The "best" flu remedy varies depending on who you ask. Some people believe that taking over-the-counter medications is the most effective way to get relief, while others believe that homeopathic remedies are the most effective. To avoid reinfection, place your toothbrush in a cup containing hydrogen peroxide and put a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in your ears. When used as soon as possible after becoming ill, hydrogen peroxide is said to be most effective. Elderberry extract, Boneset, Oscillococcinum, Naturoksinum, and Echinacea are all natural flu remedies that can reduce the severity and duration of the flu.
Tamiflu and Relenza are two prescription medications that work best when taken within two days of the onset of flu symptoms. Consume health juices like mangosteen, noni, goji, aloe vera, and acai berry to help prevent the flu and boost the immune system. Mangosteen juice is my preferred health juice. Abra Bath for colds and flu is a product that helps relieve congestion, body aches, and chills. Sudacare Shower Soothers are tablets that produce vapors of eucalyptus, menthol, and camphor to relieve congestion.
Over-the-counter nasal sprays are available to help relieve flu symptoms. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain. Throat lozenges or sprays can relieve discomfort. Rest is an essential part of fighting the flu. When you have the flu, drink as much fluid as possible, avoiding caffeine-containing beverages.
Clear juices, Gatorade, flavored water, and Pedialyte are good liquid choices. To treat flu symptoms, look for products that only treat the symptoms and do not over-medicate. If symptoms do not improve within a few days, contact your doctor.
The "best" flu remedy appears to differ depending on who you ask. Some people believe that taking over-the-counter medications is the most effective way to get relief. Others believe that homeopathic remedies are the most effective. Others believe that only their doctor can help them make the right decision.
My husband would tell you that the best flu remedy is to avoid getting the flu (he's not always the most helpful person). He speaks intelligently because he is rarely ill. I'm extremely envious of him. I believe his genes are superior to mine because he does not eat healthier or exercise more than I do, yet I am sick far more frequently than he is.
I get the flu almost every year. When I've had a bad case of the flu, I've tried over-the-counter medications, some homeopathic remedies, and I've gone to my doctor.
I've listed some common and not-so-common flu remedies below. Some of the remedies are homeopathic; others require the use of over-the-counter medications; and still others require a prescription.
1) This first item is more of a suggestion to avoid getting sick again than a remedy, but I think it's a great idea. To avoid reinfection, place your toothbrush in a cup containing hydrogen peroxide (especially if you have a cold). Toothbrushes are a breeding ground for bacteria, and hydrogen peroxide will kill the bacteria on your toothbrush. You could soak your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide every day to kill bacteria that have accumulated.
2) In addition to soaking your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide, put a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in your ears. It can aid in the killing of flu (or cold) germs. The hydrogen peroxide can sting a little at times. Using a cotton ball or a Q-tip, place a few drops in one ear. Drain the excess fluid onto a Kleenex or paper towel after a few minutes. Then repeat the process in the other ear. After an hour or two, repeat the process. Repeat until the hydrogen peroxide does not bubble when placed in the ear (usually after 2 or 3 times). When used as soon as possible after becoming ill, hydrogen peroxide is said to be most effective.
3) According to Israeli research, elderberry extract can shorten the duration of the flu. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or herbalist for instructions on how much and how often to take it, as well as to ensure that it will not interfere with any other medications or supplements you are currently taking.
4) Boneset is another herb that is said to reduce the severity and duration of the flu. It is typically mixed with boiled water, honey, and lemon (to make it easier to drink), and then sipped. Again, the recommended dosage should be discussed with your doctor, pharmacist, or herbalist.
5) Oscillococcinum is a common homeopathic/natural product used to treat flu symptoms such as body aches and pains, fever, and chills. One of the reasons it's so popular is that it doesn't make you sleepy.
6) Naturoksinum is yet another natural flu remedy. It is claimed to reduce the severity of flu symptoms by half. It is one of the most popular flu remedies in France and is also available in the US.
7) Echinacea is another popular natural flu remedy. Again, because it is a herbal product, consult with your doctor, pharmacist, or herbalist to ensure that it is safe for you to use and does not conflict with any other medications or supplements you are currently taking.
8) Tamiflu and Relenza are two prescription medications for flu treatment. Both medications work best when taken within two days of the onset of flu symptoms. Tamiflu and Relenza both work by preventing the flu virus from infecting healthy cells in the body, and they both work against influenza A and B.
9) Consume health juices like mangosteen, noni, goji, aloe vera, and acai berry. They are not only good juices to drink if you have the flu, but they can also help prevent it because they boost the immune system. Mangosteen juice is my preferred health juice. It tastes great and makes me feel better in general.
10) There are several products available to use in your bath or shower to help with flu symptoms. Abra Bath for colds and flu is a product that you add to your bath water. It is said to help relieve congestion, body aches, and the chills that come with the flu. Sudacare Shower Soothers are made by the same company that makes Sudafed. They are tablets that, when combined with warm shower water, produce vapors of eucalyptus, menthol, and camphor to relieve congestion.
11) Over-the-counter nasal sprays are available to help relieve flu symptoms. Flu Relief is one such product. However, nasal sprays are not as popular as most other remedies because many people dislike using them.
12) Common flu symptoms include fever, headaches, and aching muscles. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen, both of which are available over the counter, can help relieve pain.
13) When a person has the flu, they may have a persistent cough (http://www.microflu.com/flusymptoms/). To help quiet a cough caused by the flu, there are many over-the-counter cough medicines available, such as Robitussin (which has specific formulas of its products to help with flu symptoms).
14) Congestion is another symptom associated with the flu. A decongestant taken orally can help relieve congestion. Again, many over-the-counter products are available to combat flu symptoms such as congestion. Congestion can also be relieved with Vick's vapor rub.
15) Another vexing symptom of the flu is a sore throat. Throat lozenges or sprays can relieve discomfort. When my throat hurts, I gargle with warm salt water every hour. It's a remedy my mother used when I was younger. It worked for me back then, and it still does.
16) Rest is an essential part of fighting the flu. Your body requires rest in order to fight the infection. So give in to the desire to curl up under the covers and sleep. You'll probably feel better sooner if you do.
17) When you have the flu, drink as much fluid as you can. Caffeine-containing beverages should be avoided because they act as mild diuretics. Water is the best liquid, but it can be difficult for someone who is sick to drink enough of it. Clear juices, Gatorade (or any of the other sports drinks available), flavored water, and Pedialyte are also good liquid choices. When I was a kid and got the flu, my mother would always give me 7-up to drink. I could drink it without feeling sick to my stomach, and it tasted good enough that I drank enough of it to stay hydrated.
Always keep in mind that the flu (depending on which strain you have) can be a potentially fatal illness if not treated properly. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they are severe, do not be afraid to contact your doctor.
Another thing to remember when you have the flu (or any other illness) is to only treat the symptoms. To treat flu symptoms, there are numerous over-the-counter medications available. Many of these products provide relief from multiple symptoms. However, you may not have all of the symptoms that a specific medication treats. Look for products that only treat the symptoms you're experiencing. You do not want to over-medicate.
This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat illness or disease, nor is it intended to provide medical advice.
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