An annoying cold is not life-threatening yet, is hard to cure. And sometimes, grandma’s flu remedies are the best solution for it.
A warm bowl of chicken soup is heaven-sent when you’re in bed trying to nurse a cold. We explore why people prefer natural remedies to conventional medicine, and suggest a few that can stop sudden sneezes.
Why Do People Prefer Natural Remedies for Colds and Flu in Modern Medicine?
People haven’t stopped turning to Paracetamol or antibiotics for flu relief. However, some people are beginning to seek out alternative solutions for the sniffles. Why?
1. Herbalism
The rise of Herbalism could explain this phenomenon. Herbal medicine has been present for centuries, and nearly all countries of the world have a natural solution for the flu. They treat common symptoms like high blood pressure, anxiety, or arthritis.
2. Side Effects
Manufacturers use synthetics to come up with medication. As a result, pills and tablets come with a range of unhealthy side effects. These push patients to search for natural remedies.
3. Awareness
Furthermore, people are becoming more aware of what they put into their bodies. They know about the limiting side effects of flu medication and prefer to use Grandma’s soothing remedies instead.
Grandma’s Flu Remedies That Are Really Effective
Our grandmas may not have been medical doctors, but they did come up with remedies that worked wonders for common cold and flu. Here are a few of these solutions.
1. Chicken Soup
First of all is chicken soup. It doesn’t cure everything but is comforting when you have the sniffles.
Research suggests that enjoying a bowl of chicken soup with vegetables, prepared from scratch or warmed from a can, can slow the movement of neutrophils in your body. Researchers discovered that chicken soup could slow down neutrophils. A neutrophil is a kind of white blood cell that prevents infection. They are more concentrated in areas of your body if they slow down.
Studies found that it is particularly helpful for stopping respiratory tract infections. To add, its also hydrating.
2. Ginger
People have known about the health benefits of ginger root for centuries. Research points to its effectiveness. Put a few slices of it in boiling water to soothe your sore throat. Studies also imply that it wards off nausea. Throw a few slices into warm water and witness their effects yourself.
3. Honey
Honey has a host of antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Drinking honey with lemon eases the pain of a sore throat. Studies also propose that honey works well as a cough suppressant.
One study revealed that the cough symptoms of children decreased if they consumed it before bed. Furthermore, they had fewer cold symptoms than before because they slept soundly.
However, never give honey to infants because it has a bacterium called botulinum. Botulinum spores are typically harmless, but the immune systems of infants are too weak to fight them.
4. Garlic
Garlic contains the compound allicin, which may have antimicrobial properties. You will find the compound all in garlic. If you add a garlic supplement to your diet, your cold symptoms will decrease, and you may avoid illness altogether.
5. Echinacea
The echinacea plant has treated infections for centuries. Flavonoids, found in grapes, are among the beneficial compounds it contains.
For example, flavonoids can boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. Studies on this plant’s effectiveness as a cold remedy have produced mixed results. But one review suggests that taking echinacea may lower your risk of developing the common cold by more than 50 percent.
There is some consensus that it fights the flu bug. One review suggests that it lowers the risk of a cold by more than 50%. To reduce the length of the flu, try taking it three times daily for a week, and no longer.
6. Vitamin C
Vitamin C benefits the body in many ways. You already know that you need Vitamin C. This potent substance is an effective flu buster.
Limes, grapefruits, oranges, and leafy vegetables are rich sources of this Vitamin. Drinking hot or cold lemonade may also help.
Hot tea with honey and lemon juice will work. Lemonade, drunk either hot or cold, can put out the sniffles too. These drinks aren’t a cure-all but can provide Vitamin C to boost your immunity. They relieve respiratory and other illnesses.
7. Probiotics
Also on this list are probiotics or the healthy bacteria in our bodies. You can source them from some foods and supplements. They ensure the well being of your immune system and reduce the risk of infections. Probiotic yogurt is a rich source of this beneficial bacteria. It is not only a healthy snack but also offers protein and calcium.
How to Prevent the Flu with Lifestyle Changes
Eating right is not the only way to prevent the common cold. Making changes to your habits will keep the flu at bay.
1. Washing hands
First of all, wash your hands regularly. Do so after shaking another person’s hand. Doing this will dilute unwanted germs and eliminate them.
2. Don’t touch
Also, keep your hands off your nose and eyes. These are where bacteria typically settle.
3. Go to bed
You need more sleep than usual when you have the flu. Always sneezing and coughing is tiring, so experts suggest getting about 10 hours of sleep when we’re ill.
4. Build your immunity with healthy food
With the constant need to fulfill social or work obligations, it isn’t easy to keep to a healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables, however, will boost your immunity.
5. Exercise
Putting on sweatpants and heading for the gym may enhance your resistance to bacteria. Workouts, according to experts, strengthen the immune function of cells.
6. Avoid flu triggers
Keep away from people who sneeze or have coughs. You will need flu remedies otherwise. Avoid sick family members or friends if possible.
7. Sanitize yourself
Keep sanitizing gel or alcohol-based hand wipes on you at all times. Pharmacies have sanitizing gels on their shelves, and you should always have a bottle with you.
8. Quit smoking
Smoking heightens the risk of infectious diseases because it causes changes in the respiratory tract, according to studies. In particular, it harms Cilia, the tiny, fibrous hairs in our noses. These trap bacteria.
9. Avoid double dipping
Don’t double-dip your chips, experts advise. While it is a way to enjoy spicy salsa, you may pass germs on to others.
10. Use vinyl purses
You risk infecting yourself when you pick up a cloth handbag. Try using those made of Vinyl or Leather, particularly during the winter months.
11. Avoid nail biting
Nails carry bacteria, and nibbling them means that you ingest them. Conquer the fears that make you chew on them, and you’ll quit the habit.
12. Sneeze at the right place
This tip may seem odd but sneeze into your elbow if you have to, and not into your hands. Your hands are full of bacteria, so sneeze into your elbow instead.
What If You’re Already Sick?
If you already have a cold, all’s not lost. There are ways to eliminate the sniffles. If your sniffles worsen, see a doctor lest they turn into pneumonia or bronchitis. Also, drink plenty of water. You can become dehydrated, particularly if you have a fever or are vomiting.
Finally, never reuse tissues because you may reintroduce bacteria and worsen your cold. In all, grandma’s flu remedies may not do away with the flu entirely, but they can comfort you and quicken the healing process.
