Colds and flu are common place. What is worse is that they are highly contagious, and it can get tiresome to keep on taking over the counter medicine to cure something that can be healed the natural way. Below are some of the best known home remedies for treatment of those symptoms:

Increase liquid intake

Thick mucus build up after a respiratory infection. To counter this, it is advisable to stay dehydrated by taking at least 8 glasses of water daily. This will help in liquefying the mucus and in keeping the throat moist. Hot liquids are particularly recommended to soothe the inflamed membranes lining up the nose and throats. Drinks such as coffee, tea and alcoholic beverages are to be avoided because they cause dehydration.

• Gargling

Gargling moistens sore and scratchy throats and brings temporary relief. Use a teaspoon of salt dissolved in 8 ounces of warm water, four times daily. An astringent gargle, like tea that contains tannin, is known to reduce the tickle in the throat. The tannin tightens the membranes. Another alternative remedy is a thick viscous gargle made with honey. Steep one table spoon of raspberry leaves or lemon juice in two cups of warm water, and mix well with one teaspoon of honey. It is not advisable to give honey to children under age 1

Use saline irrigation or nasal spray

Scientific studies prove nasal irrigation as an effective remedy for thin mucus, decreases postnasal drip and adds moisture to dried mucous membranes. The nasal rinse breaks the nasal congestion and removes the virus and bacterial infection from the nose. The salt water (saline) can be purchased from a drug or grocery store and its gentle and non-irritating factor is safe even for children. Spray the saline solution into the nostril, the gently blow the mucus out Repeat the process in the opposite nostril, until both of them are running clear.

Inhale aromatic steam

To ease congestion and drippy nose, fill the bathroom or kitchen sink with steaming water, add two teaspoons of chopped fresh ginger and drape a towel over your head and lean over the steam while breathing trough your nose for maximum benefit. Or add a teaspoon of Vicks ointment to the steaming water, breath in the steam until you get relief. A few drops of eucalyptus to the water is just as helpful, since it opens up bronchial tubes and eases congestion.

• Take a steamy shower Steamy showers are known to open your nasal passages, moistens and thins the mucus in your sinuses. It also relaxes you if you are feeling dizzy from the flu.

• Apply hot or cold packs around your congested sinuses. Hot or cold temperatures help you feel more comfortable. Reusable hot or cold showers can be bought from a drugstore or you can make your own. Wet a cloth and heat it for 30 seconds in a microwave (make sure the temperature is right for you), and press it against the cheeks or sinuses. For a cold pack, use a small bag of frozen peas.

• Blow your nose often–the right way when you have a cold it’s recommended to blow your nose regularly rather than sniffing mucus back into your head. If you blow hard, the pressure can cause an earache by transmit germ-carrying phlegm back into your ear passages. The best way to do it press a finger over one nostril while blowing gently to clear the other. Wash your hands after blowing your nose.

• Rest Colds or flu attacks taxes the body because its energy is directed towards the immune battle. You should rest under a blanket and stay warm to help the body to recover the lost energy.

When traveling abroad, access to health care services is available to holders of European Health Insurance Card. EHIC application can be done online and is free for those who are registered with the Medical Card.