Homemade Flu Remedies

When you have the flu, you feel as though you've been run over by a freight train. Headache, chills, fever, dry cough, fatigue, muscle aches, nasal congestion, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea are some of the unpleasant symptoms of the flu. If you have the flu, there are certain home remedies that can send you on the road to recovery.

Statistics

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that every year in the United States, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications, and about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes. These figures prove how serious the flu can be, so it is important to see your physician if you feel your condition is getting worse.

Herbs

• Herbs are well known for their healing qualities. There are many beneficial herbs that help fight off the flu. Elderberry, echinacea, astragalus, garlic, Asian ginseng, wild indigo, forsythia, honeysuckle, mullein, ginger, goldenseal and thyme are all herbal remedies that can ease flu symptoms.

Cure Congestion

• Congestion is one of the many symptoms of the flu. If you are suffering from congestion, use a humidifier to help loosen the mucus and break up your congestion. Try sitting in a bathroom full of steam from a hot shower, which works wonders for relieving congestion. Avoid taking over-the-counter cough suppressant, because you need to cough up the mucus in order to get rid of it.

Fight Fatigue

• Soothe your aching muscles with heating pads. Aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help lower your fever and relieve your body aches. Get plenty of rest if you want to speed your recovery. If you waste your energy while you have the flu, your immune system will be weak and unable to fight off the virus. Now is the perfect time to be pampered and ask for that massage you've been longing for. Massages can ease your muscle aches and stimulate your immune system, helping you recover faster.

Food and Liquids

• It is crucial to keep yourself hydrated when you have the flu. Fever, diarrhea and vomiting can cause you to become dehydrated if you aren't drinking enough liquids. Water, fruit juice, vegetable juice and broth are good for fighting the flu. Chances are you won't feel like eating for a while. When you get your appetite back, eat bland and starchy foods to begin with. Bananas, applesauce, toast, cottage cheese, boiled rice, rice pudding, baked potatoes and cooked cereal are easy to eat and won't aggravate your nausea.