10 NATURAL REMEDIES FOR COLD AND FLU
When we have a cold or have the flu, there are different ways to mitigate the symptoms and promote recovery. Most go to medications, but there are a lot of home remedies that strengthen our immunity and attack flu viruses. It is possible to reduce pains or discomfort with botanical ingredients, minerals. And vitamins, so do not miss the 10 natural remedies that we reveal below. Here are 10 natural remedies for cold and flu.
Honey: for coughing and to accelerate recovery
Honey is a natural product that favors recovery in viral respiratory infections. It has been shown to inhibit the replication of the influenza virus, increase the effectiveness of some antiviral drugs. And is more effective than dextromethorphan. And diphenhydramine (which are the most common active ingredients in over-the-counter cough medicines). It is one of the best natural remedies for cold and flu
Garlic: to prevent and reduce the severity
During the medieval period, garlic was used on the body to protect itself from the “evil eye” and was hung in the houses to fight against supernatural entities that “could cause diseases”. Although there is a lot of legends, it is true that there is a bit of truth in all this. Logically garlic cannot get away from the evil eye or evil spirits (or vampires). But it does help protect us against viruses.
It has been shown that allicin (a compound that is released when garlic is crushed, broken or cut) increases immunity against viruses that cause colds. The extract of aged garlic can reduce the cold. And the severity of the fl, since it improves the function of the immune cells. And reduces the inflammation caused by the virus. It is one of the best natural remedies for cold and flu
Even so, in the investigations, 2.5 grams of aged garlic extract has been used per day. So it is not known how it affects fresh or dried garlic.
Ginger: for prevention and treatment
In China and Japan, ginger is a key food for traditional herbal infusions that treat the common cold. There are studies that indicate that fresh ginger may have an antiviral function against certain viruses that infect the respiratory system.
Propolis: to accelerate recovery
Propolis is a mixture of resin produced when bees mix their saliva. And wax with the secretions obtained from trees and other botanical sources. Bees use propolis to protect themselves from bacterial, fungal. And viral pathogens, making it the “immune system” of the hive. The funny thing is that propolis also benefits the immune system of humans, thanks to its polyphenolic content. It is one of the best natural remedies for cold and flu
Probiotics: to improve prevention
There was an investigation that assured that having a healthy intestinal microbiota is fundamental to initiate an appropriate immune response to the influenza virus.
Fermented foods and probiotics that provide beneficial bacteria in the intestine are powerful elements to prevent. And fight flu viruses and the cold. One study found that when adults frequently caught a cold. And received supplements of Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus casei. And Lactobacillus fermentum for 12 weeks, a marked reduction in the number of upper respiratory infections was generated. It was also discovered that eating Lacto-fermented yogurts reduces the risk of catching a common cold in healthy elderly people.
Unfortunately, when we go through a flu process, our intestine suffers some harmful effects. The most normal is that they suffer reductions in the diversity of the intestinal microbiota and increases in bacteria of E. coli and Enterococcus faecium. If we take Lactobacillus probiotics and lacto-fermented foods, we can help prevent or reduce any adverse effects.
Vitamin C: to decrease the duration
For years, the importance of vitamin C in treating colds and flu has been discussed. A meta-analysis of studies found that taking extra doses of vitamin C at the onset of a cold significantly reduces its duration. Experts recommend taking between 1,000 and 4,000 mg of this vitamin during the cold and flu season.
Vitamins A and D: for prevention
Vitamins A and D work together to protect your immune health. In fact, the resistance that our body generates against influenza infection seems to depend to a large extent on the proportion of vitamin D and vitamin A. It is one of the best natural remedies for cold and flu
Zinc: to shorten the duration
Zinc is another mineral that stimulates the immune system and that many people do not consume enough in their diet. According to a review of trials that evaluated how zinc works for the common cold, they found that if it was given within the first 24 hours of a cold, it could significantly reduce its duration and the severity of symptoms.
Licorice: for prevention and treatment
Licorice root is a food that is used as botanical medicine and that contains antiviral properties. Glycyrrhizin, the component that gives licorice the sweet taste, can inhibit the replication of the influenza virus while reducing inflammation associated with the virus.
Although it is a healthy food, it should not be taken in large doses or for long periods in pregnancy, as it can have harmful effects on the baby. In addition, the licorice root phytochemicals also have effects on blood pressure, so people with hypertension, hypokalemia, hypernatremia or low testosterone levels should not take them for more than 10 days.
Selenium: for prevention
Selenium is a mineral that helps balance and regulate the immune system. It is essential to optimize your defenses against cold and flu viruses. Several studies have determined that a selenium deficiency causes the flu virus to mutate into more virulent forms. But, if we properly supply this mineral, we can improve the immune response to viral respiratory infections. (51, 52). It is one of the best natural remedies for cold and flu
You can choose selenium supplements, although you can also improve your intake through foods such as:
-Brazil nuts
-Mushrooms
-Shiitake mushrooms
-Cod
-Prawns
-Tuna
-Scallops
-Chicken
-Eggs
-Lamb
-Turkey
