Intestinal flu is caused by a virus creating a group of symptoms ranging from nausea, vomiting and diarrhea to weakness, head pain and body aches. Antibiotics are not useful in treating the flu virus, and other than allowing it to run its course, certain home remedies can be used to make an individual more comfortable and reduce symptoms. Although holistic and home remedies offer much relief for flu sufferers, they are not a substitute for medical attention when symptoms persist.
Electrolytes and Fluids
Dehydration is one of the main dangers of the flu due to the occurrence of nausea and vomiting. Lost fluids should be replaced with a variety of drinks including those that contain electrolytes such as Gatorade and Powerade, suggests the University of Michigan Health System website. In addition, flu patients can drink sodas such as flat ginger ale, tonic water or coke to lessen nausea and replace lost fluids. Sodas should not be diet versions and should not have caffeine.
Ginger Tea
Ginger is very soothing to the stomach and calming to the digestive tract. It helps fight nausea and calms vomiting. Ginger tea can be made by soaking a one inch piece of raw ginger in a cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Sweeten with honey and sip throughout the day.
Peppermint
Another calming home remedy, peppermint is helpful for preventing vomiting and calming nausea. Its action helps relax stomach muscles, reducing spasms. In addition it also soothes the intestinal tract preventing spasms, according to David Conway in his book, "The Magic of Herbs." Peppermint can be consumed in tea or as a lozenge available at health food stores.
Soda Crackers
Eating soda crackers or dry toast is an old-time remedy for nausea. Those with stomach upset should start with one cracker and add additional crackers as they feel better. Dry toast may be substituted for crackers.
Homeopathic Arsenicum Album
The homeopathic remedy Arsenicum Album is helpful for treating intestinal flu. It relieves nausea and vomiting as well as diarrhea, burning pains in the stomach and burning stool. It is indicated for flu patients who are chilly, anxious, fearful and thirsty. Dr. Jennifer Jacobs performed a research study in Nicaragua in 1994 on the efficacy of Arsenicum on acute diarrhea in children. The results were published the journal, "Pediatrics". The study indicated the remedy's efficacy for reducing the recovery time by 20 percent for those children taking homeopathic Arsenicum. The remedy is available at health food stores and online homeopathic pharmacies.
References
- University of Michigan Health System: Stomach Flu
- “The Magic of Herbs”; David Conway, 1973
- "Pediatrics"; Vol. 93, No 5, May 1994, Jennifer Jacobs, MD
