The independent student news site of San Marcos, California

The Cougar Chronicle

The independent student news site of San Marcos, California

The Cougar Chronicle

The independent student news site of San Marcos, California

The Cougar Chronicle

HOME REMEDIES TO EASE FLU SYMPTOMS

FIGHT THE FLU NATURALLY

MELANIE SLOCUM
PRIDE STAFF WRITER

It’s flu season just in time for midterms. If you suffer from needle-phobia and avoided a flu shot this season, have no fear. There are a few home remedies that might make your illness a tad more bearable.

You’ve probably seen the seemingly awkward commercials for nasal irrigation devices like the Neti Pot (if you haven’t, you should definitely Youtube it) where a person pours nasal saline solution from a teapot lookalike in one nostril and the liquid inexplicably flows out the other. Even though this might seem alien to you, WebMD.com reports that studies show nasal irrigation works as an “effective home remedy” by relieving nasal flu symptoms and removing bacteria and virus particles.

In addition to the commonly known remedies such as getting a lot of rest, slurping down chicken noodle soup and eating cough drops like they’re M&Ms, Learninginfo.org suggests drinking ginger tea, eating foods with a lot of garlic and avoiding dairy products. That same website also suggests that drinking “honey mixed with a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon powder taken daily for three days will help when you have that nagging cough.” This will help you sit through your classes without coughing over your professor’s voice or onto your neighbor.

If you’re developing a Kermit the Frog voice due to clogged nasal passages, WebMD.com also suggests using a humidifier to relieve your sore throat and ease your nasal congestion. If you don’t own a humidifier and already took your daily shower, boiling water over the stove and draping a towel over your head while closing your eyes and breathing deeply into your nose for 30 seconds creates the same effect.

Remember, you’re not a superhero. Allow others to take care of you by bringing you soup, joining you for a nice couch potato session, or tucking you into bed. If a friend or family member is willing to help you, take advantage of it and appreciate the rest you receive from their care—maybe just offer them a mask and gloves first.

Photo courtesy of sarasotahealth.org

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