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The flu season is still in full-swing, with many people falling ill as a result of the viral infection. For many, contracting the flu can be an uncomfortable experience because its symptoms often include fever, chills, runny nose, sore throat, and muscle aches, among others.

This is because flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus, affecting the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs.

The flu season generally begins in Jamaica in October of each year and lasts until March of each year.

If you or a relative have contracted the virus, you are in the right place. Our Today has put together some Jamaican home remedies commonly used to aid in flu relief.

Roasted sour orange

Down with the flu? Have you lost your sense of taste? Then a home remedy you should try is roasted sour orange. This is generally done by placing a sour orange over an open flame until it becomes charred and black all over.

Once this phase has been completed, remove it from the flame and leave it to cool for a short while, as this remedy works best when it’s hot.

After the fruit has a temperature suitable for eating, cut the roasted orange into halves. Use a spoon to scoop the inside out. You can add a little sugar to offset the bitterness.

While this is not to best remedy as it relates to taste, it is very effective in helping you to regain your sense of taste quickly.

Honey and lime

If you have a sore throat, then Our Today has the best remedy to help relieve it. A common remedy is honey mixed with lime.

This remedy is very simple. Cut and squeeze fresh limes or lime juice into a container. Then add honey to the mixture. Drink immediately to soothe your sore throat.

If honey and lime are not readily available to you, gargling salt water is also an effective remedy as well.

Garlic tea

While it may not be the best in smell, garlic tea has several health benefits such as boosting the immune system and warding off certain viruses such as flu.

It is also very easy to make. Firstly, peel a few cloves of garlic. Rinse them thoroughly then add to a saucepan. Bring to a boil between 10-15 minutes or longer depending on how strong you want the mixture to be.

Once, the boiling process has been completed, add honey and lemon to the tea then enjoy. It is recommended that you have a cup of the tea once or twice per day.

Fever grass tea

Lemon grass tea is another common home remedy prepared in the Jamaican household to ward off the flu virus.

It is prepared by washing fresh lemon grass under running water. Clean and cut them into small pieces.

Add lemongrass to a saucepan of water then bring to a boil.

Let the mixture boil between 5-10 minutes. Strain the tea into a cup then add a sweetener of your choice then enjoy.

Vicks

Every Jamaican is very familiar with Vix vapour rub. This is generally used to alleviate coughs, sore throat and congestion. A little vix goes a long way. It is often rubbed on the chest, nose or under the feet to assist with flu symptoms.

Chicken noodle soup

Chicken noodle soup is another common Jamaican flu remedy. Chicken noodle soup helps to replenish fluids in the blood that is lost from sweating due to high fever.

It is generally prepared with special herbs, and spices including chicken-flavoured noodles, vegetables and as the name suggests, chicken. For persons with little to no appetite, chicken noodle soup is a delicious blend of proteins, vitamins, fibre and minerals.