A warm water and salt rinse (sometimes called a salt water gargle) can soothe a sore throat. Some may be contraindicated for you based on medications you take, health concerns you have, or other reasons. 2014;(2):CD000530. This is true whether you have a respiratory flu or a stomach flu. Updated March 11, 2019. Learn about…. Although recent findings question the use of echinacea for colds and flu, it’s still one of the most popular herbs used today. These drugs work best when taken within two days of getting the flu. The symptoms may last anywhere from one day to a few days or more. Add a few drops of essential oils or a medicated vapor rub to the water for added antiviral and antioxidant benefits. This is true... Get plenty of rest. You can add fresh and dried herbs and spices to food to get similar benefits. 2015;1:CD001957. Another member of the group replied, saying, "you're better off taking Vitamin D and C, Elderberry, Zinc, and eating lots of fruits and vegetables.”. The rationale for its use comes from the homeopathic principle “like cures like. Plus, protein is important for rebuilding immune cells. We’ll review 10 natural remedies and explain how to use them, and why they can help. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Read more about the differences between flu and cold symptoms here. The warm moist air may also relieve swelling in the nose and lungs. And if you want to consider the use of natural remedies for the flu alongside treatments recommended by your doctor, discuss them with your practitioner first. You can also get dehydrated if you aren’t eating or drinking normally. Drink warm broth. 2015;56(1):11–8. Chances are many of you have already been feeling the flu’s nasty effects. A flu can last for one to two weeks. Treatment for the flu centers on relieving major symptoms until the flu goes away. Some commercially made mouthwashes include it as an ingredient. Updated August 27, 2018. Flu symptoms begin suddenly and are typically severe. In practice, you might add a few drops of tea tree oil to liquid hand soap when you wash your hands or mixed into lotion you use. Let your doctor know if you have a fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C). doi:10.11622/smedj.2015004. You can make a flu-fighting herbal tea with star anise and other herbs like: Sweeten herbal teas with pure honey. Differences in phenolics and cyanogenic glycosides in Sambucus nigra leaves, flowers and berries from different altitudes, Homeopathic Oscillococcinum® for preventing and treating influenza and influenza-like illness, Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold, Role of ginsenosides, the main active components of, in inflammatory responses and diseases, North American (Panax quinquefolius) and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) preparations for prevention of the common cold in healthy adults: a systematic review, Interaction between warfarin and Chinese herbal medicines. Also, seek urgent medical attention if your symptoms do not improve after one to two weeks. Cold symptoms are typically milder. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. The flu virus survives longer in dry indoor air. Be careful to test the temperature of the steam before breathing it in. To ward off colds and flus, here are a few ways to boost your body’s immunity naturally. How to Make Common Tinctures Used in Herbal Medicine, How Natural Remedies Can Help Your Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms. ", Oscillococcinum is made from 200 dilutions of duck heart and liver extracts, which are believed to be particularly vulnerable to influenza viruses. 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