What are some good natural cold and flu remedies?

There are many natural cold and flu remedies that can be used to treat symptoms of the common cold or flu.

One of the first natural cold and flu remedies deal with how to prevent common cold occurrence in the first place. Washing hands, disinfecting surfaces that are handled often, keeping hands away from facial areas such as nose, mouth and eyes. In addition to eating, a balanced and antioxidant rich diet can all help to prevent common cold.

Other natural cold and flu remedies can be used during, before or after the common cold contagious period, which is believed to be a few days before symptoms appear to as long as a few weeks after. Some people believe that after the common cold contagious period natural cold and flu remedies are not necessary but this is not true, as long as you feel relief from them, you should continue to use them.

These remedies are usually symptom specific. For example, for a sore throat one can benefit from warm tea with honey and frequent salt water gargles. The warmth from the tea in addition with the honey acts to sooth and coat the throat. Salt is known to retard the growth of bacteria so rinsing with a salt gargle is good to reduce the overgrowth of bacteria in the throat. For nasal congestion one can benefit from using nasal strips to open the airway in addition to salt water nasal sprays. Heat vaporizers, steam and the use of humidifiers can all be used to alleviate and break up chest congestion.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.