The Best Natural Home Remedy for the Flu

Here in the U.S., we’ve entered an early and unexpected flu season, with most of the country experiencing high levels of flu-like illness.

Influenza is a virus, and once contracted you may experience a variety of symptoms that range from mild to severe. Common symptoms are a dry cough, fever, body aches, chills, and headache.

While the flu can often go away on its own within 7 to 10 days, there are two choices for speeding up recovery. Antiviral medicine targets the virus itself, while over the counter and complementary treatments can offer relief for the symptoms while the body’s immune system heals itself.

But the best defense to the flu is a strong immune system.

Our immune systems are a perfectly integrated network of cells and organs that together defend against disease. The human body naturally manufactures antibodies as part of our immune systems that assist in destroying abnormal or foreign cells. If your immune system is weak, however, it will not be able to fight the rapidly multiplying flu virus in your body.

Ginger (zingiber officinale) is one of many natural medicinal agents that can shore up your immune system, as well as treat the symptoms of the flu.

Used since ancient times, ginger has powerful antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

The warming, antiviral properties present in ginger stimulate circulation and help loosen mucus from the lungs and sinuses. The gingerol in ginger is an essential oil that warms the body, stimulates perspiration, reduces fever, and loosens phlegm.

The best way to treat flu symptoms is to drink several cups of hot ginger tea a day.

You can steep fresh, shredded ginger in hot water for 15 minutes and then add some honey and lemon. Or for added convenience and more consistent flavor, you can use ginger powder, following the recipe below.

Drink up for a healthy immune system and a natural way to treat the flu.

Organic Ginger Tea

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup hot water
¼–½ tsp. Wakaya Perfection Organic Ginger Powder
1 lemon
1 TBS honey

Mix well and drink hot.

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Now is the time to stock up on Ginger Powder — whether you’re buying it for your own kitchen or to share with others. Wakaya Perfection Ginger Powder has been featured in the New York Times Gift Guide and as one of Oprah’s favorite things.