When deciding to opt for a ginger infusion, it's important to consult with a specialist because it may end up being counter-productive if you're taking other treatments.
There are many people who want to supplement medical treatments to relieve flu symptoms with natural alternatives.
In the case of the flu or cold, treatment is based on your symptoms, so your doctor will choose the most suitable alternative to alleviate the mucus and discomfort. Therefore, you can use infusions to help relieve symptoms along with the usual treatment.
There are three types of flu viruses: A, B, and C. The majority of cold epidemics are the result of the type A cold virus, while type B produces less extensive epidemics and a milder illness. When it comes to type C, it’s less frequent and transitory.
The flu virus is transmitted from person to person, usually through respiratory secretions through coughing and sneezing. Therefore, it’s an acute infectious disease that affects the respiratory system and also produces a series of general characteristic symptoms such as:
Headache
Fever
Respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and runny nose
Digestive symptoms
General malaise.
Even though it’s normally a self-limited and mild disease, it may become severe in certain cases. In elderly patients or patients with chronic diseases – respiratory or others – this disease can be dangerous.
Due to it having a viral origin, the use of antibiotics is completely contraindicated, which increases the risk of complications.
How to Prevent the Flu
There are several tips that you can use to prevent this common disease in the winter.
Consuming vitamin C on a regular basis is good for strengthening your immune system. This way, your body will be prepared to deal with different infectious microorganisms.
Also, there is a vaccine against the flu virus. This vaccine has the peculiarity of having to synthesize annually with inactive viruses that depend on the type(s) of viruses that caused the epidemic of the prior winter. It’s recommended for high-risk individuals such as senior citizens over the age of 65, people with respiratory diseases or health staff members.
With this vaccine, you will have a 50 to 80% chance of protection against the virus. The vaccination is typically available between September and November, depending on the date of the first cases and the evolution of the virus.
Sometimes, there is also flu prevention that consists of administrating antiviral drugs. This type of medication works best if they’re taken immediately after a person gets sick within two days after getting sick.
Resting and good nutrition are necessary to get rid of the flu, along with symptomatic treatments.
In addition to conventional treatment, below are three infusions that can help alleviate some flu symptoms and to cope with the worst days of the flu.
1. Elderberry Infusion
Due to its content of vitamin C, this infusion is a good ally for relieving the flu symptoms mentioned above. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and has antioxidant properties.
Also, the elderberry contain sambunigrin, an active ingredient that has great anti-inflammatory powers, so it’s useful to treat common flu-like symptoms. It also contains another active principle known as sambucina. This active principle improves the elimination of liquids.
However, elderberries shouldn’t be used during pregnancy and nursing. The flowers and seeds of elderberries aren’t toxic, but the other parts of the plant such as the stem, bark, roots, leaves, and unripe fruit are.
Check out this article, too: Do You Have Nasal Congestion? Try These 7 Remedies to Quickly Find Relief
2. Lemon Tea
Lemons contain vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system.
Just like elderberries, lemons contain large amounts of vitamin C, which is very useful in both the prevention and treatment of flu-like processes.
In addition to increasing your defenses, lemons also have antiseptic properties. Their diuretic effect helps to eliminate toxins during the flu.
To prepare this tea, you will need:
A cup of boiling water
1 lemon tea bag
1 squeezed lemon
Honey in order to provide sweetness.
3. Ginger Root Infusion
Finally, ginger is well known for its healthy properties.
It has antiviral, expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it helps eliminate congestion and sore throat.
However, it’s important that you consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this infusion, because it can interfere with the effect of certain pharmacological treatments.
Other Tips against Flu Symptoms
During a cold or flu, it’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a lite and healthy diet to provide vitamins and minerals that strengthen defenses. Getting rest will also be crucial in order for your body to cope with this infection.
If you have any concerns, make sure to consult with your doctor or pharmacist because they will provide you with possible solutions for this disease.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
Roxas, M., & Jurenka, J. (2007). Colds and influenza: A review of diagnosis and conventional, botanical, and nutritional considerations. Alternative Medicine Review. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012096
González-Molina, E., Domínguez-Perles, R., Moreno, D. A., & García-Viguera, C. (2010). Natural bioactive compounds of Citrus limon for food and health. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpba.2009.07.027
Rehman, R., Akram, M., Akhtar, N., Jabeen, Q., Saeed, T., Shah, S. M. A., … Asif, H. M. (2011). Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Pharmacological Activity). Journal of Medicinal Plants Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejso.2010.09.012
This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.
