There are natural remedies for the flu that will help you feel better. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. The symptoms are similar to a cold but also include fever, chills, headache, vomiting, and body aches. Fortunately, there are natural remedies will help your body fight the illness and support healing. A combination of natural therapies such as homeopathy, herbs, supplements, and foods is a well rounded approach.
If you or your child is sick with the flu, here is a list of remedies you can use to get your body through the illness.
Homeopathic Remedies
- Oscillococcinum – for general flu-like symptoms
- Belladonna – fever support
- Homeopathic Zinc – zinc helps your immune system fight bacteria and viruses.
Herbal Remedies
- Elderberry – a tbsp of elderberry syrup 1-3 times per day while sick
- Echinacea – a dropperful of echinacea tincture
- Thyme – thyme tea helps with cough
Supplements
- Vitamin C – whole food vitamin C supplements are the best option
- Vitamin D – healthy levels of vitamin D help keep the immune system strong
Essential Oils
- Eucalyptus – diffuse
- Peppermint – diffuse
- Thieves – diffuse
Healing Foods & Beverages
- Homemade Chicken soup – use bone broth add healing herbs to the broth like thyme, or an adaptogen like astragalus
- Honey – helps sooth sore throats
- Lemon – high in vitamin c
- Sore throat lemonade
- Sugar-free electrolyte drinks are helpful to stay hydrated. Dehydration is a common problem when you have the flu.
- Fermented foods for healthy gut flora which helps strengthen the immune system.
Use a Combination of Natural Remedies for the Flu
A combination of remedies used consistently throughout the duration of the illness will help. Natural remedies work but they need to be use consistently throughout the illness, taking 2-3 doses of them per day.
Most importantly, rest and hydrate!
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These are good recommendations. You should have a caution on the essential oils though. Thieves contains cinnamon and clove which are blood thinning. Peppermint should be used with caution around children as it can slow breathing. It should not be used under the age of 3. Caution errs on the side of age 6. Eucalyptus should not be used for children under the age of 10 (Fir is much safer and equally effective),
I agree that essential oils should be used with caution with children. I have found that diffusing them in small amounts are safe and helpful for my family. I would not ingest any of these oils. They can be used topically at the proper dilution rate.