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Flu is caused by infection of the upper respiratory system involving throat and nose . Hence, when flu attacks us it comes down with vigor accompanied by severe pain in the throat, cold, congestion and fever. Even If the fever is not there, a feverish feeling may be present.

When looking for the remedies, we will have to consider healing the cold, bad throat, congestion and maybe fever. If the flu is not very bad, it does not call for a visit to a doctor. It can be arrested at home itself, provided we begin treating at the first symptoms. Even if we start taking herbal remedies at a later stage, still the severity is reduced. This article gives you a peek into time-tested effective herbal remedies for flu.

12 Effective Herbal Remedies For Flu

Andrographis (andrographis paniculata)

Andreographis is given to infants in combination with other herbs to cure fever. It is used in Ayurvedic as well as Unani medicine and is a part of folk medicine of India. In Hindi it is called ‘Kalmegha’. It has been used to treat upper respiratory infections. A recent study shows andrographis to reduce all the symptoms of flu, namely fever, cold and congestion.

Andrographis helps reduce the severity and duration of the flu.According to various researches it has been found to help fight flu.

Elder Blossoms Also Called Elder Flowers, Black Elder

Elder flowers are used to treat upper respiratory problems. You can make this simple tea by infusing 1 tsp of these flowers in one cup boiling hot water. You can add peppermint or mint leaves and ¼ tsp of cinnamon powder. Let them steep for 15 minutes. Add honey and have this hot.

Ginger

Ginger is known world-wide for its properties as expectorant, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory. Gingerol is a compound found in ginger, its compound is considered to be responsible for healing properties of ginger. University of Maryland and Medical centre(UMMC) recommends ginger for flu symptoms such as headache and sore throat. UMMC suggests taking ginger infusion thrice a day.

To make this infusion, take 2 tbsp of grated ginger put it in 1 cup of water. Warm it up for a minute or two. Let it stand for a while and it makes three doses, enough for one day. Taking more ginger than this can lead to diarrhea and heartburn.Ginger is also available in the form of powder, capsules and tincture.

Holy Basil

Basil leaves are beneficial in relieving the symptoms of fever that accompanies flu. Ayurveda says that the severity of flu symptoms is kept in check with basil. One can drink an infusion made of basil leaves or just plain juice extracted from basil leaves.

To about 20/30 leaves of holy basil add 500 ml water. It gives good results if the seeds of a black cardamom and 6 peppercorns are added. Make sure that it is covered with a lid. Let it come to a boil, now simmer it for 5 minutes. This will make 4 adult doses. Warm it up, add a tsp of honey and consume it four times a day. Exactly these many times the antipyretics like paracetamol or crocin are prescribed. This is an extremely effective formula.

Basil Juice

The juice of about 40/50 basil leaves can be extracted. It needs to be put through the mixer along with 1 tbsp of water. Pass this paste through a muslin cloth and squeeze out the juice. Add 4 peppercorns and take it times a day. These are the recommended measures for one dose.

Cinnamon

Take one tablespoon of honey and make it lukewarm. Now mix one fourth teaspoon of cinnamon powder in it. Consume this mixture daily for the next three to four days. This will boost your immunity system, you can fight flu easily.

Garlic

Garlic is popular as a flu fighting herb. Allicin, responsible for garlic’s strong taste and odour is the prominent healing component. It has antimicrobial and antiviral properties. That is what reduces the effect of flu. Preliminary level research says that garlic can even help in preventing flu.

Garlic soup can be made at home. For one dose you need 1 big sized cloves of garlic. Crush it and add half a tsp of lemon juice, 1 tbsp of honey to add to the taste as well as to sooth the throat, and ½ tsp fresh grated ginger. Seep them in 1 cup hot water, except lemon, for 5 minutes. This makes one dose, take three such doses in a day.

Cyanne

Recommended by dietician Andrea Due Plesses, goes on to say that red chillies are hot because of capasaicin. This makes the noses run upon eating chillies, and decongests the nasal passage, giving relief from flu. Vitamin C is also present in cayenne peppers , even that helps in managing flu.

Onion

Extract the juice of one small onion add 1 tbsp of honey. This quantity is enough to make three doses to last a day.

Fenugreek

To 300 ml water add pre soaked 4 tsp of fenugreek seeds and 1 tsp grated ginger, boil them covered for 2 minutes, thereafter let it simmer for 5 minutes. Cool it a bit add one or two tbsp of honey and divide it in three doses, have it thrice a day. It will be good if you add 1 tsp of lime juice to it.

It will make the fever come down and relieve the other associated symptoms of discomfort.

Echinacea

Echinacea has been popular among the American Indians for fever and infections among many other ailments. It has been found to help reduce the duration and severity of flu. Common cold is said to cured with the use of Echinacea.

It can be taken as tea. Its dried root is used for the purpose. Infuse about 1/3 tsp of dried root powder and simmer it on heat for 5 minutes. Take similar doses thrice a day for 5 days. It is non-toxic and is safe for pregnant women and during lactation.

Other Herbal Remedies

The other home remedies are using Chirayata (Swertia chirata) and Giloy (tinospora cordifolia), both are strongly recommended by Ayurveda to lower the temperature by healing the root cause. One can make a decoction of one of these in water and use.

In addition, one will have to do warm saline gargles and steam inhalation, because whatever you may do , flu will take some tome to leave you. Taking precaution against cold and frosty weather is a good idea to prevent oneself from flu.

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