10 DIY Home Remedies for Stomach Flu

Stomach flu, also known as Viral Gastroenteritis, is caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can be spread by food, water, and animals and from person to person. We’ve all experienced the vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever, headache, nausea, soreness, and diarrhea typically associated with stomach flu. While there is no actual cure for stomach flu, there are ways you can use these home remedies to alleviate the symptoms until the illness runs its course.

Home Remedies for Stomach Flu:

The home remedies you’re about to learn are safe, inexpensive, and free of side effects. Most importantly, they’re highly effective. Let’s get started!

1. Ginger

Ginger reduces inflammation and promotes proper digestion, relieving diarrhea and nausea.

Process:

• Add 1 teaspoon of powdered ginger or ½ teaspoon of fresh ginger root to 1 cup of water.
• Boil 5 minutes and let steep 10 minutes.
• If you use fresh ginger root, strain the tea.
• Drink 2-3 times daily to get relief.
• Note: also use ginger to spice your meals.

2. Chamomile

Chamomile is an anti-inflammatory agent and mild sedative. It relaxes stomach muscles to relieve cramps. It’s also anti-microbial, so it kills off the germs that cause stomach flu.

Process:

• Boil a cup of water.
• Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile.
• Boil for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
• Let steep 10 minutes.
• Drink 2 times daily.
• Note: if you’re allergic to chamomile, try rooibos(red) tea.

3. Mint

Mint is naturally anti-microbial, so it kills the germs that cause stomach flu. It’s also a sedative, so it relaxes stomach muscles in addition to relieving gas, upset stomach, and bloating. Use it regularly in small doses to prevent stomach flu.

Process:

• Boil 2 cups of water.
• Stir in a handful of fresh, washed mint leaves.
• Boil for 5 minutes, then let steep for 10 minutes.
• Strain and pour in glass.
• Stir in raw honey or sugar for sweetness.
• Drink 2 times daily to reduce stomach flu.
• Note: You can chew peppermint gum or candy.

4. Clear Fluids

Stomach flu causes the body to reject and regurgitate most of what you consume, which leads to severe dehydration. Try drinking water in small sips, and if that doesn’t work, try sucking on ice chips. Clear broth, sports drinks, and fruit and vegetable juices are also good for you as they replenish some of the vitamins your body needs to heal. Drink ginger tea or clear soda if you have nausea. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, and to prevent nausea and the vomiting that causes dehydration.

5. Garlic

Garlic is antibacterial and antimicrobial, so it protects the digestive system from the germs that cause stomach flu. It also soothes your stomach lining and bowels to relieve cramps and nausea.

Process:

• Peel and mince few cloves garlic.
• Mix with 1 tablespoon of raw honey.
• Eat this mixture once a day.
• Use garlic as a spice in your cooking regularly to prevent stomach flu.

6. Probiotics

Stomach flu is the result of a buildup of bad bacteria in your colon and digestive tract. Probiotics are rich in good bacteria which help your digestive system function properly.

Process:

• Avoid antibiotics if possible, because they wipe out good and bad bacteria.
• Instead, eat foods rich in probiotics, like yogurt, kefir, soy milk, sauerkraut, milk, dark chocolate, and olives.
• Consuming these foods regularly will help prevent stomach flu.

7. Salt

Sodium is an electrolyte that stops vomiting and diarrhea and helps the body stay hydrated. Use it in cooking and in beverages, but use it in moderation.

8. Blueberries

Blueberries are high in fiber and rich in antioxidants. They help bulk up stools to relieve diarrhea, and they keep the body hydrated. Eat at least a handful of fresh or dried blueberries every day.

9. Lemon

The acid in lemons helps to kill the pathogens that cause diarrhea. It also helps relieve nausea and vomiting.

Process:

• Add 1 teaspoon of fresh-squeezed lemon juice to water, tea, and juice you drink throughout the day; use lemon juice to flavor your cooking
• Also simply take 2 teaspoons before each meal.

10. BRAT

BRAT stands for banana, white rice, applesauce, and dry toast. It is an easily digestible diet that helps to regulate stomach acids and promote proper digestion. The fiber in apples and bananas relieves diarrhea by bulking up stools. Cook rice with more water, once the rice cookedstrain the remaining water. Drink this to get relief from nausea and vomiting. Plain toast settle the stomach to relieve nausea.

Tips for Treating Stomach Flu:

• Rest as much as possible so your body can contribute all its energy to the immune system and fight off the illness.
• Avoid spicy, greasy, and fatty foods, and avoid all dairy other than yogurt.
• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water, especially before cooking and after using the restroom.
• Don’t share personal hygiene items with others.
• Avoid close contact with those suffering from the flu.
• Try not to touch your face a lot throughout the day s there is a direct contact and spreads the bacteria or virus that causes flu..
• Avoid raw or rare meats and unpasteurized milk.
• Wash fruits and vegetables before cooking or eating to remove bacteria.
• Use turmeric as a spice regularly to fight bacteria in the body.

Stomach flu usually only lasts 24-48 hours, but can persist for up to 10 days. If these treatments don’t help, consult a doctor.

Have you tried these methods for treating stomach flu at home? Which ones worked best for you? Share your experience with us!