If you're on the lookout for a remedy for stomach flu, here is some information on helping to ease your flu symptoms without the use of prescription medications.
Finding the Right Remedy for Stomach Flu
No one likes having the stomach flu - in fact, it's probably at the top of most people's "Top Ten Things I Don't Want" list. Unfortunately, it's a reality if you come in contact with other people. One thing you need to know about the flu is that it's a virus, so antibiotic medications will not help ease your misery. Also, since there is no cure for the flu, there is little you can do to make it go away besides calming your symptoms and boosting your immune system so that it can quickly fight off the virus. These herbal remedies will help you feel better until your immune system gives the stomach bug the boot.
Mint Tea
Mint has so many medicinal uses that it's impossible to list them all here, but for the purposes of the flu, mint is a natural antispasmodic, a mild sedative, and can ease your turbulent tummy. Almost any kind of mint can be used, be it peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, catnip, etc.
Any mint tea that you pick up at the grocery store will help your symptoms. You can also buy a bunch of fresh mint in the produce section and steep the leaves in boiling water. As with anything else when you have the stomach flu, sip slowly so that you don't irritate your stomach.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is a wonder treatment for any cold or flu symptoms, since it acts as an anti-inflammatory, calmative, and muscle relaxer. These little daisy-like flowers also help kill bad bacteria in your body, so that your immune system can concentrate on getting rid of the flu. Chamomile will also ease an upset stomach, and the fresh apple-like flavor is comforting when you can't keep anything else down. This herb can be found in tea form at most groceries, or can be bought in bulk from health food stores. As with mint, you can steep the dried or fresh flower heads in hot water for a few minutes, and strain before drinking.
Lemon
Adding a teaspoon of lemon juice to a large glass of water can help ease your digestive symptoms and aids your immune system in fighting off the virus. In fact, making a habit of adding lemon to your water or tea can help you keep the flu at bay as well, due to its high vitamin C content.
Ginger
Ginger, both in tea and raw root form, is a natural way to settle an upset stomach, though it should be consumed slowly to avoid further irritating an already fussy digestive track. Steep ginger in hot water, or gently chew on a piece of this spicy root to help keep the barfies at bay.
Preventive Measures
There are some habits you might consider for avoiding the flu in the first place. Try these tips to keep your immune system in tip-top shape.
- Wash your hands often during cold and flu season, especially whenever you come in contact with something that sick people have touched, such as the doorknob at your child's preschool or the elevator buttons at a doctor's office.
- Take a regular multivitamin supplement and consider extra vitamin C. Being well armed with nutrients will help keep your immune system up to par.
- Drink lots of water! Staying well hydrated will keep your immune system running at 100 percent, lessening the chances of a virus getting its grip on you.
- To help your immune system fight infections in general, drink antibacterial herbal teas such as chamomile, lemon grass, and Echinacea. Don't forget to add lemon for an extra shot of vitamin C!
- Take Echinacea tablets. It works very well for stimulating the immune system and purifyingthe blood.
- Use antiviral essential oils to help boost your immune system and keep your body free of invaders.
When to See the Doctor
Regardless of what remedy for stomach flu you choose, the upside is that you should start to feel better relatively quickly since it usually only lasts 12-24 hours. If you experience symptoms for longer than two or three days, you should contact your doctor. Some more serious ailments can mask themselves by acting like the flu, and if you are vomiting for more than a few days, you may need intravenous fluids to keep from becoming even more ill..
