How To

How to Fight a Flu Naturally

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(28 Ratings)

Many Americans prefer to forego modern medicine when it comes to fighting the flu. Here are some tips for when you have the bug.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Bottled Water
  • Chicken Broths
  • Fruit Juices
  • Ginger Teas
  • Herbal Teas
  • Marshmallows
  • Vegetable Broths
  • Echinacea
  • Eucalyptus Oils
  • Garlic Pills
  • Goldenseal
  • Slippery Elm
  • Vitamin C
  • Zinc Lozenges
  • Vitamin C
  1. Step 1

    Stay hydrated. If water is not appealing, try diluted fruit juice or herbal tea.

  2. Step 2

    Give yourself time off - rest is important in fighting a flu.

  3. Step 3

    Boost your immune system with Vitamin C every few hours.

  4. Step 4

    Use herbs such as echinacea and goldenseal which are said to help with influenza, also try ginger tea to settle your stomach.

  5. Step 5

    Take slippery elm and marshmallow for an irritated throat and cough.

  6. Step 6

    Try to swallow 2 garlic pills 3 times a day; these act as an antiboitic and are said to cleanse the system.

  7. Step 7

    Inhale eucalyptus oil by putting five drops in a hot bath or a cup of water.

  8. Step 8

    Start with broth (chicken or vegetable) and dry crackers once you can tolerate food.

  9. Step 9

    Dissolve a zinc lozenge under your tongue every two hours, not only are these a great immunostimulant, they will also make your throat feel better.

Tips & Warnings
  • The flu is caused by a virus and cannot be "cured" with antibiotics. But if you are still sick ten days after its onset, or if you became very sick very quickly, you should see a doctor. It's possible to have a bacterial infection along with a viral one, or to have an extremely virulent case of the flu.
  • Be sure to stay hydrated, as vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration. If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

Comments  

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on 9/15/2009 A reasonably hot bath with epsom salt (use caution if you have high blood pressure or have any other conditions that may contraindicate). Add 1/2 to 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide, and a few drops of lavender and/or eucalyptus oils usually aids in warding off a cold or flu. It's important to keep warm and rest after taking this bath. It aids in warming and soothing the body, sweating and releasing toxins, and clearing congestion. If a bath isn't feasible, use this bath formula in a foot soak. Either bath or foot soak should be for 20 to 40 minutes, depending on comfort. Also, I would use caution with taking too much zinc. On an empty stomach, zinc tends to cause nausea. Too much zinc, over 100mg in a day, tends to suppress immunity. Echinacea should be used on and off. Meaning, that after using it for one week, take the following week off, this is to avoid suppressing immunity ...

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on 6/1/2009 buy this http://tamiflushop.us/product/tamiflu.html

Okky said

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on 11/17/2008 Always try to make the body as warm as possible. Always wear socks, sleep with blanket though it is Summer. Let the sunlight warm the body, the runny nose will go away.

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on 11/14/2008 Tanning may help. New research shows indoor tanning raises vitamin D levels and may help to prevent you from getting the flu. http://www.hollywoodtansatlanta.com/news.htm

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 12/19/2005 When you are going back to eating solids after the flu, try Jello. It is mellow and easier to digest than regular food. It also contains electrolytes.

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