Being cold or flu, even when we have the opportunity to stay at home and in bed, is never an easy and pleasant condition. The combination of stuffy nose, body aches, sore throat and fever can bring anyone down. And so, carrying on even the simplest daily activities becomes a titanic undertaking.
Fortunately, there are many home remedies that can relieve symptoms and help us get back to normal. Grandma’s remedies, as we know, are always very valuable. But keep in mind that they do not guarantee recovery, as they are not medical aids. Surely, however, they help to calm the signs and ailments due to colds and seasonal flu. So, if after a few days we still feel bad, it would be advisable to make an appointment with your family doctor.
With these timeless grandmother remedies we could more easily overcome autumn colds and flu
Staying warm would certainly be grandma’s first advice, as would try to rest as much as possible and drink plenty of fluids. Our family doctor would probably agree with these simple tips. Having said that, let’s see some remedies that could help us deal with a general flu state:
- Chicken soup. Chicken soup is a classic. It may not be a cure-all for many of us, but it’s a great choice when you’re sick. According to research a few years ago ( Saketkhoo et al, 1978) but often picked up by subsequent studies, enjoying a bowl of chicken soup with vegetables can slow the movement in the body of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that help protect the body from infection. This slowing down leads them to focus on the most sensitive areas of the body. The study found that chicken broth was primarily effective for reducing symptoms of upper respiratory infections.
- According to the grandmother, a few slices of raw ginger root in boiling water can help soothe a cough or sore throat. Research instead (Ernst E et al, 2000), suggests how ginger can soothe the feeling of nausea, one of the symptoms of the flu.
Honey
Honey has a number of antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Research (Warren MD et al, 2007) indicates honey as an effective cough suppressant. Researchers found that giving babies 10 grams of honey before bed reduced the severity of cough symptoms. We could therefore think, as Grandma suggests, of drinking tea with honey and lemon to relieve sore throats and coughs. However, the addition of lemon is not a coincidence. It is well known that vitamin C, of which lemon is rich, has many health benefits.
A very important information. Honey, as we have seen on another occasion, it could be lethal to infants. We therefore avoid giving it to children under the age of 1 year.
With these timeless grandmother remedies we could more easily overcome autumn colds and flu.
Deepening
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