Flu home remedies to reinforce your body’s defences
Are you or your child suffering from the woes of the flu? This looks like symptoms including fever (feeling feverish or chills), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, aches, headaches, and fatigue. And sometimes, vomiting and diarrhoea. Get a head start on managing symptoms and boosting immune systems with flu home remedies.
Holistic health, from flu home remedies and beyond
Your body is constantly at work to keep its systems in check to take on the day. There will be times when its defences are lowered, so we created guides to walk you through combatting everything from digestion dilemmas, to diseases, and the dreaded flu. Our team collected the top-recommended flu home remedies – from the real, the raw and the recipes.
Methods
Hydrate
First things first, stay hydrated! Staying hydrated assists the body to replenish the fluids lost during mucous production.
Rest
Take leave and keep your body away from strenuous work. Healing takes time and a concerted effort.
Gargle
Besides throat sprays or lozenges, gargling with salt water alleviates sore throats and reduces viruses and bacteria in the throat. Dissolve 1 /4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water. This submerges the cells and draws liquids, viruses and bacteria in the throat to the surface, so you can spit the saltwater and germs out.
Rub
Apply a topical rub to open-air passages to combat congestion and reduce coughing. Rub on the chest in one or two applications before bed.
Steams and baths
An important tip to remember – viruses thrive in dry conditions. Moisten spaces by using a misting humidifier and drop in some eucalyptus oil. This also works with taking a steamy bath or shower to help with aches.
Supplements
Find your go-to defences in nature with these essential flu fighters.
Ginger – The root of the Zingiber officinale plant holds antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammation and also antioxidant properties, a quadruple threat to most infections plaguing the body. A great addition to wellness journeys during flu seasons.
Garlic – This flowering bulb contains allicin, which research suggests has antimicrobial properties. It is also noted to be a strong antibiotic, as well as an antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal agent.
Honey – For everyone ages 1 year of age and up, this is a non-negotiable. A spoonful of honey suppresses throat pain, and when taken with warm water and lemon, it eases throat pain.
Tumeric – This spice is a member of the ginger family that reduces inflammation and helps ease painful sore throats and tonsils.
Probiotics – If you have been prescribed to take antibiotics by a health care practitioner, be sure to supplement them with probiotics. Probiotic yoghurt bolsters the immune system and the gut.
Vitamin C – This vitamin helps the immune system by stimulating white blood cell activity. Think of everything in the citrus family, plus kiwifruit, strawberries, guavas, bell peppers, papayas, broccoli, tomatoes, kale, and snow peas.
Flu tea
Combine the important ingredients into a relieving tea.
Ingredients
- Knob of ginger (peeled and grated)
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- ½ clove of garlic
- Dash of turmeric (for those who have a strong stomach)
Boil the kettle, then grate and mix these ingredients. Sip on the tea throughout the day as needed.
Vegetable or chicken soup
This is the top of most flu toolkits when kids (and adults) are not eating or drinking necessary amounts of fluids. It's a great way to get electrolytes into your body. Additionally, inhaling the soup’s steam is a great natural decongestant.
Symptoms and recommended treatments*
When the flu and other compromising conditions roll around, apply these remedies to find relief and recovery.
- Conditions and symptoms: Colds or flu, tonsillitis, cold sores, lung infections, nasal infections, ME (Yuppie flu), Lupus (internal and external), Multiple Sclerosis and HIV.
Recommended solution: Immune Protector
Those struggling with compromised or overstimulated immune systems or auto-immune deficiencies, use Immune Protector. Immune Protector can be taken by adults and children – find your recommended dosage.
- Conditions and symptoms: Fever, fatigue, headaches, coughing, sore throat, diarrhoea, muscular pain and stiffness.
Recommended solution: PV7 Pathogens/ Viruses
Pathogens/viruses are the likely cause for the above symptoms – we recommend taking PV7 Pathogens and Viruses. This tincture helps with several viruses and illnesses for both children and adults. Explore our recommended dosage for your family.
- Conditions and symptoms: Gum infections and compromised immune systems (recurring colds and flu).
Recommended solution: Propolis – Royalty Immunity
Propolis is an excellent immune tonic and has been clinically trialled to treat viruses and bacterial infections. This remedy comes in a natural resinous mixture produced by honeybees and is collected from bee hives in KZN and the Free State, ensuring the best organic quality.
Recommended solution: Lung Support, Sinus & Allergy and Immune Protector Bundle
When dealing with several ailments and issues, it's time to bring out the trinity of treatments. You can tackle several health concerns with this combination package.
Lung Support helps to expel mucous from the lungs, while Sinus & Allergy provides fast effective relief by reducing excessive mucous production, decongesting the sinus passages and reducing allergic reactions.
*This medicine has not been evaluated by the Medicines Control Council. This medicine is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Fight off the flu with Tones Family Health at your side
Not sure what is right for you or your family? Explore our FAQs to learn about symptoms and treatments. For further information on flu home remedies or other concerns, contact us for a free consult.