10 Natural Ways to Fight the Flu

Flu season is upon us once again, and nothing strikes fear into the heart of a mother like the [...]

Flu season is upon us once again, and nothing strikes fear into the heart of a mother like the threat of a household overflowing with sick children! Before you pack your entire family into complete isolation for the next few months, be sure to check out these reliable and natural methods of flu prevention. The'll help you keep those sniffles at bay and keep your family safe and healthy this flu season.

washing hands

1. Wash your hands. Nothing keeps those germs at bay like a good old fashioned scrubbing! Stock up on soap and be sure to check out these 6 ways to get your kids excited about washing their hands.

2. Take a hands-off approach. We can touch up to 300 different surfaces in 30 minutes without even realizing it! Experts also estimate that we inadvertently touch our faces about 16 times every hour, which increases the likelihood that we will contract some sort of virus exponentially. Use a paper towel or tissue to open doors, and keep a bottle of hand sanitizer on you at all times!

3. Cover your cough...the right way. None of that coughing into your fist, ladies. Try to cough into your elbow, as this will block those germs from flying in all directions. Check out this homemade natural cough remedy by clicking here.

4. Grab some garlic. Garlic has long been renowned as a miracle worker when it comes to easing and abetting those nasty flu symptoms. It is known to possess antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, so stock up on this essential plant during those wintry months!

5. Munch on some mushrooms. Believe it or not, many mushrooms, including shiitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms, contain nutrients that give the immune system the boost it needs to fight off the flu! You can order them dried or take them in supplement form for best results.

mushrooms

6. Get moving. Nothing bolsters the immune system like a high-energy workout! Research has revealed that those who work out on a regular basis are nowhere near as likely to get colds or flus as those who remain sedentary.

7. Ginger and spice are always nice. Ginger is packed with antiviral compounds that target rhinoviruses like the common cold. Other plants, like ginseng and juniper, also possess antiviral components that will slice the severity of cold and flu symptoms in half.

8. Make soup a staple. Chicken soup may be good for the soul, but it's also an excellent remedy for those sore throats! It often possesses ingredients, like carrots, onions, celery and more, that are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Check out our Skinny Chicken Noodle Soup recipe here.

>> Read more: 4 Foods to Defend Yourself from Cold & Flu Season

9. Sip on tea with honey. Nothing soothes those sore throats or suppresses a cough like a warm cup of tea with a dollop of honey! Honey also contains antioxidants and antimicrobial elements that stave off viral infections.

cold woman cup of coffee

10. Respect the bubble. Personal space is an absolute must when it comes to staying healthy this season. Being in contact with someone who has the flu is only going to increase the likelihood that you, also, will get sick. If you suspect you have caught the bug, do your best to keep your contact with others to a minimum, and consider calling in sick to work!

Looking for more helpful hints? Check out these sources: Mother Earth News, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Prevention.com.

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