Herbal Remedies for Colds & Flu

Flu is a highly contagious disease that is spread by the influenza virus. It is an infection caused in the respiratory tract. Flu leads to fever, muscle aches, headache accompanied with weakness. The flu arrives from the blues. The flu is also known by a variety of other names such as the Asian flu, flu, Asian Flu Type A or B, Influenza A or B. The disease is highly contagious. It spreads through the air medium. The virus spreads from person to person by the infected droplets which get propagated in the air medium as a patient coughs or sneezes.

Symptoms of Cods

The common cold leads to various symptoms in every individual owing to the fact that cold is caused by numerous different viruses. Recognition of the symptoms is essential for proper medication for the curing of this wide spread disease. The symptoms start appearing after a time span of about 1-4 days after the entry of the virus into the human body as the virus needs a certain duration of time to establish a sound footing. The symptoms are fever, persistent cough, fatigue, nosebleed and also loss of the patient's appetite.

Home Remedies for Colds & Flu

Some of the effective home remedies using natural ingredients are of great significance and they are:

Lemons mixed with honey and warm water soothes the sore throat. Applying the same mixed in cold water to the forehead using a cloth is effective in reducing fever.

Honey is also excellent for coughs and sore throats when taken with one spoon of hot water as well as lemon.

Taking garlic cloves mixed with honey, pepper or ginger is effective on cough as well as cold.

Cayenne pepper assists in immune system. So taking a garlic recipe works wonders'

Chamomile tea relaxes and motivates sleep. It is good for fevers. Pregnant ladies should not use in large quantities.

Peppermint tea is good to reduce sinuses that are blocked. These tea bags in bath water are also effective.

Ginger added to tea or with boiling water and honey is very good for stomach problems.

Thyme is another favorite herb for reducing cough. Preparing a tea and letting it steep for ten minutes and then straining and adding honey the sweetener is a best remedy.

Oregano is also very useful for cough and colds. This should also be prepared in the same process as thyme.

Sage is another sore throat remedy. Preparing it with thyme and oregano and drinking it or gargling it will serve your purpose. This is also effective on fevers

Cinnamon reduces the immune system. Adding small quantities of cinnamon.

Gargle rock salt mixed with warm water.

Turmeric powder mixed with warm milk is very soothing and relaxing. It should be had twice or thrice in a day to have a desired effect. This should be had at least three days continuously.

Holy basil leaves when had directly has the desired effect or should be mixed with warm water and had as it eliminates the cough from the root.