Home Remedies for the Flu

Antiviral Herbs That Help Relieve Symptoms

Home remedies for the flu can help get you back on your feet faster. Herbal flu remedies with antiviral properties relieve fever, congestion, cough, and sore throat.

Since flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics are of no help unless a secondary bacterial infection develops along with the flu infection. This usually only occurs after having had the flu for many days. If you have had the flu for over a week and you are getting worse, suspect a bacterial infection and see your doctor.

Flu or Influenza Symptoms

Flu or influenza symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of the common cold, only worse, and they come on suddenly. Symptoms can include:

• high fever
  
• sore throat
  
• muscle aches
  
• runny nose
  
• chills
  
• headache
  
• feeling very tired
  
• nausea
  
• dry cough
  
• diarrhea

Not all of these symptoms have to be present for you to have the flu. Children are more likely to have vomiting and diarrhea than adults. This list is also true for Swine Flu symptoms.

Teas Made with Antiviral Herbs

Make a tea with one of these antiviral herbs and sip a cup three times a day.

• Elder Flower Tea
  
• Peppermint Tea
  
• Ginger Tea
  
• Echinacea Tea
  
• Barberry Bark Tea
  
• Sage TeaLemon Balm Tea
  
• Olive Leaf Tea

These home remedies for the flu are especially good because they add to the amount of liquid you are drinking. It always helps both colds and flu to drink lots of liquid including tea, water, and fruit juices.

Olive leaf has strong antiviral properties and if taken in the first 48 hours of an infection, it can reduce the duration and the severity of symptoms. It is a good idea to keep olive leaf on hand for when the flu or a cold strike. It is available in capsules and as a tincture. Learn more about olive leaf health benefits.

Relieve Flu Symptoms With These Inhalations

Make an inhalation by boiling a pint of water. Remove the pan from the stove and add the herb or herbs. Place the pan on a table. Put a towel over your head to make a tent and bend over the pan breathing in the steam. The following herbs are good for inhalations and will help heal the throat and loosen mucus:

• thyme
  
• chamomile
  
• eucalyptus
  

Since the flu and colds are both caused by a virus (a different virus but still a virus) and have common symptoms you may also like to read:

Home Remedies for Sore Throat

Home Remedies for Cough

Sinus Infection Home Remedies

Home Remedies for Bronchitis

Home Remedies for Nasal Congestion