12 Top Flu Elixirs to Make at Home

How Can You Prevent the Flu?

Preventing the flu involves a combination of healthy lifestyle choices and proactive measures to strengthen your immune system. By incorporating simple strategies into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting the virus and protect yourself and your loved ones. Here are some effective ways to help prevent the flu:

• Take the right supplements for you: Consider vitamins and minerals that support immune health, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc.

• Manage your stress levels: Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to help maintain a strong immune response.

• Eat healthy and try to limit your sugar intake: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while reducing processed sugars that can weaken your immune system.

• Keep an optimal sleeping schedule: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, as adequate rest is crucial for a well-functioning immune system.

12 Top Flu Elixirs to Ease Your Symptoms

When you're battling the flu, certain homemade elixirs can provide soothing relief and help ease your flu symptoms. These comforting beverages not only offer hydration but also contain ingredients known for their healing properties. Here are some top flu elixirs that you can easily prepare at home to help you feel better:

1. Salt Water Gargle

Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation. Simply mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle several times a day to find relief.

2. Garlic-Infused Honey

Garlic has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties, while honey can help soothe a cough and sore throat. Infuse crushed garlic cloves in honey for a day or two, then take a spoonful as needed to boost your immune system.

3. Chicken Soup

A classic comfort food, chicken soup is not only nourishing but also helps keep you hydrated. The warm broth can ease congestion, and the protein from the chicken provides essential nutrients to support your recovery.

4. Ginger Tea

Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate nausea. Steep fresh ginger slices in hot water for about 10 minutes, then add honey and lemon for added flavor and benefits.

5. Lemon and Honey Drink

A simple mixture of warm water, fresh lemon juice, and honey can help soothe a sore throat and provide a boost of vitamin C. This drink is both refreshing and comforting.

7. Herbal Tea

Herbal teas, such as chamomile or peppermint, can provide relaxation and relief from congestion. Brew your favorite herbal tea and enjoy it warm to help ease flu symptoms.

8. Ginger Tea

A steaming cup of tea can be incredibly soothing, especially if you have a sore throat. Ginger tea takes it a step further by helping to ease congestion. It also aids digestion and alleviates the discomfort of an upset stomach. Bags of ginger tea are ok, but to pack the most punch, steep about a tablespoon of grated fresh ginger in boiling water for about 10 minutes. Pour the strained liquid into a mug, and then stir in some honey and fresh lemon. Tip: Avoid drinking anything that’s too hot or too cold, which can further irritate a sore throat.

9. Apple Cider Vinegar

In the past few years, it seems like apple cider vinegar has been touted as a wonder liquid with the power to help you with everything from whitening teeth to losing weight. And, it helps when you’re sick with the flu. Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties which can help kick the bacteria that’s making you sick. Try pouring about a tablespoon into a glass of water and keep drinking this mixture until you’re feeling better. If you want, sweeten it with a bit of apple juice and spice it up with cinnamon.

10. Miso Soup

You probably already know the benefits of chicken soup (a childhood sickness favorite), but if you’re a vegetarian or just want to try something different, miso is for you. Try sipping the broth on its own or add egg and rice to make it more substantial, because when you aren’t feeling well, keeping your energy up and getting nutrition is crucial.

11. Sriracha Brew

This spicy red sauce has become not only a kitchen staple but has gathered a cult following. It can also act as an expectorant, helping you to beat a cough. To blend your own cold-fighting concoction, steep ginger like you’re making tea, then add lemon and a few squirts of sriracha. You can even try adding it to your miso soup for an extra kick.

12. Bourbon Hot Toddy

If your cold still has you feeling miserable at the end of the day, sometimes a nip of bourbon is in order. It might not have medicinal properties, but it certainly can soothe, especially when it’s in a hot toddy. Add a shot of hot tea, honey, and lemon, and sip before bed. Just remember: alcohol dehydrates, and too much of it can mess with your sleep, so stick to a one-toddy limit.

Influenza can lead to more serious infections, so it’s important to remember that medical intervention is best if your flu symptoms become bothersome. The CDC recommends that you see a doctor for cold and flu symptoms if you have a cough that lasts longer than a week, (especially if you are coughing up mucus) or a fever that lasts longer than 3 days. Tamiflu is an antiviral medication that can help decrease the severity of symptoms, and is a great option for most people who have influenza, according to the CDC.