Need some home remedies for fast flu relief? Most of these home remedies have been used to treat flu symptoms for generations, and may help ease your symptoms as your body fights the flu virus. (You can match your flu symptoms with the specific home remedies that help treat these symptoms.)

Also, keep in mind that if you have flu symptoms, it's a good idea to call your doctor. If taken within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms, flu medications may be able to shorten the duration of flu symptoms. Not sure if you have flu symptoms? Widespread body aches and a fever over 102 degrees are good indicators.

Flu Symptoms: Overall Aches and Congestion

Breathe Aromatic Steam: Fill the bathroom or kitchen sink with steaming water, and add two teaspoons chopped fresh ginger (Zingiber officinalis). Drape a towel over your head and lean over the steam to get maximum benefit. Or add one teaspoon of the over-the-counter ointment Vicks VapoRub® to the steaming water, then breathe in the steam for several minutes until you get relief. Another flu remedy is to add a few drops of oil of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) or menthol to the water. Eucalyptus is known to open up bronchial tubes, ease congestion, and make breathing easier.

Take a Warm Shower: Getting in a warm shower with the bathroom door closed works as your own personal sauna. The steamy bathroom helps to open your airways and moisten and thin the mucus in your sinuses.

Increase Liquids: Stay well-hydrated by drinking at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water each day. Water keeps your respiratory system hydrated, which helps to liquefy thick mucus that builds up with a respiratory infection. Some findings show that hot liquids may be superior to cold liquids in upper respiratory infections. Other liquids can be added, but don't depend on coffee, tea, or alcoholic beverages as these liquids may cause dehydration.

Use Moist Heat Compresses: If your head is throbbing and it's difficult to breathe through your nose, you may find relief by applying warm moist compresses to the cheeks and sinuses. If you use moist heat, make sure it's not too hot to avoid skin injury.

Flu Symptom: Stuffy Nose

Nasal Saline Irrigation: A host of scientific studies support saline nasal irrigation as an effective flu remedy to thin mucus, decrease postnasal drip, and add moisture to dried mucous membranes. In addition, the saline nasal rinse helps to remove virus particles and bacteria from your nose. Here's a popular recipe that you can try at home:

Mix 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda in 8 ounces of warm water.
Use a bulb syringe to squirt water into the nose.
Learning over the bathroom sink, hold one nostril closed by applying light finger pressure while squirting the salt mixture into the other nostril. Let it drain and gently blow your nose.
Repeat 2-3 times and then treat the other nostril.