Natural remedies to keep flu season at bay

Published in August 2017
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    Natural remedies to keep flu season at bay

    in Articles Hub
    Published in August 2017
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    We’re in the height of flu season at the moment, which means everywhere you turn in the office, on public transport, or really anywhere else, you’ll see at least one person sniffling, coughing, and looking downright miserable. And while you can’t completely stop exposure to the virus unless you go into full-on hibernation, there are lots of natural remedies you can use to help give your immune system the best chance of warding off illness.

    These natural flu remedies can reduce your chances of catching the flu, or help alleviate symptoms if you’re already under the weather.

    Natural remedies to boost your immune system

    • Vitamin C: Vitamin C is extremely important for immune system function and aids in the production of white blood cells. While you can get lots of vitamin C through eating foods like citrus fruits, green veggies, kiwi fruit, and strawberries, taking a supplement will give you an added boost if you’re not eating enough of the good stuff.
    • Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps immune system function and is also important for bone health. It’s produced naturally in the body through exposure to sunlight, but many of us still don’t have adequate levels, especially during winter. Food can’t provide enough vitamin D on its own, so consider taking a supplement to ensure your levels are in check.
    • Zinc: Zinc is a mineral needed for healthy immune function and can be found in foods like red meat, fish, chicken, dairy, eggs, and legumes. It can also have an antiviral effect, so a zinc supplement may be beneficial when taken during the first signs of illness.
    • Spirulina: A type of sea algae, spirulina is known as one of the most potent superfoods thanks to being chock-full of good stuff like lipids, essential fatty acids, vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and B vitamins. Spirulina can be taken in capsule form, or you can mix a spoonful of spirulina powder into smoothies or juice.

    Natural remedies to alleviate flu symptoms

    • Eucalyptus oil: While there are many claims about the effects of essential oils for treating flu symptoms, research has shown that eucalyptus oil has antiviral and antimicrobial effects, helping your body fight infection. Eucalyptus oil can also be used as a decongestant by mixing a few drops of oil into a pot of hot water and inhaling the steam.
    • Peppermint: Similar to eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil has been shown to have antiviral activity and can also soothe muscle aches, relieve coughs, and unblock stuffed noses. Peppermint essential oil can be used as a steam bath or diluted with olive oil and rubbed on the temples, neck or chest, while peppermint tea is great for soothing a sore throat.
    • Elderberry: Also known as sambucol, elderberry has been used for hundreds of years as a traditional folk medicine. A recent study showed that elderberry extract can help alleviate flu symptoms and promote faster recovery from the illness. 
    • Garlic: Your breath might suffer for it, but chewing a bulb of garlic a couple of times a day can reduce the duration of flu symptoms thanks to its immune-boosting and antiviral properties. If you can’t bear the thought of chowing down on raw garlic, there are also garlic extract supplements available.

    Remember, it’s best to be safe and book an appointment with a doctor before trying natural flu remedies.

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