Chicken soup

Chicken soup isn’t a miracle cure, but it’s a great option when you are sick.

A bowl of homemade or canned chicken soup with vegetables may help to slow the movement of neutrophils in your body. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is quite common. They aid in the defense of your body against infection. They remain more concentrated in the areas of your body that need the most healing when they move slowly.

Low-sodium soup is also high in nutrients and keeps you hydrated. No matter how you feel, it’s a good choice.

Probiotics

Probiotics are “friendly” bacteria and yeast found in your body and in some foods and supplements. Probiotics can help keep your gut and immune system healthy and may lower your chances of getting an upper respiratory infection.

Include probiotic yogurt in your diet for a tasty and nutritious source of beneficial bacteria. Aside from its potential immune-boosting properties, yogurt is a healthy snack high in protein and calcium. Look for products with live bacteria listed on the label.

Gargle

Gargling can relieve a sore throat by moistening it. Gargle with half a teaspoon of salt four times per day dissolved in 8 ounces of warm water.

To relieve the scratch in your throat, gargle with an astringent, tannin-containing tea to tighten the membranes. Or, make a thick, viscous gargle with honey or honey and apple cider vinegar. In two cups of hot water, steep one tablespoon of raspberry leaves or lemon juice; add one teaspoon of honey. Before gargling, allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.

Honey

Honey contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Honey in tea with lemon can help relieve sore throat pain. Honey is also an effective cough suppressant.

Honey should never be given to a child under one because it contains botulinum spores. Even though they don’t usually hurt older kids or adults, babies’ immune systems can’t fight them off.

Humidity

In dry environments, influenza thrives and spreads more easily. Making your home more humid may reduce your exposure to this flu-causing virus. A humidity increase may also reduce nasal inflammation, making breathing easier when sick. Adding a cool-mist humidifier to your bedroom may make you feel more at ease. This is especially important in the winter when dry indoor heat can aggravate your symptoms. A few drops of eucalyptus oil may also stimulate your breathing.

Remember that the water in humidifiers must be changed daily to prevent mold and other fungi from growing. Take a long shower or linger in a steamy bathroom to achieve the same effect without using a humidifier.

Herbal tea

Several herbs are antiviral and antibacterial. Oseltamivir was traditionally extracted from star anise, a star-shaped spice. Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) is a prescription drug that speeds up recovery or prevents the flu. Its antiviral properties make it effective against certain flu viruses. Other herbs and green leafy teas have germ-fighting and antioxidant properties as well.

An herbal tea may assist your body in fighting the flu virus. A hot herbal tea will also soothe your throat and sinuses.

You can make an anti-flu herbal tea with star anise and other herbs, such as green or black tea, ginger (fresh, dried, or ginger paste), and fresh garlic cloves. Many bagged teas contain these dried ingredients combined.

Pure honey can be used to sweeten herbal teas. Natural antiviral and antibacterial properties have been discovered in honey, royal jelly, and other bee products.

In most cases, you’ll likely not need to see a doctor. Stay home and don’t bring it to your workplace or school. Get a yearly flu vaccination. Drink fluids and rest.

Home remedies can help reduce symptoms so you can be more comfortable and rest more easily while you have the flu — and rest significantly impacts getting better faster.