Every now and again, especially during winter months, it is very common for both children and adults to suffer from common colds and flu. We often take over the counter medications to alleviate the symptoms and to shorten its course.
Both being respiratory illnesses, common colds and seasonal flu are caused by virus. Colds can be caused by different virus like Rhinovirus, RSV, Parainfluenza and Coronavirus (this is not the causative agent for Covid-19!) while flu is mainly caused by Influenza virus.
Symptoms of Common Colds and Seasonal Flu
It is difficult to know the difference between colds and flu because they share the same symptoms but generally speaking, colds are a lot milder compare to flu.
Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, chills, body malaise, fatigue, runny and stuffy nose. Common colds symptoms will be milder than that of flu and usually comes with runny nose.
The onset of flu symptoms are usually abrupt and colds symptoms develop gradually. Oftentimes, flu will include fever and chills while colds typically does not include fever as its symptom.
Traditional Medicine for Colds and Flu
Knowing that colds and flu are both caused by virus, there isn’t really any treatment for it. We just simply let the virus runs its course and remedy the symptoms that we have.
Homeopathic remedies (based on the belief that the body can cure itself) have been very helpful in alleviating symptoms and preventing the need of any pharmacologic intervention.
Ginger
Also known as Zingiber officinale, ginger had been widely used as a herbal remedy for sore throats and flu-like symptoms. According to researches, ginger reduce congestion and inflammation as it has antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Add ginger to boiling water. Allow the water to get the flavour of ginger. Add honey and lemon for better taste.
Lemon
Lemons are good source of vitamin C and bioflavonoids and this helps to boost the immune system. In addition, lemons are known to have antibacterial properties.
Add lemon to a cup of tea or flavour your water with lemon. Using the zest will also be beneficial as most of the nutrients can be found on the peel.
Garlic
As a kitchen staple, garlic possesses anti-microbial properties that can help remedy common colds and flu. It is packed with antioxidants that help boost the immune system.
Garlic has allicin that are known to give it its medicinal properties. This helps the body form a disease fighting protection against virus and bacteria
Crush cloves of garlic and mix it with honey. Let the mixture sit for several hours to let the allicin incorporate in the honey. Take a spoonful as needed.
Turmeric
Known as the ‘golden honey’, turmeric increases the production of mucus that can flush out bacteria and virus lodged in the respiratory tract. It has an anti-inflammatory property that are used to fight against colds, head aches and sore throats.
Turmeric contains curcumin that acts as anti-oxidants and helps the body to fight against bacteria and virus.
Combine turmeric with honey or you can mix turmeric with hot water and drink it as tea.
Honey
Honey has been widely used for thousands of years to treat illnesses. It soothes symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and is known to have antimicrobial properties.
Honey has a demulcent effect which relieves the irritation of the throat by forming a cooling film that soothes the airway. Plus the fact that honey tastes good and even children will like it!
Mix honey, lemon and hot water to make a hot drink. This will soothe sore throat and will be good to alleviate cough.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is used as a home remedy for cough and congestion. It contains capsaicin which is known to thin mucus and can help breakdown phlegm build up.
Capsaicin is known to relieve symptoms like post nasal drip and stuffy nose, and is believed to have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also believed to protect the body against cancer.
Mix cayenne pepper in a glass of water and drink to remedy colds. You can also add pepper to any juice to mask the taste of the pepper.
Are these natural remedies effective?
There are many alternative ways and natural remedies that can be found inside our house that can help us alleviate symptoms of colds and flu. These homeopathic remedies have been used for years in lieu of medications and have proven to give positive effects.
These simple remedies have great potential when being used in conjunction with modern medicine but if symptoms persist and is causing severe respiratory illness, do contact your doctor.
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