Herbal Foods to Try Right Now for Flu Relief

While the virus that causes the flu, just like other viruses, do not respond to antibiotics, there is still hope for those who get infected with this disease. Infected individuals can use some herbal foods to help loosen the hold the infection has on them. The aromatherapy people get from inhaling streaming herbs relieves the symptoms of flu and soothes sore throats. Some of these herbs can boost your immunity system, calm your upset stomach, and ease the congestion in your chest and nose. Here are some of those herbs.



Garlic
Garlic is widely known as a powerful antioxidant. This herb can help speed up your healing process when you suffer from a flu infection. While a spicy and flavorful garlic might not have the best taste, it contains compounds that can empower your immune system to fight this virus. Research studies have shown that whole garlic contains alliin, a compound that turns into allicin when garlic is crushed or chewed. Allicin boosts the disease-fighting response when white blood cells encounter the virus that causes the flu. Other than treating flu, garlic can also prevent it.

Ginger
Before ginger became a catch-all remedy for flu, this pink liquid medicine was used to treat stomach aches, nausea, and diarrhea. Sliced raw ginger can help you if you are dealing with stomach issues related to the flu. You can also steep fresh ginger roots in boiling water and use the mixture to relieve sinus symptoms and congestion.

Vegetable Juice
Fresh vegetable juice is a great way to stay hydrated, which is important for your health. Unlike fruit juices, vegetable juices are the best option for treating the flu as they are low in sugar and allow you to consume all of the immune-boosting antioxidants that exist in vegetables. Drinking the juice of vegetables is an easier task than forcing down a plate of veggies when you have no appetite.

Hot Herbal Tea
Hot tea is very effective at thinning out mucus secretions and relieving congestion, especially if the secretions build up in the sinus cavities. Whenever you take a hot cup of tea, it creates an instant warming effect that can help with the shivers and chills that often accompany the flu. Tea also contains antioxidants known as polyphenols that can help improve the ability of your body to fight this infection.

Chicken Soup and Vegetables
Chicken soup is an old age remedy that has withstood the test of time because of its effectiveness. First, when you take hot soup, you get the same beneficial effects as drinking hot tea. Second, the food itself has an anti-inflammatory effect on your body. As a result, it helps decrease swellings in the sinus and nasal passages. And since most people add some vegetable to their chicken, they get the full benefits of antioxidants and phytochemicals that are found in vegetables. Chicken is also a lean, healthy source of protein. Eating chicken when you are suffering from the flu can, therefore, builds and energizes your immune system as well.

Bananas
After several days of consuming mostly light foods, one of the worst mistakes that you can make is to jump straight into heavy foods. Consuming bananas is a great way that you can take to ease the transition back to your normal dietary habits. It will allow your stomach to adjust without causing problems such as bloating and nausea. Banana is a great transition food not only because of its smooth texture, but it is also rich in potassium, which is a nutrient with properties that can help relieve common flu symptoms such as cramps and aches. Couch cleaning is another great way of preventing flu viruses since these germs thrive in dirty places.

Conclusion
Whenever you are suffering from flu, your body responds by releasing antibodies to fight and destroy the virus. Although your body can protect itself from invading viruses, those antibodies become ineffective against future flu infections. You can boost your immunity and speed up your healing process by eating healthy meals that include some of the above herbal foods.