Flu is a common viral disease observed in adults and children. It is often treated with antibiotics. However, antibiotics and several other medications can cause many side effects.  It is better to follow herbal remedies which can help treat flu and also protect your body and boost your immune system without causing any side-effects.

Here are few such herbal remedies which are proven to be effective in treating flu and are cost-effective as well.

Basil Leaves:

Basil leaves can be used to treat flu. Basil is known for its antimicrobial properties which can help exterminate the virus which is responsible for flu. Basil also helps fight against viral and bacterial infections. Consume 5-6 fresh basil leaves along with few drops of honey. You can also chew few basil leaves every morning to keep all the bacteria and flu causing virus at bay.

Basil is also known as a supreme diaphoretic herb which can induce perspiration by increasing the body temperature thereby flushing out toxic substances from your body. Basil is an antitussive agent and this is the reason why basil extracts are widely used in the preparation of cough syrups. Antitussive agents can help calm the intensity of cough which is one of the major symptoms of flu. Basil is also used to prepare herbal tea and can also be taken as a supplement. Add around 10-15 fresh basil leaves to boiling water and let it simmer. Strain the solution. Consume this herbal tea to treat flu and other viral and bacterial infections. Add a half teaspoon of freshly grounded black pepper while preparing this herbal tea. You can also add few drops of honey as well.

Eucalyptus:

It is one of the best herbal remedies to treat flu and cold. It is known for its medicinal properties and is widely used in aromatherapy and preparing herbal medicines. It is also known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. Depurative properties in eucalyptus can help in exterminating toxins from the body and its expectorant properties can help facilitate uncompromised breathing. It also helps in providing an instant relief due to cough by clearing chest and bronchial congestion. It also helps in providing relief from sinus irritation and sore throat. The leaves of eucalyptus can be used to prepare a warming tea or you can also add few drops of eucalyptus oil to water and inhale the vapors to get an instant relief.

Ginger:

Ginger can help treat flu and its symptoms such as sore throat, cold, cough, headache and nose blockage. Gingerol if a chemical substance present in ginger which helps in providing relief to all the symptoms of flu. Ginger tea can help cure sore throat and bronchial congesting. You can also chew a small ginger slice and this remedy can help prevent coughing.

Black pepper:

It can help treat flu and its symptoms. It can provide instant relief from headache and prevent cough when it is used in tea. Add grounded pepper to ginger tea which can boost its warmth and help increase the body temperature of your body thereby helping to fight against flu and its symptoms.