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When we have flu and coughs, our throats become itchy, our noses run non-stop, and other symptoms interfere with activities. Luckily, there are natural cold and cough medicines that we can try at home.
Natural medicine can be an alternative if we don’t want to use chemical medicines which may have side effects that you don’t want. What are these natural remedies? Come on, take a look below!
What is flu and cough?
Flu is caused by an influenza virus infection that attacks the upper respiratory tract, such as the nose and throat. Therefore, it is not uncommon for flu to be accompanied by a cough.
This virus can spread through droplets carried in the air, physical contact with sufferers, or also touching items that have been exposed to the virus.
Natural flu and cough medicine that can be found at home
Basically, flu and coughs can heal by themselves. The length of recovery depends on your body’s endurance. But if the symptoms are very disturbing and maybe you are avoiding using chemical medicines.
There are several natural home remedies for flu and coughs that you can try, such as:
1. Ginger
There is no doubt about the health benefits of ginger. Apart from flavoring, a few slices of ginger mixed with warm water can also relieve coughs and sore throats.
Research also shows that boiling ginger water can relieve the nausea that is often experienced when suffering from the flu.
2. Honey
Another natural flu and cough medicine that you can easily find at home is honey. Honey has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. To get the benefits, you can consume a mixture of honey with lemon water.
This mixture is known to relieve sore throats. Research shows that honey is also an effective cough suppressant, including for children.
In the study, researchers found that giving children 10 grams of honey before bed could reduce the severity of cough and flu symptoms. Apart from that, children can also sleep more soundly.
But remember, you should not give honey to children under 1 year old. This is because some honey contains botulinum spores, which the baby’s weak immune system is not yet able to digest.
3. Garlic
Garlic contains the compound allicin, which has antimicrobial properties. Eating raw garlic or mixing it in warm water can reduce flu symptoms.
In fact, according to some studies, garlic can prevent flu in the first place.
So, when you start to feel cough or flu symptoms, there’s no harm in adding some garlic to your food, OK?
4. Orange
Vitamin C has a big role in body health. One rich source of vitamin C is citrus fruits such as limes, oranges, grapefruit, lemons.
Adding some orange juice to tea and honey can be an effective natural cold and cough medicine. This mixture can relieve phlegm in the throat.
Taking vitamin C during a cold can restore the immune system and can also relieve upper respiratory infections and other illnesses.
5. Salt water
Gargling with salt water can be an easy and cheap choice for natural cough and flu medicine. This method can also help prevent upper respiratory tract infections.
Apart from that, it can also reduce the severity of flu, such as sore throat and stuffy nose.
To try this remedy at home, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a full glass of water. Gargle around the mouth and throat, then spit it out.
6. Turmeric and milk
Turmeric has powerful antioxidants that help treat many health problems. Try drinking turmeric mixed with warm milk to fight colds and coughs. Drink a glass before you sleep, to help heal faster.
Another way to cure flu and cough naturally
Apart from natural cold and cough medicines, there are also several other ways you can try to speed up the healing process from flu and coughs, such as the following:
1. Keep the room humid
Influenza viruses spread more easily in dry environments. When you have a cold, so that the influenza virus doesn’t spread and make you worse, try to keep the room humid.
Room humidity can also reduce nasal inflammation, making it easier for you to breathe when you are sick.
One way you can do this is by using a humidifier. A humidifier can keep the room humid while keeping the air clean.
2. Take a warm shower
A warm shower can provide moisture to the nasal passages so that it can relieve your respiratory tract. Apart from that, taking a warm bath also makes you more relaxed.
If you have a high fever reaching 37.5 degrees Celsius, you should not immediately wash your body with warm water. Use a cloth that has previously been soaked in warm water.
3. Sleep with an extra pillow
One of the problems we often face when we have a cold and cough is a blocked nose. A stuffy nose really makes us uncomfortable, especially when we sleep.
So, to overcome this, you can use an extra pillow to position your head higher which will help relieve blocked nasal passages.
4. Drink lots of warm water
Warm water can loosen clogged mucus, prevent dehydration, and also relieve inflammation in the throat.
Therefore, make sure that when you have a cold or cough, you drink lots of warm water.
These are some natural cold and cough medicines that you can get at home. If with this natural medicine your flu and cough do not subside, immediately go to the doctor to get further treatment.
Have further questions about natural flu and cough medicine? Please chat directly with our doctor for a consultation via Good Doctor, a 24/7 service. Our doctor partners are ready to provide solutions. Come on, download the Good Doctor application here