Medicine is developing daily and does not stand still. Despite this, many patients in recent years have been trying not to resort to the help of medicines, but to use folk recipes. This behavior is explained by the desire to protect themselves from the harmful effects of drugs and the occurrence of side effects. It should be noted that doctors are skeptical about such treatment. However, many folk antiviral agents are quite effective.
Distinguishing characteristics of colds and flu
Before you use folk antiviral remedies for a cold, you need to make sure that you are faced with it. The hallmarks of a viral infection are:
- sneezing, runny nose (may be absent with flu);
- dry cough without sputum in the bronchi;
- sore throat;
- headache;
- high body temperature;
- decrease in appetite and performance.
Complex home treatment
Folk antiviral remedies for flu and colds will be effective only if they are used in combination. You can not hope for some single and unique medicine that helps to overcome a viral infection in a short time. The basic principles of treatment are as follows:
- increasing the body's resistance, enhancing protective functions and strengthening immunity;
- elimination of the pathogen (in this case, the virus);
- recovery of damaged tissues (mucous membranes, cells);
- maintaining the proper functioning of the body and organizing the most comfortable conditions for recovery.
First aid to the body: strengthen immunity
Any folk antiviral agents should include components that help increase the body's resistance. Even if the virus has already entered the body, strong immunity is able to cope with it without symptoms of the disease.
- Honey is the most important product that helps to increase the body's resistance to viruses. This sweetness includes a lot of essential vitamins, including folic acid. Many recipes recommend taking honey with tea. However, by dissolving the bee product in hot water, you risk losing most of its useful components. Use honey in its pure form or diluted in room water.temperature. One glass of this drink, taken in the morning, will help your immunity to quickly overcome the enemy.
- Echinacea is a herb rich in essential oils, polysaccharides, flavonoids, and other substances that are essential for the immune system. Dry the herb and then brew it instead of tea. Take 200 ml per day. Echinacea is recognized as one of the most effective folk remedies in the fight against colds.
- Fish oil is the leader representing folk antivirals. Taking one spoon of this product, you will not only strengthen the immune system and help the body cope with the disease, but also normalize the work of all other systems.
- Freshly squeezed juices will strengthen the body and allow you to quickly overcome a cold. Priority is carrot, cranberry, orange, pomegranate and radish.
Cure throat and nose: local remedies
What folk antiviral agents to use if the throat hurts? Warm milk with butter will help to alleviate well-being, relieve perspiration and soften a cough. This recipe is known in many families, it is used even for children. Heat half a glass of milk, add one teaspoon each of honey and butter. It is better to drink the prepared elixir before going to bed.
Rinsing will help relieve the inflammatory process from the larynx and tonsils. Use chamomile, sage, eucalyptus, plantain and coltsfoot to prepare decoctions. These herbs in combination will have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic,expectorant and sedative effect. After rinsing, refrain from eating and drinking for 1-2 hours.
At the first symptoms of a runny nose, start washing. To do this, use a saline solution: add one tablespoon of s alt to a liter of warm clean water. You can wash an unlimited number of times. The more often the mucous surface is treated, the more viruses can be eliminated from it.
When green or yellow snot appears, add drops made from aloe or onion juice to the washes. They will have an antibacterial effect and speed up recovery.
What can I take by mouth?
No one likes to get sick, especially if there are unfulfilled plans and important things ahead. To recover faster from colds and flu, take the following folk remedies:
- ginger tea - has a general tonic, firming, cleansing effect on the respiratory tract;
- cognac with honey - has an antiseptic and antitussive effect (be careful, it has contraindications);
- garlic and onion are natural antibiotics that prevent cold complications;
- apple cider vinegar with lemon juice - has an alkalizing effect on the body, thereby destroying the viral infection;
- fruit drinks from viburnum, cranberries and raspberries - have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and immunostimulating effects.
Compliance with the regime will help you recover in a short time
Many folk antivirals for pregnant womencontraindicated. So, for example, herbs can affect the bearing of the fetus and its formation, and honey, ginger and viburnum can provoke allergies. What is the treatment for expectant mothers? If you are categorical in your unwillingness to see a doctor, you can help yourself by sticking to the regime.
- During illness, you should rest more and get positive emotions. Do not forget that the body recovers faster during sleep.
- The absence of heavy food will allow your immunity to throw all its strength into the fight against the enemy. If you don't feel like eating at all, don't eat.
- Drinking plenty of water will help flush the body and restore water balance, because during illness the risk of dehydration increases. Drink more clean water, your favorite teas, juices.
- Create a suitable environment around you. The most favorable conditions for a sick person are as follows: the air temperature in the room is not more than 23 degrees, the humidity is not less than 55%.
If a child gets sick
Is it possible to use folk antiviral agents for children? Reviews of pediatricians report that many of the previously described recipes are prohibited for babies. Therefore, of course, it is better to show the little patient to the doctor. You can do the following yourself:
- Rinse your child's nose regularly with saline;
- if the temperature rises, then knock it down with rubbing with clean water (vinegar and alcohol are prohibited);
- gargle with a mixture of baking soda, s alt and water;
- give more warm drinks (nothot).
Permission to hold other events and use folk recipes for the treatment of young children must be obtained from the local doctor. Unauthorized experiments can lead to unpleasant consequences in the form of allergies, complications or chronic diseases.
Summarize
Any folk antiviral remedies for children and adults do not give you a guarantee of a quick recovery. If you want to get better in a short time, it is better to see a doctor. You should also contact a specialist if your efforts do not bring a positive result within 2-5 days.