Influenza, or flu, is an upper respiratory virus sometimes accompanied by stomach and intestinal symptoms such as vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. Most bouts of influenza involve congestion in the sinuses, chest and head accompanied by fever. A holistic approach using home remedies for flu may be helpful, although nothing can cure the flu except time. Self-treatment with home remedies is not a replacement for medical attention when symptoms of influenza persist.
Replacing Fluids
Dehydration is one of the biggest problems in any case of the stomach flu due to loss of fluids through vomiting and diarrhea. Replacing fluids and electrolytes with a variety of drinks is important. If the patient can hold down liquids, offer herbal teas and drinks with replacement electrolytes like Powerade and Gatorade, suggests the University of Michigan Health System.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an immune system enhancer and helps fight and prevent the flu, according to the Vitamin D Council. Vitamin D is primarily obtained through exposure to the sun. The skin converts sunlight into vitamin D for the body, where it is then used to fight disease. Vitamin D protects against infection by aiding the white blood cells in fighting disease. Patients should attempt to get outside in the sunlight for at least five minutes daily if they are feeling up to it. Alternatively, the Vitamin D Council advises taking vitamin D supplements in doses up to 5,000 IU daily to protect against flu.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is helpful for breaking up congestion in the chest and sinuses, soothing a sore throat and fighting the flu in general, according to "The Magic of Herbs," by David Conway. Cayenne pepper is a versatile herb with medicinal qualities that make it a potent anti-viral and antiseptic agent, according to the Medicinal Plants of the Southwest website.
To relieve a sore throat, cayenne can be mixed with water to make a gargle. In addition, it can be mixed with honey into a throat syrup. Cayenne pepper can be mixed with honey and lemon juice and added to a cup of hot water to make a tea to break up chest congestion. Cayenne can be combined with honey, apple cider vinegar, ginger and a small amount of water making a cough remedy.
Eucalyptus Oil Compresses
Placing a warm compress on the chest may be soothing for those with congestion and coughs during the flu, suggests Health 911. Moist heat relieves dryness and helps break up congestion. Soak a cloth in warm water and wring out to make a compress. A few drops of eucalyptus oil mixed in the water will provide additional relief from tight, painful coughs, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
References
- University of Michigan Health System: Stomach Flu
- Vitamin D Council: Health Benefits of Vitamin D
- Health 911: Coughs
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cough
- "The Magic of Herbs"; David Conway; 1973
