10 Cold and Flu Home Remedies

Zinc

Posted by Joyce (San Marcos, Ca) on 10/16/2012
★★★★★

This is not a cure, but a preventive. About 17 years ago, when I moved from one location to another, I got a really bad cold -- one of the worst I've ever had. Since then, in 17 years, I have had only 3 colds, only 1 of which lasted more than a few days. My prescription is zinc lozenges. I can't remember where I heard about them, but they've worked wonders for me.

The key to their effectiveness, I think, is taking them immediately on the first sign of a cold -- a sore throat, sneezing or stuffiness. Chances are that sometimes I've taken them when a cold wasn't actually coming on, but I'd rather take the extra precaution than risk getting a cold.

I start out with just 1 lozenge and may take as many as 3 if the symptoms persist. A bottle of 100 will last for a couple of years, and they're quite inexpensive.

For years scientists have said that zinc lozenges were not effective in preventing colds. Now they're saying their studies show that they can shorten the length of a cold. I'm not sure what they've based their studies on, but I think, again, that taking them immediately upon any symptoms of a cold is the key to their effectiveness.

Turmeric

Posted by Tina (Houston, Usa) on 11/13/2011
★★★★★

On the first sign of a cold and sore throat, I had 1 heaped teaspoon organic turmeric powder, mixed in 1/2 cup whole milk heated to a boil (apparently fat from milk is needed in properly digesting the turmeric), a bit of freshly ground pepper, and 1 teaspoon agave or any sweetener.

I had this concoction in between meals. I did this 3 times on the first day, and twice the next 2 days, and did not suffer from what would have been a full blown cold/cough and congestion. Incredible. Please try it!

The turmeric in my case made me slightly constipated, so I took some extra magnesium before bed those days.

Turmeric

Posted by Katta (Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh) on 10/24/2011
★★★★★

It is a remedy used by village folk from several centuries. All kinds of common cold and flu get relieved remarkably with 5G of turmeric powder in hot milk. The turmeric powder must be swallowed, and no residue left behind. Some people also add about 1G of pepper.

Garlic, Lime, Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Jose (Leander, Tx, Usa) on 05/05/2011
★★★★★

I usually eat a clove of garlic and drink a glass of water with a splash of Apple Cider Vinegar everynight so I can sleep better and wake up the next morning feeling refreshed. I usually never get sick becuase I beleive the garlic and Apple Cider Vinegar help my body fight off viruses and bacteria. But last winter I got extrememly ill since it was my first winter working in snow. My co worker told me that when he went to Brazil they would cut a whole lime into fourths and boil it for 15mins. He said they would drink it to help get rid of what it is making them sick. I told him about my garlic and Apple Cider Vinegar he laughed because in Brazil they eat garlic so mosquitos and bugs will not bite them.

So I tried boiling some limes but I boiled them with 4cloves of garlic minced. Once I got the drink cool enough I poured it all into a cup and put a splash of acv. I sipped it and it was a horrible taste but I knew I had to get better so I finished it. To my surprise I could feel it work, 15minutes into it I was coughing out some really ugly stuff and I could just feel my system sweating out everything. Try this garlic lime Apple Cider Vinegar trick if you are feeling really sick it worked for me.

Fasting

Posted by Capirussa (Orlando, Florida, Us) on 12/12/2010
★★★★★

Something that really helps get rid of the flu or a cold is fasting. When you feel the beginning stages of a cold, if you stop eating for a just a day you will often stop it dead in it's tracks. Drinking juice throughout the day instead of eating is another good alternative if you feel you need to get some calories in. Orange juice, preferably freshly squeezed, green juices (made by juicing fresh veggies like celery, broccoli, spinach, kale, etc. ), and other fruit juices like apple juice or mango juice are great to drink for a day or two of fasting.

If you'll be purchasing them, make sure the juices are not from concentrate and are not juice cocktails. Since I use natural remedies during colds, like cayenne pepper or grapefruit seed extract, I've had no problem taking them while fasting or juice fasting but I'm not sure if taking prescription medicines on an empty stomach is a good idea. I've taken the general over the counter stuff like tylenol with no problem, though, I still keep the dose low and don't take it as often as I would if I were eating. Also, if you've got a full blown cold already, you will likely have to fast 2-3 days to get rid of it, maybe more. If you get the chance to stop it early, usually one day will be enough.

L-Lysine

Posted by Traveler (San Antonio, Tx) on 11/09/2010
★★★★★

I used to love Oil of Oregano and still find it useful, however for cost and effectiveness I would have to say that garlic or lysine are better. Lysine is around $6 a bottle, garlic around 40 cents a bulb. Lysine is better and doesn't stink me up :) Compared to a bottle of Oil of Oregano which the cheapest, most effective form was around $15/bottle, and only worked half the time, lysine is stellar. I take one to two grams at a time several times a day. If I've gotten really sick, I do the 5 grams over 5 hours (1 gram an hour taken with one gram of aspirin to increase blood saturation of lysine) and that's REALLY helped.

I've also recommended it to others and it has helped either a medium amount or a lot. I overloaded my boyfriend with it and he got diarrhea, but we're not sure if that was because of the lysine (he took 25 grams in a day) or because of his sickness which was part early signs of bronchitis and part stomach upset. The good news is that after the diarrhea cleared he's completely better whereas he said before, once bronchitis symptoms started it would last a couple weeks to a couple months. His bronchitis symptoms quit in about a day and a half, and his diarrhea cleared in four days (but that was off and on. )

Sinus Rinse

Posted by Dale (Omaha, Ne) on 01/25/2010
★★★★★

At the first sign of a cold or other URI, using sinus rinse morning and evening, usually prevents it from developing completely. But the few colds that do take me on are pleasantly mild now. After about 4 days of sinus rinsing, I am back to my old self. I use 50/50 mix of plain salt and baking soda, with about 3/4 teaspoon in to 8 oz. rinse bottle of warm 110-degree tap water. Rest of the year, just once rinse Tuesday evenings.

Hydrogen Peroxide in Humidifier

Posted by Lucia (Moscow, Russia) on 03/03/2011
★★★★★

I have just started this and it makes a difference.

Oregano Oil

Posted by Craig (Felton, CA) on 12/18/2008
★★★★★

I have been using oil of oregano for almost a year, after a suggestion by a naturopath. It seems to work to ward off the many tingles in the throat. I would suggest however, that anyone who is thinking of trying this for the 1st time start with one drop in a half glass of water. The aroma is so strong that most people I give the remedy to are turned off by the very pungent odor. I am able to take it without water but do not suggest it. 3 to four drops in a couple ounces of warm water is very tolerable after a few times of the lighter dose. I have acid reflux and taking the remedy too often definately brings it on, so I do it once in the morning and another time at night. Hope this helps.

Hydrogen Peroxide in the Ears

Posted by Pat M (Hackettstown NJ) on 02/24/2025
★☆☆☆☆

This happened to me as well. I have the flu, cold, congestion. I tried the HP in each ear and now I feel more aweful than ever. Sorry I tried it.

Dr. Parson's Tonic

Posted by Dr Jack Parsons, MD (Santa Barbara, Calif) on 09/24/2008
★★★★★

Best tonic for colds and flu's, given to me by the wife of a colleague, years ago. Given the formula to my patients, and those who have been religously participating in the ingestion of the formula have rid themselves of the worst maladies in record time.

All you need to take is 2 tablespoons twice a day, to afford the rapid results.

Here is the formula:

1 white onion, cut into quarters
1 entire head of garlic peeled
4 habaneros destemmed, but with seeds and veins intact
4" horseradish root, peeled and chopped
4" ginger root, peeled and chopped
1 quart of [organic apple cider] vinegar.

Place all ingredients and puree, then bottle into a quart jar, cap and store at room temp. Shake the bottle, and take 2 tablespoons when symptoms manifest. Or.. take 1 tablespoon every day, to prevent the flu and colds from ever taking hold. My patients who have done this, haven't contracted a flu or cold in years.

Dr. Parson's Tonic

Posted by Rena (Mineral Bluff, Georgia) on 03/04/2009
★★★★★

My family and I have been taking this remedy for years, works great. Too bad it didn't help with my sinus infection, but it will keep colds and flu away, Peace, Rena.

Hydrogen Peroxide in the Ears

Posted by Simone (Florida) on 01/19/2016

I think everyone who has had a problem with dizzy is because they didn't lay down when they did this. The inner ear helps your balance, thats why you feel dizzy.

Tonic Water

Posted by Wilma (Murrieta, CA) on 03/11/2008
★★★★★

.. I also drink Tonic Water around the cold/flu season to divert an oncoming cold.

Zinc

Posted by Marie (Vancouver, BC, Canada) on 01/30/2008
★★★★★

I have used zinc lozenges (the type you find in the vitamin section, not the type that looks like a candy) and it cured it about 100% of the times. It nips it in the bud. Whenever I feel that "sore throat" feeling coming on or if I wake up with an already sore throat I suck on one immediately and repeat it as often as the feeling comes back. The key is to abstain from eating/drinking for 40-60 mins after you sucked it. Many people whom I've given it to, came back and asked what this miracle cure was. If I think I have a flu or cold coming, I do the same thing with the same miracle effect. I carry a few tablets with me on a permanent basis. I also would drink zinc tablets in the morning and before bed if I suspect a bug is getting at me to help my immune system. I have used up to 6 tablets over a 24 hour period once, but normally don't need more than 2 - 3 tablets.

Fire Cider

Posted by Selah (Winamac, Indiana) on 12/22/2007
★★★★★

I recently found this and am trying it and I love it! I plan to start a second batch soon because the first batch will be gone very quickly! It's called Fire Cider. It is effective, easy to make and tasty, though not for the weak of heart. Make a batch before the cold season starts.

1 Quart AC vinegar
1/4 cup grated fresh horseradish
1 onion, chopped
1 head garlic, peeled & chopped
2 tablespoons powdered turmeric
cayenne pepper
1 cup honey, to taste

1. In a glass or stainless steel sauce pan heat vinegar on the stove to where it is warm, but not boiling.
2. Fill a clean glass jar with horseradish, onion, garlic, turmeric, and a pinch or two of Cayenne pepper.
3. Pour in the warmed vinegar and cap with an acid-proof lid.
4. Store in a warm place 3 to 4 weeks; shaking a few times a week.
5. Strain mixture and add enough honey to suit your taste.
6. Rebottle fire cider and refrigerate.
7. At the first sign of a cold take 1 to 2 tablespoons every 2 to 3 hours until your symptoms subside.

I use a mason jar and put wax paper on top before putting the lid on.

Msg (!)

Posted by Roman (Chicago, IL) on 12/12/2007
★★★★★

This is under the cold remedies cure catgory. Anytime I feel the slightest hint of a cold coming-on, I eat something that has MSG. flavored potato chips,and drink a glass of red wine,or a glass of orange juice. Monosodium-glutamate is also found in canned soup,not all of them use it,you need to read the label. This sounds funny-but it really works. When there was a rash of cold and flu outbreak at my workplace, I made this suggestion, but no-one took me seriously. But I never got sick.

Garlic

Posted by Laura (Seattle, WA) on 10/16/2007
★★★★★

I've been using garlic for years for a variety of things. Usually I use it for colds. At the first sign of a cold, chop up 4 cloves of raw garlic and eat. I prefer to use it as a garnish on an already garlicy type food like soups or spaghettie, it helps make the taste not so obvious. Keep up with 4 cloves a day, then reduce the number as your symptoms decrease. This can stop a cold from manifesting, or it will shorten and weaken your colds. I used to have chronic bronchitis after every cold, now I haven't had it in years. I also only get one cold a year usually. Yeah, I don't smell great but I'm not missing so much work!

I will also use raw garlic juice on rashes and bug bites. It stops the itching immediately, and I pretty much use it for anytime I might need a phytoncide.

Oregano Oil

Posted by barbara (camden, ar) on 09/05/2007
★★★★★

I have been using oil of oregano every time I feel that I am coming down with sore throat, it stops it almost immediately and it does not turn to sinusitis as in the past. I would recommend it to any and every body!