C reduces or shortens the duration of colds are generally mixed; most haven’t assessed high doses taken therapeutically after symptoms have appeared; however, regular daily consumption at 200 mg per day for at least a trial has shown to shorten cold duration by 8-14% for adults and 14-14% in children.

As part of your overall wellness, it’s also wise to ensure adequate levels of vitamin D – an antioxidant essential to producing antibodies – as a source of protection. Studies suggest that deficiency can impede immunity and make you more prone to infections; speak to your physician regarding how much Vitamin D you require.