Home Remedies for a Cold and the Flu

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There is no known cure for the common cold or the flu, both of which are caused by viruses. Anyone who has ever experienced having a cold or the flu has at some time or another tried a home remedy to help alleviate the symptoms. While some home remedies are natural, they may cause adverse reactions if you are taking certain medications or have allergies. Therefore, you should consult with a physician before taking anything.

Age-old home remedies have been passed on for generations. Even in a modern, technologically advanced and scientific world, these timeless, home-made remedies have remained and become common practice to this day.

Some commonly used home remedies that people have found helpful are:

  • Eating chicken soup
  • Drinking herbal tea
  • Sipping boiled ginger root
  • Drinking tea with honey
  • Adding garlic to food
  • Eating fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C
  • Using a humidifier
  • Applying a warm compress on the nose and forehead
  • Gargling with salt water
  • Using a neti  pot
  • Practicing nasal irrigation with warm saline

Under most circumstances, the symptoms of a cold or the flu will subside on their own after a few days. If you have concerns, see your physician right away. You may schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.