How to Fight a Cold or Flu Naturally

It’s cold and flu season.  The last thing you want is to be is sick.  Especially when the only cure for what you have is to rest, drink fluids, and have patience. There are a couple of tricks you can have up your sleeve to boost your immune system and help you fight those cold and flu germs. Check out these simple remedies.

How to Fight a Cold or Flu Naturally

Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry is one of my go to, and most effective cold/flu treatments. It has been written up in medical journals for its anti-viral properties. Even if you don’t begin taking it until after you are sick it can reduce the duration of flu symptoms to 3-4 days. You can purchase order Elderberry Syrup online to have on hand. Take it as directed, or use it as a preventative in smoothies, juice, sodas, and more.  It has such a pleasant taste, kids don’t mind taking a spoonful daily to help ward off those germs.

Probiotics

Keeping your system healthy is first and foremost to preventing a cold or flu! Probiotics are amazing at balancing out your digestive system which is a HUGE part of your immune system. We take these Strawberry probiotic chews daily. Even the kids love them. They are great for the occasional stomach ache too. We always have them on hand, especially when we are traveling.

Lemons

Lemons are great for detoxing the body, are packed with vitamin C, is great for digestion, and for fighting off colds and the flu. Squeeze some juice and add some lemon slices to water; or make homemade lemonade sweetened with honey.

Garlic

Garlic is a very powerful natural antibiotic, anti fungal, and antibacterial. For the most potent effect, finely mince 1-2 cloves or garlic and float in a small glass of water. Drink quickly. My favorite way to take them is to slice a clove of garlic into a tablet size piece and take it just like you would an vitamin. Swallow the small piece whole. This eliminates a lot of the taste. You can also cook with it, or take garlic supplements to help boost that immune system.
*Note: Pregnant women should not take more than 1 clove of garlic medicinally per day, and children often resist this remedy.

Honey

A spoonful of sugar may help the medicine go down, but a spoonful of honey helps to treat coughs and soothe throats. Just take a spoonful as needed. It naturally coats your throat to help with coughing and soreness. If you can find a local honey they will help build your resistance to local allergens too.

Epsom Salt Baths

Baths are relaxing during illness, but Epsom Salt Bathes can be really beneficial as they detox the body, improves circulation, reduces stress, and also relieve inflammation.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This tastes HORRIBLE, but it works really well. Drink a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar in water (gargle first) at the first sign of illness and repeat hourly until symptoms disappear. This alkalizes the body and helps kill viruses and bacteria.

Essential Oils

Many essential oils are antibacterial and antiviral.  Oregano essential Oil has great antibiotic and antiviral properties. You can also try adding a drop of peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender to a hot shower or bath. Or, add a drop or two to a cup of hot water, place under your face, cover your head with a towel and breathe deep to clear congestion.

Sleep and Fluids

Of course the most important. Make sure you are getting plenty of rest to keep your immune system up. Also drink plenty of water on a daily basis to help flush those toxins and germs out of your system before they take hold.

Do you have any natural cold or flu remedies to share? Leave them in the comments below.

The information, advice, statements, and testimonials made about the essential oils, blends, and products mentioned on this web site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  The information on this site and the products listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease, nor are they intended to replace proper medical help. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any regimen with essential oils.  User submitted testimonials are based on individual results and do not constitute a guarantee that you will achieve the same results – what works for one may not work for another.