8 Tips to Treat Colds and Flu the 'Natural' Way
No.
1: Blow Your Nose Often -- and the Right Way
It's important to blow your nose
regularly when you have a cold rather than sniffling mucus back into your head.
But when you blow hard, pressure can cause an earache.
The best way to blow your nose: Press a finger over one nostril while you blow gently
to clear the other. Wash
your hands after blowing your nose.
Resting when you first come down with a cold or the flu
helps your body direct its energy toward the immune battle. This battle taxes
the body. So give it a little help by lying down under a blanket.
Gargling can moisten a sore
throat and bring temporary relief. Try a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm
water, four times daily. To reduce the tickle in your throat, try an astringent
gargle -- such as tea that contains tannin -- to tighten the membranes. Or use
a thick, viscous gargle made with honey or a mixture of honey and apple
cider vinegar, a popular folk remedy. Steep one tablespoon of raspberry leaves
or lemon juice in two cups of hot water and mix in one teaspoon of honey. Let
the mixture cool to room temperature before gargling. Honey should never be given to children under age 1.
Hot liquids relieve nasal
congestion, help prevent dehydration,
and soothe the uncomfortably inflamed
membranes that line your nose and throat.
Steamy showers moisturize your nasal
passages and relax you. If you're dizzy from the flu, run a
steamy shower while you sit on a chair nearby and take a sponge bath.
Either temperature may help you feel more comfortable. You can buy
reusable hot or cold packs at a drugstore. Or make your own. Take a damp
washcloth and heat it for 55 seconds in a microwave (test the temperature first
to make sure it's not scalding). Or take a small bag of frozen peas to use as a
cold pack.
No. 7: Sleep With an Extra Pillow Under Your Head
This will help with the drainage
of nasal passages. If the angle is too awkward, try placing the pillows
between the mattress and the box springs to create a more gradual slope.
No. 8: Don't Fly Unless Necessary
There's no point adding stress to your
already stressed-out upper respiratory
system, and that's what the change in air pressure will do. Flying with
cold or flu
congestion can hurt your eardrums as a
result of pressure changes during takeoff and landing. If you must fly, use adecongestant and
carry a nasal spray with you to use just before takeoff and landing. Chewing
gum and swallowing frequently can also help relieve pressure.
Remember,
serious conditions can masquerade as the common cold
and a mild infection can evolve into something more serious. If you have severe
symptoms or are feeling sicker with each passing day, see a doctor
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