Old Wives' Tips for Treating the Flu

Article author: Iveta Bartošová

In the autumn and winter months, many people struggle with colds or even the flu. In this article, we will tell you what the flu actually is and how to deal with it. We also know that prevention is important, so we will give you tips on what is worth keeping in mind so you can make it through the colder months in good health. 

What the flu actually is

The flu is a viral illness that causes severe fatigue, headaches, fever, chills, cough, runny nose, muscle pain, and sore throat. Sometimes nausea and even vomiting can occur. It can last from just a few days up to two weeks. The incubation period is 1-2 days, so it is highly contagious. 

How to deal with the flu

• Get some rest - this is definitely very essential for a faster recovery.
• Drink enough fluids (hydrate the body) - linden blossom tea is great for fevers, while elderberry tea supports the respiratory tract; another option is onion tea.
• Drink warm beverages that warm the body - teas (chamomile, rosehip, linden), as well as broths, which according to our grandmothers are a cure for just about any illness. 
• Keep a cut onion on the bedside table overnight; it helps with cough and runny nose.
• Put wet socks on your feet and then another pair of dry ones over them, and lie down for a while.
• For a temperature up to 38°C, do not give any medicine and let the body work with the virus; it will probably get rid of it much faster than if we lowered the fever right from the start.
• For higher temperatures, cool the body with cold compresses, cottage cheese, or a cold shower.
• Wear a hat indoors so the body can warm up sufficiently and the sinuses can open.
• Priessnitz compress for sore throat.
• Gargle with clove decoction - for sore throat.
• Inhalation over steam to clear the sinuses.
• Isolate yourself from others so you do not infect other people.

Prevention is important

• Get enough sleep - ideally 8 hours a day.
• Eat a quality diet without industrially processed foods.
• Exercise regularly - preferably every day, not just 1-2 times a week.
• Spend time in fresh air - expose yourself to daylight regularly.
• Harden your body to cold - start already in summer so your body can gradually get used to lower temperatures.
• Supplement vitamin C - citrus fruits, peppers, broccoli, rosehip tea, acerola, sauerkraut, etc.
• Supplement vitamin D - in the summer months, build up reserves for winter, meaning expose yourself to the sun, and in months when there is less sunshine, supplement vitamin D through eggs and organ meats.

In short

The flu bothers all kinds of people during the cold months. It is a viral illness that causes pain throughout the body, especially headaches, as well as fever, chills, sore throat, and even nausea and vomiting. Once the flu hits you, the most important thing is to get enough rest and hydrate your body with water, teas, and broths. During fevers, you can cool the body with cold wraps or cottage cheese, and if your body temperature does not exceed 38°C, try to endure it without medication and let the body fight the virus on its own; it will repay you in the form of a shorter illness. Prevention is also important, especially regular exercise, mainly outdoors, a quality diet, supplementing vitamins C and D, and hardening your body to cold. 

What about you and the flu? Do you have any proven tips that help you beat the flu faster or keep it from getting into your body at all?