Influenza commonly is known as “flu” is a viral infection caused by a variety of different viruses. The flu virus is transmitted by either tiny particles in the air left from an infected person’s cough or sneeze, or by coming into contact with surfaces that an infected person has touched like phones. Influenza
The flu impacts over 20 million people a year in the United States alone. Depending on the kind of virus transmitted, the symptoms and their severity can vary. Most people with the flu experience symptoms like fever, chills, body aches, headache, sore throat, dry cough, fatigue, and stuffy nose. Sometimes the flu virus affects the digestive system causing vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, and chills, commonly known as stomach flu. Flu symptoms can be exhausting and debilitating and can last many days. Here we share our definitive list of natural remedies for the flu to help shorten the length and the intensity of the symptoms.
Prioritize Rest
Sleep is by far the most effective way of fighting the flu. Sleep allows our immune system to recuperate giving it the extra boost it needs to effectively fight off the offending flu virus and restore balance. Our body’s’ self-healing mechanism is most active when we are asleep. The earlier you commit to resting and recuperating, the shorter downtime you’ll experience. It is best to elevate your head during sleep to ensure proper drainage of the nasal drip to allow for a restful sleep.
Hydrate
It seems too simple but after proper rest, adequate hydration is the second most important step you can take to recover from the flu. The more hydrated your system, the better your body’s ability to release the toxic waste generated from fighting the virus. Furthermore, the high fever that often accompanies the flu can dehydrate the body impacting its ability to effectively fight the virus. Our favorite way of keeping hydrated during the flu is to drink plenty of herbal teas (we love ginger, peppermint, and green tea), electrolyte-infused water, coconut water, and fresh juice. We recommend avoiding coffee and artificially sweetened drinks when fighting off the flu.
Bone Broth
Bone broth seems to be all the craze these days but it is, in fact, one of the most ancient healing foods known to humans. Warm beef and chicken broth are deeply nutritious and contain a high amount of protein, potassium, sodium, and other minerals. Bone broth is indeed a great meal replacement option that not only provides solid essential nutrients to the body but it also helps preserve the energy that would otherwise be used to digest solid meals and utilize that to fight the virus instead. In addition, drinking warm bone broth also helps clear out sinus congestion.
Keep Sinuses Moist
Having properly hydrated and moist sinuses and nasal passages are critical to maintaining proper upper respiratory health. During the flu, our sinuses often become dry, painful, and inflamed. Keeping the sinuses moist helps ease congestion, headache, and sinus pressure. Our favorite way to get relief is to take a hot steamy shower. We suggest using a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil in the shower to help open up and heal the sinuses. We recommend a minimum of 10 minutes of hot steam to deliver sinus relief.
Although taking a hot steamy shower is a great way of maintaining moisture in sinuses, it is not always practical and can be a bit of a challenge if the symptoms are severe. This is why we recommend using an all-natural saline nasal spray like Clear Revive which contains both saline and essential oils; it is easy to use and can keep your sinuses moist and healthy throughout the day helping you recover faster.
Take Zinc
Zinc is one of the critical minerals for immune functions. It supports the body in the production of white blood cells that fight off disease and restore balance. Research has demonstrated that taking Zinc can help lower the intensity of flu and cold symptoms and it can slow down the multiplying of the flu virus. You can take Zinc s a supplement or from foods like lentils, beef, beans, dairy, eggs, and nuts.
Saltwater Sinus Rinse
Sinus congestion and inflammation are some of the most common and uncomfortable symptoms of the flu. Using salt water to break down and clear out mucus can provide immediate headache, congestion, and sinus pressure relief. One way to clear out sinuses is to use a Neti Pot, sterilized water, and iodide-free salt. Another less messy and easier solution is to use a saline nasal spray like Clear Revive’s all-natural formula to break out congestion and clear out the sinuses.
Conclusion
Although having the flu can be really unpleasant, there are steps you can take to reduce the duration and intensity of the symptoms. The flu symptoms last anywhere from 5 to 14 days. Seek immediate medical attention if your symptoms last longer, you develop a fever higher than 100.4 degrees, have trouble breathing, or have an unusually colored mucus. Remember, the more you rest, the faster you’ll recover.