Knowing how to handle a cold or the flu can make a difference in recovery time and decrease pain and suffering. Natural remedies can not only relieve symptoms, but they may also contribute to shortening the time that it takes to heal.

Rest

Your immune system is your only real line of defense, and it's a strong one. Your first job is to stop the active virus from accelerating, which requires rest. Get under the covers because a warmer body temperature shuts the virus down. This will help your body take it to another level by creating a fever that will kill the virus and sweat it out.

Try to sleep as much as possible. Any time you spend doing otherwise will delay your recovery. If you are having a difficult time sleeping, try to correct that situation. Use extra pillows so you can sit up and breathe more easily, or take a hot steamy shower. A hot cup of tea can help ease a sore throat and relax you.

Herbal Tea

Most teas are great for a cold or the flu because they provide steam that opens up breathing passageways and melts away the congestion. There are a number of herbal teas that work wonders for relieving annoying symptoms and boosting the immune system. Chamomile can help you fall asleep, and it has antibacterial benefits. Elderberry has many properties that can help alleviate cold and flu symptoms. Peppermint tea soothes with a cooling sensation and works as a decongestant. Licorice root tea helps to aid in breathing.

Classic Chicken and Noodle Soup

It may be true what they say about a mother's chicken soup. A steaming hot bowl of chicken soup really can be like medicine when you are congested and trying to get your strength back.

The garlic and onion aid the immune system because they have strong antibacterial properties. As you hold your head over a wide bowl, the hot steam rolls over the surface of your face and loosens the mucus beneath the surface. The bits of chicken provide a little protein for a slight energy boost. Broths with a small amount of noodles require little energy to digest, so your body can direct all the rest of its effort toward healing.

In summary, get plenty of rest and hot liquids. You lose more moisture when you're sick because your body is constantly flushing out toxins. Between intervals of much-needed rest, concentrate your waking time on getting in your liquids. Along with herbal tea, hot soup is a wonderful prescription.

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