Top 8 Home Remedies to Avoid Influenza

Top 8 Home Remedies to Avoid Influenza

Influenza is considered as one of the most popular health issues that can impact directly millions of people around the world. This condition is commonly known as the grippe or flu, a viral infection that invades and attacks the respiratory systems , including the lungs, nose and throat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that more than thousands of people are death annually due to the complication emerging from influenza.  Healthy adults hardly suffer from the risk of influenza complication; however, children who have under-developed immunity can experience ear infections , bronchitis as well as pneumonia resulting from the flu.

1. Honey
Honey is known to boost the immune system and help reduce symptoms of the common flu. It also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can speed up the healing process.
Simply take one tablespoon of honey with a glass of water several times a day.
Mix one tablespoon of honey in one cup of hot water. If you want, add a few drops of lemon juice. This soothing drink will promote mucus flow and help reduce irritation and itchiness in your throat. Drink it two or three times a day.
Mix equal amounts of honey and onion juice. Have one teaspoons of this mixture three times a day, until the flu is gone.
You can also combine one teaspoon of honey with the juice extracted from 10 to 15 fresh basil leaves. Take this once a day.
Honey should not be given to children under age 1.

2. Ginger
Ginger has long been a popular natural remedy for many health problems, including influenza. The powerful anti-inflammatory properties as well as the warming nature of ginger help treat various symptoms of the flu. Plus, it helps strengthen the immune system to fight off viruses that cause influenza.
Make ginger tea by adding one-half teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to one cup of boiling water and letting it steep for a few minutes. Add some honey and enjoy this tea three or four times a day.
Combine two teaspoons each of grated ginger root and bayberry bark and one teaspoon of powdered cayenne. Add one teaspoon of the mixture to one cup of boiling water. Let it steep for half an hour and then strain it. Drink this several times a day.
You can also grate fresh ginger and eat a small amount several times a day or add ginger slices to soups and other dishes.

3. Steam
Steam is an effective method for thinning mucus, making it easier to flush out of your system.

Turn on a hot shower and sit in the closed bathroom for a few minutes, inhaling the steam. Do this several times a day to ease congestion.
Pour boiled water into a large bowl. You can add a few drops of thyme oil or eucalyptus oil to the water to boost the healing effects. Drape a towel over your head and breathe deeply for a few minutes. Do this as needed to relieve congestion.

4. Lemon 

It is a good source of antibacterial, antiviral, anti fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in a glass of warm water and drink for 3 times in a day. It reduces the symptoms of flu and weaken the flu virus in the body.

5. Peppermint 

Add chopped peppermint leaves in boiling water for some time. Drinking this warm water for 3-4 times will relieve congestion and fight flu symptoms.

6. Mustard

 It is full of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Add one tablespoon of dry mustard, four tablespoons of flour, one egg white in little bit warm water. Now your paste is ready. Take a clean cloth and the smear mustard paste on it and put another cloth on it like a sandwich. Rub some olive oil on chest of the patient and put a mustard plaster on it for 10 minutes. It cures cold and flu.

7. Orange juice 

It is rich in vitamin c. Drinking orange juice for 3-4 times in a day will keep you hydrated and boost the immune system. It will increase the production of white blood cells.

8. Last but not the least

Wash your hands frequently every day with soap and warm water for 15-20 seconds; especially before meals, or each time after touching a surface that you suspect could be contaminated with flu virus such as a door handle or a knob/handle, especially if you have returned from a public place or used public transport. Alcohol-based hand cleaners should be kept handy at all times and used until you can get soap and warm water.