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6 natural flu remedies

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6 natural flu remedies
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Flu is an infectious illness that is due to a micro-organism, the influenza virus. It is highly contagious and leads to several symptoms: fever, muscle pains, a cough, headaches and fatigue. So how can you naturally treat the flu and its symptoms?

1. Natural remedy for fever

Meadowsweet is a flower that is effective in fighting fever and headaches. It contains salicylates which transform in the body into salicylic acid, an active ingredient very similar to acetyl-salicylic acid, or aspirin.

Heat a cupful of water without bringing it to the boil. Take it off the heat and add a teaspoon of meadowsweet petals. Cover it and leave it to infuse for 5 to 10 minutes before straining it and drinking it.
You can drink 3 to 4 cups of this remedy per day, until the fever reduces.
Caution: do not consume meadowflower if you are allergic or intolerant to aspirin.
If the fever lasts more than 48 hours, consult a doctor.

2. Natural remedy for muscle pains

Muscle pains are characteristic symptoms of flu, and can be relieved with Arnica Montana 9H, which comes in the form of a tube of homeopathic pellets.

Take 3 pellets two to three times a day, for no more than three or four days. You can take them on their own or in addition to classic flu medications.

When the muscle pains disappear, stop the homeopathic treatment. If they persist for more than 48 hours, consult a doctor.

3. Natural remedy for headaches


Willow bark eases headaches because it also contains salicylates, molecules which are similar to those found in aspirin, and which act as an anti-inflammatory.

Add 2 to 3 g of willow bark to a cup of water. Heat it without bringing it to the boil, remove it from the heat and cover it. Leave it to infuse for 15 minutes before straining and drinking.

You can drink 3 cups a day before meals. Stop when symptoms disappear.

Caution: alternate drinking this remedy with taking aspirin with water, but do not take both at the same time, as you run the risk of an overdose. 

Additionally, willow bark is contra-indicated in the cases of asthma, gastro-duodenal ulcers or allergy to aspirin. If the headache lasts longer than 48 hours, consult your doctor.