Drink plenty of fluids to help br water or juice will prevent dehydration and keep your throat moist. You should drink at least 8 to 10 eight-ounce glasses of water daily. (Limit drinks with caffeine because they act like a diuretic and may dehydrate you.) Drink hot liquids. Hot liquids relieve nasal congestion, prevent dehydration, and soothe the uncomfortably inflamed membranes that line your nose and throat.
If you happen to be up in the middle of the night with a child that is coughing relentlessly, congested and miserable, let them inhale steam to ease the congestion and drippy nose. Sit in the smallest bathroom you have with a shower running hot water and fill the room with stream. Of course, a room humidifier will can also do the job. If you are the one battling the flu, take a long, hot shower!
Get your rest! Staying warm and resting when you first come down with a cold or the flu helps your body direct its energy toward the immune battle. This battle taxes the body. So give it a little help by lying down and bundling up.
Sleep with an extra pillow under your head or sleep elevated in a chair. This will help relieve congested nasal passages.
Peppermint tea is laced with nutrients that help the body fight off illness. It also can act as an expectorant, helping the body to cough up mucous.
Try thyme! Thyme is great when the mucous membranes are stuffed, the head aches, and the body is hot with fever. Cup your hands around a mug of thyme tea and breath in the steam. Make thyme tea by adding 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves to 1 cup boiling water. Let steep for five minutes while inhaling the steam. Strain the tea, sweeten with honey and slowly sip. Please note: honey is not intended for use by children under 12 months of age.
