Viral infections can be produced by a number of organisms that cause diseases from respiratory to gastrointestinal. You can treat them naturally with some home remedies that can make a big difference.
As humans, we are exposed to bacteria and viruses, some of them good for us and important to our existence, and some not so good. These invisible organisms can cause viral infections and disease. Viral and bacterial infections also change with time and the season of the year.
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Effective remedies for viral infections
Although few viral infections can cause and lead to life-threatening situations, others are simply due to changes in season and time or exposure to the new environment. It is not possible for us to remain hidden from these infections. But we need you not to panic as you can use these simple, efficient and cheap home remedies that will help you to treat viral infections naturally.
Common cold and cough:
The common cold can strike at any time throughout the year, depending on one’s susceptibility to viral infection. Many of us get cold and cough during the change of the seasons, which is usually passed from one person to another through contact and exposure. The common cold can be caused by many different viruses, the most common of which are rhinovirus, adenovirus, and coronavirus. Depending on the severity of the infection, the symptoms of the viral infection can last from a few days to about a few weeks. Some home remedies that can be used to treat the common cold are:
1. Drink warm water or hot drinks:
Coughing and cold can leave your mouth and throat cold and dry. Therefore, it is extremely important to drink plenty of fluids. Hot or warm water, herbal tea with honey, lemon and ginger is a good way to cure this sore throat. Also, you can add tea and coffee for relief, but it is important to keep it to a minimum as it could lead to dehydration.
2. Use steam:
Coughing and cold cause excessive mucus production and leads to obstruction of the nasal passage and respiratory tract. To get relief from the blockage and open the airways, use steam. Boil some water in a shallow container and slowly breathe in the steam and let it fill you up. You should also feel the heat on your face. Be careful not to burn yourself from excessive steam and when handling boiling water. After the steaming process, keep covered for a while to let the heat take its effect.
3. Use of ginger, black pepper and fennel seeds:
Boil the grated ginger, black pepper, and fennel seeds and reduce the water by half. Let the mixture cool slightly, then drink it warm to soothe yourself. Alternatively, you can also gargle with hot water and a pinch of sea salt added to it to relieve cold and mucus blocking your throat.
Flu:
Many people get what is known as the flu, and some people also refer to it as influenza in some cases. Sometimes it can even be life threatening. Children are often given a vaccine against the disease, as it could lead to complications. However, we will only refer to the common flu.
4. Have a soup:
The soup works effectively for the flu. You just have to make some hot soup in the kitchen and have it. Chicken soup or whatever soup you like does the magic and soothes a sore throat. It is also known to help with infection.
5. Garlic:
The flu can be very persistent. The garlic helps care for the flu, because it has anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial. Overcooking it can make it ineffective, so it is best to take garlic in its raw form. What you should do is cut into cubes or grate 2 to 3 cloves of garlic and consume them with water. If you can hold it, try chewing the teeth in your mouth to release the enzymes. Garlic works to cure symptoms more effectively and is an ally in treating viral infections.
6. Apple cider vinegar:
Vinegar is known to help with flu cases, as it is alkaline in nature and balances the body’s alkalinity levels, and alkaline is not the best environment for a virus to grow in the body. Therefore, having apple cider vinegar is perfect for curing the flu. The way to drink apple cider vinegar is simple. Add a tablespoon to a glass of water and drink it directly. Drink it a few times a day to fight the flu and get rid of the viral infection.
7. Elderberry or Sambucus syrup:
The Elderberry or Sambucus syrup is commonly used to treat the flu. It has anti-viral and anti-oxidant properties. It is also rich in anthocyanins, which is an anti-inflammatory agent. In the case of the flu, you could experience problems due to swelling. Elderberry Syrup is readily available for consumption and can be obtained from the market to put it in green tea or simply take a spoon each morning.
Bronchitis:
Bronchitis can be caused by both viruses and bacteria and can lead to life-threatening situations, but it can still be cared for at home if it has not developed into an acute case of bronchitis.
8. Almonds:
The almonds are a rich source of nutrients and vitamins. It also contains magnesium and calcium. They have incredible healing power for respiratory diseases and to reduce the effects of viral infections. So, if you are suffering from bronchitis, have enough almonds and consume them in whatever form you like or feel comfortable with.
9. Onions:
Onions with honey can treat bronchitis at home. The onions are good for the flow of mucus as they are loaded with expectorants. Honey is an amazing anti-biotic, helping to build resistance against viral diseases. There are two ways to consume onions.
- Cut thin slices of onion and cover with a few tablespoons of honey. Leave the onion and honey overnight. The goal is to ensure that the onions are covered in honey, so that the onions can absorb it properly. Take a spoon at regular intervals throughout the day for relief.
- Onions in any alternative form to this are good. But try to eat them raw most of the time, like in sandwiches, salads, or even baked goods, if you can.
10. Chili peppers:
Chili peppers make you sweat and your nose runs when you eat a lot of them. The cayenne pepper will help to produce more mucus and clean all types of locks to help you breathe easily. So, increase your chili intake a bit and get rid of the mucus to breathe easy.
11. Lemon:
Lemon is one of the best home treatments for bronchitis. While many recommend its use in conjunction with green tea and honey, it can also be consumed by grating lemon peel, taking 1 teaspoon of this, and putting it in water to make lemon tea. Bring the water to a boil or simply take 1 cup of water and add lemon wedges to it, bringing it to a boil. Use a sieve to strain it and consume the same. Lemon is a good way to kill bacteria and viruses. It also keeps the viral infection under control.
12. Thyme:
Thyme is an effective ingredient that perpetuates throughout all the cuisines of the world. But, very few of us really know that thyme fights viral infections and helps take care of lung infections by strengthening the lungs. There are 3 ways to use thyme for healing purposes:
- The easiest is to use it as an herb. Season your food with it and at the same time make sure that you are getting the necessary supply to heal the lungs and strengthen them
- The second option is to take a cup of water, bring it to a boil and add some thyme leaves, boil it correctly, sift and add the honey to consume this mixture.
- Last but not least, thyme oil is also available in the market these days. Therefore, you can use thyme oil for massage or rub the chest area to clear the nasal congestion and get a little warmth for the relief of all pain and breathing problems.
Stomach flu:
More commonly known as the stomach flu, this is the leading cause of stomach problems. It comes with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and an upset stomach with severe pain and cramps. One might want to be treated for this disease as soon as possible as it spreads easily. Viral infection needs to be treated well and on time and with caution.
13. Take breaks and eat light:
Avoid what you can’t handle by giving your stomach a good amount of rest. If a baby is suffering from this problem, it is important to avoid dairy products and heavy solid foods, as it could lead to increased problem. Stay home and rest. Also, since you suffer from dehydration, it is important to give your body ample amounts of fluids at regular intervals. Therefore, drink enough water at regular intervals and eat lightly. The first thing to deal with this problem is to avoid anything that stresses the digestive system.
14. Ginger or peppermint tea:
Drink ginger or peppermint tea for some relief, as peppermint will help calm stomach pain and reduce spasms that cause severe cramps and severe pain. It also helps the digestive system in general and provides immediate and temporary relief from all pain. When making the tea you can add ginger and honey. Drink the tea to soothe stomach pain and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. If you feel comfortable, take some ginger, cut into small pieces and chew to release the enzymes and minerals in your mouth.
15. Use ice chips:
Fever is also an accompaniment to gastroenteritis, and ice chips can be used to hydrate the body while regulating your body temperature. Use ice chips throughout the day, as it will also make your stomach and esophagus feel better with the cooling sensation.