Stomach flu is a gastrointestinal infection, which is caused due to bacteria, virus or poor hygiene. It causes irritation and swelling of the intestine and stomach. However, it is not the actual flu. The influenza virus affects the respiratory system whereas gastroenteritis attacks the intestine and stomach causing discomfort.
Both children and adults are affected by this infection. The symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, dehydration, and pain in the abdominal areas. Keeping good hygiene is the best treatment for stomach flu. Home remedies have been found to be effective in treating stomach flu as they hasten the recovery process and reduce the symptoms.
8 Home Remedies For Stomach Flu
Ajwain Mixture
Take half teaspoon of ajwain seeds, some cloves of garlic and a small piece of ginger. Mix all these ingredients and crush them to make a paste. Add one-teaspoon of lemon juice and consume this mixture three times a day.
This remedy helps to strengthen the digestion process and detoxifies the body. It kills the harmful bacteria in the intestine. Ajwain is a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Asafoetida
Asafoetida is known for its antiviral properties. Take one full glass of warm water, add half teaspoon of asafetida powder to it, and mix well. Drink this solution twice a day in the morning and evening. Asafetida is good for intestinal gas problems and stomach pain.
It helps in the process of digestion. It is also an excellent remedy for colic pain. Mix asafetida powder with warm base oil and apply it on the stomach to relieve colic pain. It helps in removing intestinal worms as well.
Garlic
Take some cloves of garlic and crush them. Boil this crushed garlic in a tumbler of water and drink every day. You can also take crushed raw garlic along with warm water or mix it with some honey and consume it for stomach flu.
Garlic has antimicrobial properties and it acts as a natural antibiotic, which gives a fast recovery from this condition. Taking garlic regularly can prevent you from getting stomach flu. It controls vomiting, helps in strengthening the stomach lining, and comforts the stomach. It calms down cramps and the bowel.
Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and is good for proper bowel movements. Take a small ginger piece and shred it well. Boil it in a beaker of water and strain it. Drink this decoction thrice a day to treat stomach flu.
You can also add honey to this decoction to improve the taste. It can cure nausea, vomiting, upset stomach and indigestion. It gets rid of the virus in the intestine and also intestine gas. Gingerols and shogaols present in ginger help relieve cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and relaxes the digestive tract.
Rice Water
While cooking rice, add a piece of nutmeg or ginger to it. Strain the excess water after cooking rice and drink it. This can help you control diarrhea and will soothe your stomach as well. You can cook rice with excess water and strain out the water.
Add honey and cinnamon powder to it and drink this water three times a day. You can also add lemon or mint leaves to treat nausea and vomiting. This helps in quick recovery and treats the symptoms of stomach flu.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Take apple cider vinegar (two teaspoon) and mix it with one glass of drinking water or any beverage. Drink the mixture regularly until you get rid of the problem. It is one of the most recommended remedies for treating stomach flu.
Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and hence helps in reducing nausea, vomiting and removes intestinal gas. It will ease indigestion and will alleviate cramps in stomach.
Mustard Bath
Take 2 teaspoons of mustard powder and quarter teaspoon of baking soda and mix them into the bath tub water. Take a dip in the water for about 15 minutes. This will clean the impurities in the body and will increase the blood circulation.
In addition, it will reduce the temperature of the body and brings down fever. It opens up the capillaries and warms the blood. This mustard dip will help you relax.
Drink Sufficient Water
Drink more water to keep yourself hydrated. Dehydration can make the situation worse. Drink at least 14-16 glasses of water in day if you have stomach flu infection. Take a bit of baking soda, mix it in a tumbler of water, and drink this mixture.Besides, you can take a glass of warm water and mix it with one teaspoon of honey along with some rock salt and half-teaspoon corn syrup. These two liquid remedy can be taken alternatively. They help reduce diarrhea and vomiting and soothe the digestive tract.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.