How I Cure a Cold and the Flu in One Day With Natural Remedies

Author:
Frederick S Januaries
Updated:
Aug 9, 2022 12:53 AM EDT

The Flu Victim
mcfarlandmo CC BY 2.0 Wikimedia Commons

The Prevalence of a Cold and the Flu

Before I discovered a natural treatment process that cured my cold and flu fast, I used to really suffer. I used to go through most of their symptoms, including sore throat and body aches, for more than a week.

In brief, a cold (common cold) and the flu (influenza) are viral infections that affect the upper respiratory system, especially the throat, nose, and sinuses. According to my own experience, the flu is worse than a cold, but their symptoms are more common.

Viral illnesses are quite infectious, and according to WHO, they affect millions of people every day worldwide. In the U.S., at least one billion cases of these viruses are reported every year.

Cold and Flu Symptoms

So, how do you know that you have the infections? Well, if you have the following symptoms, you are highly likely to have been infected with a cold or the flu.

Sore throat and/or cough
Body aches, including headaches
Fever (over 100˚F)
Stuffy or runny nose
Chills
Nausea
Fatigue
Vomiting and diarrhea
Loss of appetite

I used to go for antiviral medications or antibiotics when I was struck by a cold or the flu, but what I didn’t know is that these infections can't be cured easily with medication. So, how did I start getting rid of my cold and flu fast without medicine? Well, here are the home remedies that I use to heal the infections naturally in one day.

My Method for Treating a Cold and the Flu Fast, in Brief

Decongesting my nasal passages with a nasal spray or saline solution.
Gargling my throat with a warm, saline solution.
Using a mentholated cream under my nose.
Using cold packs to treat the fever caused by the infections.
Drinking hot liquids.
Eating foods that fight the infections.
Taking a warm shower.
Staying warm and relaxed to heal from the illnesses.

1. Decongesting Nasal Passages

The two infections cause swelling and congestion in the nasal ways, and I usually ease these symptoms by applying nasal sprays on my nostrils. Some good nasal sprays that I use include Neo-Synephrine and Afrin. Most of the time, I make my own saline spray. I do this by mixing a quarter teaspoon of baking soda and a quarter teaspoon of table salt in a quarter liter of warm water.

When it comes to applying the saline solution, I use a suitable syringe to spray the nasal liquid two times in each of my nostrils. The nasal spray cleans the nostrils of virus and bacteria particles.

2. Gargling

To make this gargling solution, I dissolve a teaspoonful of salt in warm water. Sometimes, I use pepper, sage, vinegar, honey, or lemon in place of salt. When it comes to using it, I gargle a number of times throughout the day.

Gargling moistens the throat and relieves soreness. According to my own experience, it is better to gargle after decongesting to wash away any pathogens remaining in the throat area.

3. Mentholated Cream Under My Nose

First, mentholated creams are readily available, and personally, I get them from my nearest drugstore. Second, when it comes to using the cream, I just apply a small amount of it under my nose.

These creams clear out the breathing passages and prevent irritation inside the nostrils. Apart from mentholated creams, other creams that work best for me are those containing lemon.

4. Cold Packs for Fever

Like the mentholated cream, I get the cold packs from my nearest drugstore. When it comes to using them, I just place them on my forehead and around the sinuses. Sometimes, I use a damp cloth instead as it provides the same relieving effect as the cold packs. Cold packs reduce body temperature and help fight the fever that accompanies infections.

5. Drinking Hot Liquids

When I experience the first symptoms of a cold or the flu, I start drinking liquids to remain well hydrated throughout the healing period. I prefer them hot because they relieve my nasal passages from congestion.

I take at least eight glasses of water as recommended by doctors, and I try to avoid liquids that cause dehydration, such as alcoholic beverages. One drink that has been working best for me, especially when dealing with the flu, is an herbal tea with honey.

In addition, hot chicken soup helps a lot in getting rid of a cold. According to healthcare researchers, the soup prevents the production and movement of neutrophils which are white blood cells that worsen the symptoms of the infection.

6. Proper Nutrition

According to nutritionists and dietitians, some foods contain important elements and compounds that battle a cold and the flu. When I'm sick, I eat blueberries which work like aspirin to reduce fever and body aches. Other foods that help cure infections fast include bananas, peppers, carrots, rice, mustard, and onions.

7. Warm Showers

A warm shower moisturizes the nasal passages and airways. It also helps thin out and loosen mucus, allowing you to blow it out with much ease. This opens the nostrils further.

I usually take the shower with the bathroom door closed to avoid cold air, which can alleviate symptoms such as chills and fever.

8. Staying Warm and Relaxed

Since the immune system works better when the body is in a resting mode, I usually avoid chores and get enough rest during the recovery day. It is advisable to wear heavy clothes to remain warm over the remaining hours of the day. When you go to bed, it is important to keep monitoring yourself and taking any necessary measures to ensure that you heal from the infection overnight.

Bonus Tips to Heal From a Cold or the Flu

Have a humidifier in your room to boost breathing.
Gargling a salt solution to ease the sore throat.
Blowing your nose when it gets congested.
Eating foods that contain vitamin C, such as fruits and green vegetables.
Use apple cider vinegar and ginger to ease cough.
Sleeping at an angle that helps relieve your congested nasal ways.
Using a heavy, warm blanket to fight chills.
Avoid flying as much as possible.
Packing cough syrups and hankies when traveling.

Feel Better!

Using these natural remedies for a cold or the flu, you can really avoid the annoying symptoms of these infectious diseases and heal in a very short time. If you usually fight the sicknesses for weeks, I advise you to adopt these natural home remedies and tips to shorten your recovery period.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.