During flu season you should take traditional preventative measures, such as washing your hands often and possibly getting the flu shot. However, there are some home remedies that can help you feel better faster. Although not backed up by scientific research, the pineapple "potion" to fight the flu can improve your overall health by providing you with more vitamin C and reducing inflammation.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Making the Drink
Step 1. Go to the supermarket
You can find the ingredients you need in the fresh produce department and on the spice / baked goods shelves. All the substances present in this drink (which is spicy but pleasant) are also present in other home remedies for the flu. Here's what you need:
- Pineapple juice it is rich in bromelain which is used as an anti-inflammatory;
- 6 fresh lemons;
- 1 head of fresh garlic;
- Powdered ginger;
- Honey;
- Cayenne pepper.
Step 2. Combine the ingredients
Chop the garlic before you start. Squeeze the 6 lemons by removing any seeds from the juice. Here is the recipe:
- Juice of 6 fresh lemons;
- 1 minced clove of garlic;
- 2 teaspoons of powdered ginger;
- 2 tablespoons of honey;
- 750 ml of pineapple juice;
- A pinch of cayenne pepper.
Step 3. Blend the ingredients
Use a shaker or electric blender for best results; if you don't have these tools, you can use a tall glass.
Part 2 of 3: Fighting the Early Stage of the Disease
Step 1. Assess if you are sick
Find out if you are feeling tired lately from lack of sleep or if it could be a cold or flu. Determine what hurts you. Typical flu symptoms are:
- Cough;
- Fever (often accompanied by chills)
- Sore throat;
- Headache;
- Pain in the neck and back;
- Runny nose, sinus pressure.
Step 2. Measure your body temperature
Sometimes a moderate fever goes unnoticed because it can start before other flu symptoms (such as malaise and aches) appear. If you know for certain that you have a fever, it is a good idea to check your temperature to make sure it doesn't rise too high.
Step 3. Take medication to relieve symptoms
Depending on your symptoms, you can take over-the-counter cold and flu medicines. Acting promptly is the best way to reduce discomfort and feel better. Some of the more common remedies are:
- Cough syrup (can help especially if you have trouble sleeping)
- Pain relievers (they are indicated for fever, headache and muscle aches). Both paracetamol (the most popular brand is Tachipirina) and ibuprofen (Brufen, Moment, to name the major ones) are excellent solutions.
- Nasal sprays (great for clearing mucus from the nasal passages).
Step 4. Talk to your doctor about antivirals
For some people, the flu can severely test an already weakened immune system. An antiviral drug can prevent symptoms from worsening and shorten the duration of the disease. If you have any health problems, are pregnant or are over 65, you may be a good candidate to be prescribed this class of drugs, which must be taken during the early stages of the flu.
Part 3 of 3: Feeling Better
Step 1. Take the right dosage
Drink about 250ml of pineapple juice, prepared as described above, four times a day until symptoms begin to subside. Prepare more if needed. Even if the ingredients don't actively help you feel better, the drink still helps keep you hydrated.
Step 2. Drink water
When you are sick it is important to ensure adequate amounts of fluid in your body, as it can help you heal faster. If you are congested, drink hot drinks, such as herbal teas or classic chicken broth. If you're not feeling sufficiently hydrated, sometimes a sports drink can replenish lost electrolytes and help you feel better.
Step 3. Sleep
It is necessary to rest as much as possible. Sleep helps the body heal and recover from the symptoms of whatever strain of the flu has hit you. Stay away from other people, so as not to infect them, as well as wash your hands often and well.
Advice
- See your doctor if your symptoms do not subside or worsen after a few days.
- Consider heating the drink for a warming effect as well.
- Customize the recipe according to your tastes. For example, if too many spices are causing stomach problems, you can reduce or eliminate pepper and / or garlic and increase the amount of juice. There is no point in triggering an upset stomach to try to get better from a cold.
- You can speed up the preparation time by purchasing pre-chopped garlic and ready-made lemon juice in bottles or cans. The last thing you want is to have to squeeze the lemons and chop the garlic when you feel terrible.
