It's no wonder natural flu and cold remedies are popular -- modern medicine has yet to offer a cure for these age-old illnesses. While a few medications can prevent and shorten the flu's time period, a few medications just offer temporary relief of symptoms. Numerous natural remedies provide temporary relief too, and a few may actually help you get better. See which flu and cold remedies show the most promise.
Echinacea
Echinacea is an herbal supplement that is believed to boost the safe system to help fight infections. In any case, it’s unclear whether this boost helps fight off colds. Most evidence shows echinacea does not help prevent a cold, however some research shows it reduction symptoms by a day or two. Others show it has no impact. To attempt it, take echinacea when symptoms start and proceed for seven to ten days. If you have a medical condition or take medication, check with your doctor before taking any supplement.
Zinc
Couple of studies show that zinc appears to have impacts against viruses, similar the cold. There is some evidence the mineral may keep the formation of specific proteins that cold viruses use to reproduce themselves. While zinc doesn't appear to help prevent colds, some research suggests it may help shorten cold symptom time period and reduce the severity of the normal cold when taken within 24 hours of the first symptoms. The FDA recommends against utilizing zinc nasal products for colds because of reports of permanent loss of smell.
Vitamin C
The cold-fighting prowess of vitamin C remains uncertain. A few studies suggest it can help reduce the time period of cold symptoms by around a day. In one study, participants who were exposed to great physical anxiety and cold weather and who took vitamin C were 50% less likely to get a cold. To help stem a cold, 2,000 MLs seems to work best, however this high dose may cause stomach upset and diarrhea.
Chicken Soup
Grandma was onto something. Chicken soup might help cold symptoms in more than one way. Inhaling the steam can ease nasal blockage. Sipping spoonfuls of fluid can help avoid dehydration. And couple of advocates say the soup may soothe inflammation. Analysts have found chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties in the lab, though it's unclear whether this impact translates to real-world colds.
Hot Tea
Drinking hot tea offers some of the same advantages as chicken soup. Inhaling the steam relieves blockage, while swallowing the fluid soothes the throat and keeps you hydrated. Green and black teas have the added bonus of being loaded with disease-fighting antioxidants, which may fight colds.
Hot Toddy
The hot toddy is an age-old evening cold remedy. Since you won't want to drink black tea before bed, make a cup of hot herbal tea. Include a teaspoon of honey, a small shot of bourbon or whiskey, and a squeeze of lemon. This blend may ease blockage, soothe the throat and help you sleep. Limit yourself to one hot toddy. A lot of alcohol can disturb sleep.
Garlic
Garlic has long been touted for fabulous germ-fighting abilities. One study showed garlic supplements may help prevent colds when taken every day. In any case, more research is needed to determine garlic’s real impacts. But garlic is exceptionally nutritious. Furthermore, it can help spice up your meals when a stuffy nose makes everything taste flat.
Steam/Humidifier
For a overweight dose of steam, utilize a room humidifier -- or essentially sit in the bathroom with the door close and a hot shower running. Breathing in steam can break up congestion in the nasal entries, offering relief from a stuffy or runny nose.
Saline Drops
Dripping or spraying saltwater into the nose can thin out nasal secretions and help remove excess mucus, while decreasing congestion.Try over-the-counter saline drops, or make your own by mixing 8 ounces of hot water with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. Utilize a bulb syringe to squirt the blend into one nostril while holding the other one shut. Repeat 2-3 times and then do the other side.
Saltwater Gargle
For a sore throat, the traditional saltwater gargle might have some merit. Gargling bit hot water with a teaspoon of salt four times every day may help keep a scratchy throat moist.
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