For most viral infections, such as cold and flu, the prescribed treatment can only help manage the symptoms until your body develops enough immunity to fight off the virus. Moreover, antibiotics are not effective against viruses. So what to do in case you get cold and flu?

With over 200 known viruses that can cause cold and flu, managing the condition naturally seems like the only viable option. Let’s look at 11 tips to manage cold and flu naturally.

1. The Magic of Steaming Chicken Broth

Let’s start with the classic. You might be thinking if it is really a way to manage cold or is it just something that your older generations have passed it on to you.

The answer is “both.”

Consuming hot chicken broth helps relieve the symptoms of cold and flu, such as sore throat and stuffy nose. Moreover, it keeps you hydrated. If you add some vegetables to the soup, you get all the essential vitamins you need to boost your immunity. Research also suggests that chicken soup can have a mild anti-inflammatory effect that can help ease the symptoms. Furthermore, when you consume chicken soup with vegetables, it helps a specific type of white blood cell, neutrophils, in your body to congregate and fight off the infection.

With all the fantastic benefits of chicken broth, a warm bowl is all you need to manage your cold and flu symptoms.

2. Increase Fluid Intake

Common cold and flu may not be life-threatening, but they can leave you miserable. And when you are unwell to the core, it is easy to get dehydrated. Moreover, with all the symptoms associated with cold and flu, such as loss of appetite, sweating and nausea, it is only natural to lose your body’s hydration.

So, it is crucial to increase your fluid intake. Indeed, it is easier said than done. But that’s what you need right now. When your body is hydrated, it helps process and eliminate toxic waste from the body and allows you to recover from cold and flu naturally.

Some of the fluids you can consume to manage your cold, and flu symptoms include:

• Plain water,
• Chicken broth,
• Herbal tea,
• Orange Juice, and
• Honey and lemon juice.

3. Use the Power of the Humble Root – Ginger

Ginger, the sister root of turmeric and cardamom, is a potent plant offering several health benefits. Its powerful health benefits have been known for centuries, but now we have scientific evidence. Ginger is an excellent natural remedy for managing nausea, provides an anti-inflammatory effect, and is rich in antioxidants. Fresh ginger is particularly beneficial against fighting viruses that cause respiratory infections.

So cut your fresh ginger root to make your homemade ginger tea. While it will soothe your sore throat, it will offer several other benefits to your body. Another way to use ginger to manage cold and flu is ginger kombucha. It combines the ginger root and fermented tea beverage benefits and gives you a good dose of probiotics and antioxidants.

4. Honey and Lemon Juice – A Homemade Cough Syrup

Whether you have a mild cough or sore throat, a combination of honey and lemon juice is a time-honored natural remedy to ease the symptoms. Honey soothes a sore throat. It also works as a natural sedative and can improve sleep; the more you rest, the quicker you recover from cold and flu symptoms.

On the other hand, lemon juice is rich in Vitamin C and helps cut through the congestion.

Here is how to use it.

Mix around two teaspoons of honey with a few drops of lemon juice, and you are good to go.

You can consume honey and lemon juice directly, and it will offer the benefits same as a cough syrup. Or you can mix it in a cup of warm water. Either way, it will have a soothing effect on your sore throat and cough.

Remember: Do not use the remedy for children under the age of 1 year old.

5. Improve Your Defense Against the Flu

Use Vitamin C-rich Foods or Supplements

The best way to boost your immunity is to eat foods rich in Vitamin C. Fruits such as citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, mango, and pineapple are all excellent sources of vitamin C. Moreover, you can get a good dose of Vitamin C from bell peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, and cabbage.

Consume Black or Green Tea�

Several varieties of tea contain immunity-boosting properties. Scientific evidence supports that black or green tea consumption can prevent or even shorten the duration of viral infections, including cold and flu. Moreover, specific tea varieties contain catechin, a phytochemical which can naturally treat gastrointestinal disorders leading to diarrhea.

Go Berries

While berries are an excellent source of Vitamin C, they contain active ingredients that can help manage pain and reduce fever. Moreover, berries such as cranberries and blueberries are rich in antioxidants and prebiotics that can keep your digestive health in good shape.

Bananas

Looking for a potent dose of soluble fiber and potassium? Eat a banana every day. It is excellent for your digestive health and can help relieve symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea. When your digestive system is healthy, your body is likely to remain healthy and fight off viral infections.

Some other tips that can help you manage the symptoms of cold and flu naturally include.

6. Getting enough rest

7. Frequently washing your hands

8. Regularly blowing the nose

9. Gargling with warm, saltwater

10. Steam inhalation

11. Use of a humidifier in your room

Hopefully, with our 11 tips, you will be able to manage your cold and flu naturally. When you are sick, make sure you stay at home to avoid the spread of the virus.

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