How to Beat the Flu and Get Rid of a Cold
Treatments That Offer Relief and Shorten the Length of Infection
Mar 1, 2009
This year has been bad for certain virus strains that cause upper respiratory infections, weakness, coughing, fevers and sore throats. A combination of home remedies and rest can fight off virus and infections and help speed recovery.
Of course, a trip to the doctor is always prudent to rule out strep throat or other bacterial infections; but if the illness is viral and not going to be fixed by antibiotics, here are some tried and true home remedies.
Relief from the Flu
- Lysine - This supplement usually comes in 500 or 1000 mg, and taking up to 1500 mg. every 3 hours or so for a few days can help reduce symptoms of flu and respiratory viruses.
- Aspirin 50-250 mg.- Not only does aspirin help with pain and reduce fever, it helps the white blood cells detect and destroy viruses. Of course, if aspirin is upsetting to the stomach, it’s a good idea to take with food. If the stomach problems persist or you cannot tolerate aspirin, discuss other options with your health care practitioner. NSAID (non steroid anti-inflammatory over-the-counter medications) like ibuprofen will also help with pain and fever but they do not destroy the outer coating of the viruses like aspirin will.
- Hydrogen Peroxide 3% - Mix 5 to 10 drops in a glass of water, several times a day. Hydrogen peroxide is known for its ability to disinfect and is used worldwide as a water purifier and for other medicinal purposes. A good guide for consumption is available here.
- Apple Cider Vinegar - Two tablespoons mixed with a teaspoon of honey in 6 ounces of warm water, every few hours. The many health benefits of ACV, as it’s called, are well-documented and help with everything from muscle aches and pains to sore throats that accompany the flu.
- Medicinal Bath - A soaking bath of 2 cups apple cider vinegar, 1/2 bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide and 2 cups Epsom salts added to the bath water. Soaking in this mixture is said to improve energy, speed healing and detoxifying. Many people report noticeable improvement and feeling better within hours of using this bath. Adding 10 drops eucalyptus oil can also help with congestion.
Sometimes it takes trial and error to find the best remedy for each virus and illness. Specific herbs, like ginger, each work on different symptoms; it's a matter of finding what gives us the best relief.
How Long Does the Flu Last?
Of course rest and plenty of liquids are always important when recovering from any illness. Viruses run their course. They can be staved off by practicing good hygiene, washing hands and getting plenty of rest. But this time of year, they are hard to avoid and miserable to endure. On average, colds and flu can last 7-10 days or longer, but these therapies can hopefully help relieve some of the symptoms and reduced the duration of the illness.
 |
