Health
During cold and flu season, we try to do everything we can to avoid getting sick. Fortunately, you don't have to sit back and suffer.
There are simple and effective methods for dealing with colds that will help you recover faster.
Some cold and flu remedies are probably familiar to you, while others may be a real surprise.
See also: 20 foods that will help with flu and colds – Video
Folk remedies for flu and colds
1. Rinsing the nose with sea water
This method is very effective in relieving nasal congestion and fighting germs.
Add ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon baking soda to a glass of warm water. Put this solution in a syringe or syringe without a needle and wash your nose with it. Close one nostril lightly while you pour the saline solution into the other nostril and let it flow out. Repeat 2-3 times and then with the other nostril.
2. Rinse your throat
You may have heard that you need to gargle with salt water for sore throat, to thin phlegm, and to fight bacteria. But rinsing with salt water can still prevent the development of respiratory infections.
3. Make a warming drink
Hot drinks reduce nasal congestion, prevent dehydration and alleviate inflammation in the nose and throat that causes discomfort.
You can brew a hot herbal drink by adding a teaspoon of honey and lemon.
How to cure a cold at home
4. Go to bed wearing wet socks
It may sound strange, but wearing wet socks at night can reduce cold symptoms. This method helps reduce fever and relieve congestion, attracting blood to the legs, and improving blood circulation.
Warm your feet in hot water.
Then soak a pair of thin socks in cold water, squeezing them out and wearing them just before going to bed.
Wear dry woolen socks over wet socks.
By morning, wet socks will be warm and dry, and you will feel better.
5. Apply a cold or warm compress
You may find this method unusual, but hot and cold compresses are great for nasal congestion.
Read also: All you need to know about cold and flu symptoms
If you are using a hot compress, put a damp, clean cloth and heat it in the microwave for 55 seconds. A bag of frozen peas can be a good cold compress.
6. Make lemonade
We associate lemonade with summer, but it is also an excellent drink that promotes digestion, as well as a remedy for the flu and cold.
Lemonade recipe:
· 2-3 teaspoons of honey
· 2 squeezed lemons
· Water
Mix lemon juice with honey and then dilute with water, adding lemon slices.
How to treat a cold at home
7. Lubricate under the nose
Gently rub a small amount of “Star” or other menthol ointment under your nose to help ease breathing and reduce irritation. Also, this ointment will have a slightly freezing effect, dulling discomfort.
8. Add some steam
Many of us know that steam helps relieve congestion and helps dilute phlegm. By taking a hot shower, you can breathe in enough steam.
But you can also breathe in steam without taking a shower.
· Boil water and pour it into a large bowl.
· Cover your head with a towel to prevent the steam from escaping and inhale it through your nose over the bowl for 5-10 minutes.
9. Raise your head
If you like to sleep without pillows, you may need to reconsider your preferences for a while.
By supporting your head with pillows, you can relieve nasal congestion. If you're not comfortable, place pillows between the mattress and the bed mesh spring to create a gradual slope.
Treatment of colds with folk remedies
10. Pay attention to vitamins
Many of us have heard about the benefits of vitamin C in fighting colds and flu. But there are plenty of other vitamins and minerals to look out for.
These include omega-3, vitamin D, zinc. They each have different benefits, so try to include more foods that contain these vitamins and minerals or take vitamin supplements.
11. Include the right products
At the first sign of a cold, you should exclude “white” foods from your diet, which suppress the immune system and slow down your body's regenerative function. This includes: wheat flour, sugar and sweets, milk, cheese, dairy products, sweeteners and sugary sodas.
Read also: Top 10 foods to fight colds and flu
At the same time, include more fruits and vegetables in your menu, especially carrots, berries, onions, bananas, brown rice, bell peppers and mustard.
20 foods that will help with flu and colds