10 home remedies for the flu

10 home remedies for the flu

Natural treatments

Home remedies for flu include medicinal herbs, such as guaco and turmeric, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helping to combat some symptoms, including sore throat, cough and runny nose, for example.

When treating the flu, it is also important to prioritize foods such as oranges and lemons, which contain vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system, thus helping to recover from the flu. See other foods that also help strengthen the immune system.

Home remedies for the flu do not replace the treatment recommended by your doctor and, therefore, should only be used to complement the indicated treatment and help with recovery.

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Some home remedy options to help treat the flu are:

1. Ginger tea with lemon

Ginger tea with lemon contains gingerol, vitamin C and zingerone, compounds with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant action, which help relieve flu symptoms, such as throat irritation and coughing. See how ginger can help treat the flu.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cm of fresh ginger or 1 tablespoon of powdered ginger;
  • Drops of lemon juice;
  • Water.

Preparation mode:

Place 2 cm of fresh ginger in 200 ml of water, or 1 tablespoon of powdered ginger for every 1 liter of water. Boil for 10 to 15 minutes, let it cool, strain, add lemon drops and drink 3 cups a day.

Who cannot consume: This tea is not recommended for children under 6 years of age, for people who use anticoagulant medications, who have gallstones and hemorrhagic diseases. Furthermore, pregnant women and people using medications to control high blood pressure and diabetes should only consume this tea under the guidance of a doctor.

2. Orange juice with lemon and propolis

Because it is rich in compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, such as vitamin C and flavonoids, orange juice with lemon and propolis strengthens immunity, helping to fight the flu virus.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oranges;
  • 1 lemon;
  • 1 dessert spoon of honey;
  • 2 drops of propolis extract.

Preparation mode:

In a glass, squeeze 2 oranges, 1 lemon and add 1 dessert spoon of honey. Finally, add 2 drops of propolis extract, mixing well, and drink.

Who should not consume: This juice is not recommended for people with allergies to bees, propolis or some of the components of this product. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consume this juice under the guidance of a doctor.

3. Green tea with honey

Because it contains flavonoids and catechins, which are compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, green tea helps to strengthen the immune system. Honey has antimicrobial properties, helping to alleviate flu symptoms, especially coughing.

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon of green tea;
  • 1 dessert spoon of honey;
  • 1 cup of boiling water.

Preparation mode:

Place green tea in boiling water. Cover and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes. After cooling, strain, sweeten the tea with 1/2 dessert spoon of honey and drink.

Who should not consume: This tea is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. This tea is also not recommended for children and anyone with thyroid, kidney, liver problems, gastritis, ulcers and insomnia. Furthermore, people using medication for diabetes, high blood pressure or anticoagulants should only consume this tea under the guidance of a doctor.

4. Garlic tea with lemon

Garlic contains allicin, alliin and alhoene, compounds with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which strengthen the immune system, helping to alleviate some flu symptoms, such as headache and stuffy nose.

Ingredients:

  • 1 clove of garlic;
  • 200 ml of water;
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.

Preparation mode:

Boil the water. Then, add the crushed or chopped garlic clove to the boiling water, letting it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain, add lemon juice and drink.

Who should not consume: This tea should not be consumed by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Furthermore, this tea is not recommended for children under 2 years of age and for people with problems such as gastritis, ulcers, low blood pressure and bleeding. People who are taking medication for high blood pressure or anticoagulants should only drink this tea with a doctor’s recommendation.

5. Guaco tea with honey

Guaco tea contains expectorant, anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator properties, making it a great option to help treat respiratory problems, relieving symptoms such as cough and phlegm.

Ingredients:

  • 3g (1 tablespoon) dried guaco leaves;
  • 150 ml of boiling water;
  • 1 tablespoon of honey.

Preparation mode:

Place the guaco leaves in boiling water. Cool and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Afterwards, add honey and drink 2 to 3 cups a day.

Who should not consume: This tea is not recommended for children under 3 years of age. Furthermore, pregnant women and people with certain health problems, such as cancer, tuberculosis, diabetes and liver disease, should also not consume this tea. People who use medications such as anticoagulants, antibiotics and anti-inflammatories should consult a doctor before drinking this tea.

6. Hot milk with ginger and star anise

Hot milk hydrates the throat and relieves some flu symptoms, such as runny nose, sore throat and cough. Ginger and star anise contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, strengthening the immune system and helping to fight the flu.

Milk can temporarily increase the viscosity of saliva in the mouth and throat, which may appear to increase mucus production. However, milk does not increase the production of mucus in the lungs and, therefore, can be consumed during the flu, except in cases of allergies or intolerances.

Ingredients:

  • 300 ml of milk;
  • 2 cm of fresh ginger;
  • 1 teaspoon of ground star anise seeds.

Preparation mode:

Place all ingredients in a pan and boil for 10 minutes. After the milk starts to bubble, wait on the heat for another 2 minutes. Leave to cool, sweeten with honey and drink while still warm before bed.

Who should not consume: This drink should not be consumed by people with allergies or intolerance to milk. This drink is also not recommended for children under 6 years of age, for people using anticoagulant medications, for those with gallstones or bleeding diseases. Pregnant women and people using medications to control high blood pressure and diabetes should only consume this drink under the guidance of a doctor.

7. Star anise tea

Star anise tea is a great option for relieving symptoms and fighting the virus responsible for the flu, because it contains shikimic acid, a compound with antiviral action. Check out all the benefits of star anise tea.

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon of ground star anise seeds or 2 anise stars;
  • 250 ml of boiling water.

Preparation mode:

Add the anise to the boiling water, cover and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Then strain and drink 2 to 3 cups a day.

Who should not consume: Anise tea should not be consumed by pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with high estrogen and children.

8. Turmeric tea

Turmeric is a root with powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action, which strengthens the immune system, helping to reduce flu symptoms, such as an irritated throat. Find out how turmeric helps treat the flu.

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder;
  • 150 ml of boiling water.

Preparation mode:

Place the turmeric in boiling water, cover and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups a day until your symptoms improve.

Who should not consume: This tea is not recommended for people with gastric ulcers, gallstones and who are using anticoagulant medications. Furthermore, pregnant or breastfeeding women should only drink this tea under the guidance of a doctor.

9. Orange peel tea with cinnamon and honey

Orange peel tea is rich in vitamin C and flavonoids, compounds with antioxidant properties that strengthen immune system cells, helping to improve the flu.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon of fresh or dehydrated orange peel (without the white part);
  • 200 ml of boiling water;
  • 1 small piece of cinnamon stick;
  • 1 dessert spoon of honey.

Preparation mode:

Wash well and peel the orange. Add the orange peel and cinnamon stick to the boiling water, cover and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove the skins, add the honey and drink immediately.

Who should not consume: This tea should not be consumed by people with stomach or intestinal ulcers.

10. Acerola juice

Acerola is rich in succinic acid, flavonoids and vitamin C, compounds with immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties that improve the functions of the body’s defense cells, helping to fight the flu virus.

Ingredients:

  • ½ glass of fresh acerolas;
  • 250 ml of water;
  • 1 dessert spoon of honey.

Preparation mode:

Wash the acerolas well and place in a blender with 250 ml of water and blend well. Strain, sweeten with honey and drink immediately.