The Guide for Surviving Manflu

Manflu, it’s one of those things that completely sucks. I’m currently sitting typing this up while I’m loaded with the cold but I hear man-flu is worse. Man-flu has been known to take down even the manliest of men. I’m sure even James Bond has had to have a duvet day with the sniffles after disarming a missile in the snow. But he had to get back out there pretty quickly again or some other spy would get the girl with the double-entendre name. Here are some of the best remedies for man flu to get you back in fighting form again.

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Steam

Open stuffy sinuses with some steam therapy with a dose of herbs. A steamy shower, or a sink filled with steamy water and a towel over your head, can be used alone to help relieve the pressure and clear your airways. For an added kick, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil, a teaspoon of Vaporub, or a thumb-sized piece of ginger to the steam to really clear your head out. Be careful not to burn yourself with the steam, that will just give you another thing for your sick body to deal with.

Drinks loads

The flu in any form will dehydrate you so it is important to keep your body hydrated. Drink at least 8 cups of water but avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will dehydrate you even more and make your symptoms feel worse. Matcha Green Tea and herbal teas are great to drink when you are feeling under the weather, not only are they caffeine free but they can give you an energy boost too.  

Make your own nasal spray

If you are too sick to get out and pick up some supplies then you can mix up your own nasal spray to help clear your nose. Mix ¼ teaspoon of baking soda with ¼ teaspoon of salt and add to 8 fluid ounces of water (225ml). Use a bulb syringe to squirt the mixture up your nose, this is best done over a sink as it will run back out again, snot and everything. Lovely!

Honey

A spoonful of sugar might help the medicine go down, but a spoonful of honey might be better. A spoonful of honey can help soothe a tickly cough. Depending on the type and quality of the honey, it can help your immune system to recover. Taking honey every day has been shown to improve your overall immune response to viruses and colds. And, as they say, prevention is better than cure. Raw honey or Manuka honey have been found to have antibacterial properties that promote healing, and some have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Companies like Gold Bee sell organic honey that includes nutrients such as fiber and protein, so when it comes to taking honey, you are better paying a bit more money for a high-quality product than the cheap sugar syrup that is labelled as honey.

Spice things up

Spicy foods which contain garlic, ginger, or chili can clear the nose and chest of mucus and bacteria, helping you to recover quicker. Some believe the hotter the better, so mix up a good curry, or if you’re too sick to cook order a takeaway. In case you get something too spicy for you mouth, keep an eye out for my guide to stopping chili burn.

Rest

When your body is fighting off an infection, the last thing it needs is to deal with the gym, work, or what the mother-in-law thinks about you really. Get into your pjs, get into bed, and watch something nice and fluffy until you feel better, like Rambo.

Medicine

If you are still feeling rubbish after the home remedies, you can try some cold and flu medicines. You could attempt to leave the house and hit the shops, or order online. The Independent Pharmacy can deliver cold and flu medicine right to your door.  If you are really bad, then you should order through them. No really, stay inside and away from me with your germs, I don’t want them.