7 Natural Ways to Deal With a Cold or Flu

Modern medicine still has not come up with a cure for the common cold or the flu. Prescription drugs are available to help deal with the symptoms, but they might be expensive for some. Here are some natural ways to deal with a cold or flu:

Seven of the Top Natural Ways to Deal With a Cold or Flu

1. Get enough rest

Your body needs the right amount of rest to fight off the infection. It needs all the energy it can get to strengthen the immune system. Don’t be in a hurry to get back to your normal daily activities; just help your body heal itself for now.

2. Drink hot liquids
Hot liquids help prevent dehydration, decrease inflammation of the throat and nasal membranes, and relieve congestion.

3. Sleep with an extra pillow
Having the flu makes it difficult to breathe especially when you’re lying flat. You need to elevate your head at a higher angle to help drain your nasal passages while you sleep.

4. Blow your nose
Fluids that accumulate in your nasal cavities should be blown off regularly instead of sniffed back into the head. However, you need to blow your nose properly to avoid damage caused by extreme pressure. Blow your nose gently by covering one nostril at a time. Wash hands thoroughly to prevent germs from spreading.

5. Gargle
Gargling with a warm, saline solution four times a day can help soothe a sore throat and kill microorganisms. Saltwater destroys bacteria by drawing water out of their cells. You can also add apple cider vinegar and honey to help tighten the membranes.

6. Take a hot bath
Hot baths help moisturize your nasal passages and relax your body. It also promotes blood circulation to help fight off infection.

7. Apply hot or cold packs
During a cold, you may experience congestion in your sinus area. This can be relieved by applying either hot or cold packs, whichever you prefer. If you don’t have a reusable pack available, you can use a washcloth dipped in hot water or a frozen bag of peas.

Having a health insurance plan can be very beneficial when dealing with illnesses like the cold or flu. Regular check-ups and preventive care covered by a health insurance plan can help catch infections early and provide necessary treatments, reducing the overall impact on your health.

Source: VISTA Health Solutions