Health Intuitive

Alternative Medicine News

Influenza Coping and Support

You can find relief from your flu symptoms with practical and natural remedies.

Salt water or saline nasal drops – You can get these drops at any grocery or drug store over-the-counter. They are very safe for children, nonirritating and quite effective. To use, apply a number of drops into one nostril. Later on, blow gently the saline and mucus out of the treated nostril. Do the same process in the other nostril until nostrils are unclogged.

Lozenges – Slowly allow the lozenges to melt in your mouth. These lozenges help to coat and moisten your itchy throat and lessen your cough brought about by the flu.

Humidifier – Besides a warm mist humidifier, you can also use a vaporizer if the air is dry. This will reduce blockage in your nostrils and help lessen your coughing. The humidifier you use should always be clean otherwise molds and bacteria will just circulate in the air.

Steam – You can merely inhale steam from boiling water by putting your face just above the container with the hot water (be careful not to be scalded). You can also sit in a steamy bathroom and allow the steam melt your mucus and open your airways. If you still experience congestion, close the bathroom door and allow the shower to fill the room with steam. Just be careful not to be scalded by the hot water. One other way to use steam to relieve your symptoms is by filling your bathroom sink with steaming water and mixing Vick’s Vapo rub (about 1 tsp) in it. Inhale the steam for a number of minutes until you find relief from your congestion. Another option is to mix menthol or eucalyptus oil to the hot water and inhale on the steam. Eucalyptus can help you breathe easier, clear airway blockage and open up the bronchial tubes.

Cough expectorants and suppressants – Cough medicines that can be availed over-the-counter (OTC) provide adequate remedies to suppress cough. Some of these OTC cough medications are expectorants that melt thick mucus making it easy to expel.

Treat fever and aches – One symptom of the flu is fever. This happens because the body needs to raise its temperature to fight viral flu infection. For body pain and fever you can rely on OTC drugs such as naproxen (Naprosyn or Aleve), ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Aspirin can be very bad for children 18 yrs old and below who may or may not have symptoms of cold or flu because it can cause a sickness termed Reye’s syndrome which is a very severe illness that destroys the liver and brain and liver.

Fluids – Drink more water and fluids when you are suffering from the flu. These can include chicken soup (clear soups), sports drinks, herbal tea and fruit juices.  They enable the respiratory system to stay hydrated and melt thick mucus that can accumulate and be filled with pathogens that infect your bronchial tubes.

Rest – Rest for adequate hours in your home. When your flu symptoms start to manifest, you need to call your school or your job and tell them you cannot come in because you are sick. The need to rest and the contagiousness of the disease are very valid reasons not to go to school or work. Rest and relax by watching your favorite movies or sleep to help your body fight the flu virus.

Eastern Healing Solutions, LLC
10875 Grandview Dr #2250
Overland Park, KS 66210
Phone: (913) 549-4322

Overland Park Acupuncturist

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