Letting the entire family care for you is not fun if you’re down with a cold or the flu. Fever, body aches, nasal congestion, and chills can bring about extreme discomfort, fatigue, and, in turn, irritability. Wait up before you pop those pills, though! Some simple natural remedies for cold and flu might be all you need to get the much-needed relief. Give these at-home remedies a try before you turn to medicines.

1. Include vitamin C in your diet
Vitamin C plays a vital role in keeping us healthy. Some of the excellent sources of this vitamin are grapefruits, limes, oranges, lemons, and leafy greens. Adding some fresh lime juice and honey to your tea can lower phlegm when you have a cold or the flu. Also, drinking lemonade, both cold and hot, can help.
Although these foods and beverages do not entirely prevent or relieve cold, they can cater to your daily vitamin C requirements and boost immunity. Plus, adequate vitamin C intake can relieve the respiratory tract from illnesses and infections, and the nutrient is known to lessen the duration of cold and flu symptoms.

2. Opt for nasal irrigation
Another effective natural remedy for cold and flu is nasal irrigation. It helps hydrate and irrigate the nasal passages to ensure that they are not cracked and dry. Nasal irrigation can hamper the skin’s shield against bacteria or viruses, so it’s recommended to exercise due caution while using this method. Also, it’s best to consult an expert before beginning nasal irrigation therapy.
Additionally, regular tap water can be contaminated and is not suitable for nasal irrigation, so opt for boiled and cooled water instead. You can also use saline solution or sterile water.

3. Take a steamy shower
A steamy shower helps moisturize the nasal passage and lets you relax. If the flu is making you dizzy, you can sit on a chair while taking a shower or opt for a warm sponge bath to enjoy these benefits.

4. Gargle
Gargling provides almost instant relief from the symptoms of flu or cold. Gargling with warm water regularly can also lower your risk of catching a cold or flu. A primary sign of having a cold is a sore throat, but you don’t need much to cure a sore throat. Just take some warm water, add a teaspoon of salt to it, and use this solution to gargle. After gargling a couple of times, you can spit it out and repeat with the next sip of the solution. Anyone over 8 years of age can use this natural remedy for relief from cold and flu symptoms.

5. Hydration
Among the best ways to guard your body against infection is to keep yourself hydrated. This holds not just when you have a cold or the flu but on regular days too. You must consume several fruits, avoid excessive consumption of diuretic beverages like coffee and alcohol, and set reminders to sip water at regular intervals.