Effective Home Treatments for Flu and Cough – Best Home Remedies

Many home treatments provide temporary relief from flu and cough symptoms; however, they may not work for everyone.

Sips of warm liquids may help soothe a sore throat and keep the body hydrated, such as chicken noodle soup or other warm drinks like passion fruit tea (though avoid giving this to children as onions pose potential choking hazards).

Over-the-counter cold and cough medicines may provide some symptom relief for adults and children over five, but won't prevent or shorten an illness.

1. Soothe Your Throat

Flu and cough symptoms can be excruciatingly uncomfortable, but simple home treatments may offer relief. Laooq Sapistan is herbal Unani formulation used in various upper respiratory tract ailments such as COLD, catarrh and cough. Your upper respiratory tract includes the nose, throat, pharynx, larynx, and bronchi.

Warm liquids such as chicken soup, tea or apple juice may provide relief to sore throats by increasing mucus flow and clearing away congestion. Honey can help relieve coughs in adults and children over 1 and has antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however infants should never receive honey due to possible infant botulism risks.

Sipping decaffeinated tea, low-sugar juice or clear broth may soothe a sore throat while helping thin mucus to alleviate coughing. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water, non-caffeinated herbal teas (such as ginger or slippery elm) or warm liquids containing licorice root, peppermint or thyme for best results.

2. Breathe Steam             

Steaming has long been recognized as an effective treatment to alleviate congestion, dry cough and mucus buildup in the throat and chest area. Furthermore, it can trigger productive coughs that help move mucus from your body more easily.

Eucalyptus oil is a key ingredient of many over-the-counter cough remedies, including Vicks VapoRub. Studies indicate that it may help alleviate sinus congestion, cold and flu symptoms, bronchitis and asthma symptoms.

Use a vaporizer filled with water and a capsule of eucalyptus oil or essential oil containing this element, or opt for essential oil that contains this component. Another approach could be boiling marsh mallow root, an expectorant herb with anti-cough properties available at health food stores and online. You could even make tea from its soothing properties!

3. Take a Hot Bath

Flu virus spreads via droplets produced when infected individuals cough, sneeze or speak. Preventative measures may help you stay healthy throughout flu season.

If you do become sick, make sure you drink lots of fluids throughout the day in order to prevent dehydration. Water, lemon juice, tea and warm soup can all help loosen mucus from your lungs.

Soothing sore muscles with a hot bath is also an effective way to ease coughs, although be careful not to overdo it as too much hot water could worsen symptoms of your cough. Finally, if your cough includes chest pain, fever, confusion, night sweats or unexplained weight loss you should see a physician immediately as they may suggest different treatments that may help.

4. Gargle with Salt Water

Salt water gargles can not only soothe an itchy throat but can also prevent coughing. This home treatment is safe, inexpensive, and simple to prepare - making this treatment time-tested and cost-effective.

Saline solution draws excess fluid away from inflamed throat tissues and breaks up thick mucus containing allergens, irritants, bacteria, and fungi. Furthermore, pakistan herbal products and this treatment works to maintain an ideal pH balance within both mouth and throat for protecting against infections.

Make your own saline solution by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of table or sea salt with 8 ounces of warm (but not boiling hot) water, taking a large sip, swishing it around in your throat until coated by your teeth, gums and throat before spitting out and repeating as often as needed to alleviate throat pain.

5. Drink Plenty of Water

One effective way to prevent coughing is to stay hydrated by drinking enough fluids, particularly water, in order to stay hydrated and loosen mucus and ease congestion. You could also sip warm soup, tea or juice; but avoid giving honey to infants under one year as this could potentially cause botulism which is fatal.

Horovitz notes that using a humidifier to increase humidity levels could help ward off flu infections in your home, according to studies that indicate flu viruses thrive better in dry air conditions.

Over-the-counter cough medicines such as decongestants and expectorants may help soothe coughs and ease congestion, but won't cure a cold or shorten its duration. Be wary when taking OTC medicines if you have preexisting medical conditions. Furthermore, aspirin should never be given to children or teenagers suffering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms due to Reye's syndrome risks.