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Flu or Cold Remedies

Remedies for the flu and the common cold have been around for centuries. Many remedies involve using herbs independently or combining herbs to create herbal teas. The remedies rely heavily on fluids because often, those ill from either the flu or cold don't have an appetite for food.

  1. Fluids

    • Drinking plenty of fluids will help your body flush out toxins and heal. Fluids loosen congestion and prevent dehydration. Fluids you should drink include water, warm lemon water with a touch of honey, juice, clear broth, and lots of hot fluids such as teas. Herbal teas such as ginger and boneset are great for treating cold and flu symptoms.

      To make ginger tea, you'll need 2 cups of water, a small saucepan and 2 tablespoon of grated ginger root. Bring the 2 cups of water to a boil, stir in the ginger root and turn off the burner. Allow the spice to steep for 15 to 20 minutes before drinking.

      For boneset tea, use 1 cup of water, a small saucepan and 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried boneset. Place the dried herb in a cup. Pour boiling water over the herb and allow it to steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Boneset tea is most effective when you drink it hot. If you have the flu, drink it every 30 minutes.

    Vitamin C

    • Vitamin C can help you recover quickly from the flu or a cold. Vitamin C, when taken in large amounts, can help the immune system destroy viruses and bacteria. Grapefruit is an excellent source of vitamin C. It cleans the liver and improves the immune system. Another rich source of vitamin C is pineapple juice. According to Cold Remedies, fresh pineapple juice fights a cold better than orange juice because it is less acidic and less allergenic. Drink between 4 and 8 ounces of pineapple juice at least four times a day. Apple juice and dark grape juices work best against the flu. Drink juices at room temperature. If the juices are too sweet, add water.

    Echinacea

    • Echinacea is another immune stimulant that helps the body fight the flu or a cold. It destroys infections, reduces flu and cold symptoms, and helps the body heal quickly. Holistic Online has an herb recipe that combines echinacea with goldenseal. You'll need 2 cups of water, a small saucepan, echinacea and goldenseal. Pour boiling water into a cup and add 10 to 15 drops of echinacea and goldenseal to the water for tea.

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