Home remedies for stomach flu. It is a kind of gastroenteritis that is caused by a virus. It generally strikes slowly but can be very problematic, just like other types of gastroenteritis. It causes diarrhea and may also cause occasional constipation, vomiting and nausea, fever, weakness, chills. Remedies for stomach flu are aimed at relieving the body off the symptoms that cause discomfort. The body would slowly heal from this infection on its own.
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Home remedies for stomach flu :
- Diet : During a bout of stomach flu, it is important to take food that can get easily digested. The body is obviously weak and stomach may not be in a condition to digest dense food. The best diet in this condition is called the BRAT diet - which stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toasts. This provides the body with energy so that the body can fight the infection.
- Chamomile tea : Taking chamomile tea is helpful in stomach flu because it calms the body . It prevents the frequent diarrhea situation which leads to loss of minerals from the body in large quantities.
- Oral rehydration solution ( ORS ) : Due to frequent diarrhea, the body is left weak and dehydrated. It can be replenished by drinking an oral re-hydration solution. This can be obtained from the market or made at home. To make ORS at home, one can read directions set by major health organisations for prepration of ORS for people of different age.
- Lots of yogurt : Eating a good quantity of yogurt calms the abdomen and reduces the cramps. It is soothing and nutritious for the body.
- Eat potato : Eat some plain potato slices with something like a dip or a mint sauce. Potato is a carbohydrate and quickly provides energy to the body.
- Ginger tea : Ginger is very helpful in calming stomach troubles. Drink ginger tea regularly in case of stomach flu.
- Rooibos tea : This is a red colored tea made from a plant that grows in South Africa. It is known to relax the stomach and can help in this condition.
- Carom seeds : These seeds are ground and mixed with honey. Further, some crushed ginger is also added to this mixture and taken through a tablespoon. This is an ancient remedy for diarrhea.
- Peppermint : Make a sauce using peppermint and use it when eating food. This is a cooling herb which soothes the intestine well, preventing stomach cramps.
- Rosemary tea : Drink a light tea made of fresh rosemary leaves. Drink this tea. It might provide relief from the symptoms of a viral gastroenteritis.
- Thyme tea : Thyme is a popular herb and a seasoning. It has got anti-viral action and can support the body in case of a stomach flu.
- Cardamom is good for controlling nausea and vomiting , so it makes one feel better.
- Lemon : Drink plain lemon juice. Lemon is also anti-viral and can help the body in overcoming the viral infection.
The main problem in any such condition is the loss of electrolytes and dehydration. One should keep taking ORS, food and other fluids at regular intervals to keep the body energetic and hydrated.
