How to Fight a Flu Naturally

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

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

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

1. Stay hydrated. If water is not appealing, try diluted fruit juice or herbal tea.
2. Give yourself time off - rest is important in fighting a flu.
3. Boost your immune system with Vitamin C every few hours.
4. Use herbs such as echinacea and goldenseal which are said to help with influenza, also try ginger tea to settle your stomach.
5. Take slippery elm and marshmallow for an irritated throat and cough.
6. Try to swallow 2 garlic pills 3 times a day; these act as an antiboitic and are said to cleanse the system.
7. Inhale eucalyptus oil by putting five drops in a hot bath or a cup of water.
8. Start with broth (chicken or vegetable) and dry crackers once you can tolerate food.
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.