Does medicine over the counter always work for you? Most of the time when I take lemsip, lockets and other similar off the shelf remedies they don’t work and leave you with a numb throat and bad taste in your mouth. According to doctors these types of remedies do work but after spending around £6.50 on medicine I want to see some swift action. Well I’m curled up in bed writing this article and for once I thought it was time I used some good old home remedies to cure the flu bug.
I’m sure we all know how the flu feels but what is it exactly? Well influenza, most commonly known as the flu, is a virus that attacks the upper respiratory tract. Doctors say there are around 200 different variations to the bug but overall you get two types. The flu bug will affect your throat, nose, lungs and middle ears, along with this, you will find that you body will also start to ache. Typically flu lasts for around 12 days and your cough can last for another week after that.
To beat this bug you can take flu vaccinations and if you’re over 65 you can also get free jabs.
So here are a few remedies you can try the next time you are hit by the flu virus. I haven’t tried all of them but all have been known to help.
Honey and lemon. Honey and lemon is always a good starting point when trying to beat the cold or flu. Lemon consists of vitamin A,B,C and P and also contain potassium, magnesium and folic acid. Honey has been around for ages and was used in Chinese remedy from day one. It also acts as a natural expectorant to keep the flow of mucus moving in the body.
Special Tea
Tea has also been known to be a good source of avoiding flu symptoms but it doesn’t stop there. Once you make your tea mix in
1 tsp bayberry
1 tsp grated ginger root
½ tsp cayenne power
mix these ingredients together and let it sit for about 20 minutes in boiling water.
Vitamin C
The next piece of advice might sound basic but eat lots of fruit and drink juice that is high in vitamin C. Vitamin C helps you produce white blood cells and increases your immune system. If you also have a chest cough it can encourage you to bring up the mucus which can be suppressed by medicine bought over the counter.Garlic Eat lots of garlic apparently they decrease the growth of the virus.
Fresh Air
Keep the window open as often as you can. The fresh and moist air will kill the bug and stop it from travelling to other people. The fresh air will also help you to feel more alive and awake.
Drink Soups and Broths
If you don’t feel like eating, drink soup or broths. Broths contain the best nutrients keeping your body hydrated and pumping vital red blood cells around the body.
Mustard Platter.
It has also been know that mustard works miracles. If you have some mustard in the cupboard open it up as mustard contains antimicrobial and anti inflammatory properties. Apparently its great to get a quick sniff and if you have more time on your hands or if your not feeling two weak make yourself a mustard platter by getting 1 table spoon of mustard, 3 tablespoons of flour. Mix with a white egg and warm water until you form a paste. Get a handkerchief and smear the mustard on. Dab some olive oil on your chest and plaster the handkerchief on your chest and leave for a few minutes. Keep checking your skin as mustard can burn. After a few minutes wash the mustard off your skin and hopefully you will feel much better.
So now that I researched all this information it is time to put it into action. Using home remedies is not just healthier but it will also save you pocket change which can then be used for indulgencing yourself.
Good luck! |
