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Natural Remedies for Flu: Fast Symptom Relief & Recover

| Modified on Feb 16, 2025
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Natural Remedies for Flu

The flu (influenza) is a viral infection that can cause fever, sore throat, cough, congestion, and body aches. While over-the-counter medications offer temporary relief, natural remedies can help alleviate symptoms while boosting the immune system for a faster recovery.

Understanding the Flu: Symptoms and Key Differences

Influenza is often confused with the stomach flu (gastroenteritis), but they are distinct illnesses. While both are viral infections, the flu primarily affects the respiratory system, whereas the stomach flu mainly causes digestive distress.

Common Flu Symptoms:

  • Sore throat and cough
  • Runny nose and sinus congestion
  • Body aches and chills
  • Headache and swollen lymph nodes
  • Fever and fatigue

Top 10 Natural Remedies for the Flu

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) helps alkalize the body, making it less hospitable to viruses. Mix 2 tablespoons of ACV in a glass of water and drink it several times a day. ACV can also be added to herbal teas with honey for soothing relief.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy

Hydrogen peroxide is an effective remedy for flu prevention and treatment. It can be used in three ways:

  • Ear Drops: Place a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide into each ear and let it sit for a few minutes before draining.
  • Inhalation Therapy: Add food-grade hydrogen peroxide to a nasal sprayer, spray into the throat, and inhale to target lung infections.
  • Sinus Rinse: Mix hydrogen peroxide with saline solution for a natural neti pot rinse.

3. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which improves circulation and fights inflammation. Use it to:

  • Add a pinch to warm tea or soup.
  • Gargle with a mix of cayenne and warm water for sore throat relief.

4. Garlic

Garlic is a natural antiviral that helps fight flu infections. Crush one clove and mix it with honey or add it to soups. For best results, take it raw four times daily.

5. Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint oil provides relief for several flu symptoms:

  • For congestion: Inhale from a tissue with one drop of peppermint oil.
  • For fever relief: Mix with coconut oil and apply to the feet.
  • For headaches: Massage into the temples or back of the neck.

6. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has antiviral properties and helps boost immunity. Take 1-2 tablespoons daily by adding it to warm tea, smoothies, or soups.

7. Healing Baths

Soothing baths can ease flu symptoms:

  • Epsom Salt Bath: Add 1 cup of Epsom salt to a warm bath to relieve muscle aches.
  • Baking Soda Bath: Use 1 cup of baking soda to detoxify and soothe skin.
  • Essential Oils: Add peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus oil for additional relief.

8. Sunshine & Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in immunity. Get sunlight exposure or take a vitamin D supplement during flu season to strengthen your immune system.

9. Rest & Hydration

Rest is essential for recovery. Stay hydrated by drinking:

  • Warm herbal teas (ginger, chamomile, peppermint)
  • Bone broth or homemade soups
  • Electrolyte-rich drinks like coconut water

10. Flu-Fighting Diet

A nutrient-rich diet helps speed up recovery. Eat:

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables: For essential vitamins and antioxidants.
  • Light whole grains: Such as oatmeal and brown rice.
  • Homemade chicken soup: Known for its immune-boosting properties.

Homemade Flu Remedies

Apple Cider Vinegar Flu Tea

This warming tea combines the benefits of ACV, honey, and cayenne.

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Hot water

Mix ingredients and sip slowly.

Spicy Flu-Fighting Fudge

This natural flu remedy combines coconut oil, honey, and cayenne.

  • 1 cup organic coconut oil
  • 5 teaspoons raw honey
  • 1/2 cup raw cacao powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Melt coconut oil, mix ingredients, and refrigerate. Eat 1 piece daily.

Final Thoughts

These natural flu remedies provide effective relief and support a faster recovery. From apple cider vinegar to healing baths, there are many ways to fight the flu naturally. Remember to rest, stay hydrated, and nourish your body with nutrient-rich foods.

Have a flu remedy that works for you? Share your experience in the comments below!

Related Links:

Natural Flu Remedies for Children

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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ACV, Garlic, Lemon, Coconut Oil

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Posted by Pamela (Salte City, N Mexico) on 02/08/2021
 ★★★★★

Hi all,

Using Turmeric, Garlic, Lemon, ACV, Honey, Black Pepper, n 1/2 tsp. coconut oil mix together, taking 1tbsp. daily helps fight off any cold, flu.

They have all that one would need to help keep some health, As through the past 8 years, I have been doing this remedy. I have yet been sick. I also started a page of my own to help others to help to get healthy with out Big PhArma. If we all learn to care for our own bodies from the Mother Earth. We wouldn't need. We all need clean running water, as the water supple is unhealthy. With all the Chemicals n toxic waste, staying health with the right food n herbs n spices is the best way to go. At one point I could pay for the medication that were slowly taking n eating my body from the inside is what brought me here eating from Mother Earth. I don't get sick from the pills, or sick from the colds, flus ECT... Thank you, this is my experience with my own body. I feel better now than I did in the past years.

Replied by Rodnique
(Louisiana)
02/18/2021

Could you please give us measurements on each ingredient. Thanks so much.

ACV, H2O2, Epsom Salt, Eucalyptus Oil

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Posted by Colleen (LA, CA) on 01/12/2007
 ★★★★★

I'recently had a severe flu. My muscles tight, energy low. I made a bath of 16 oz., apple cider vinegar, 1/2 bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 2 cups epsom salts, and 10 drops eucalyptus oil. before the bath I could barely move, no energy, poor breathing. Within an hour after the bath, I was already healing. Took another one the next day, and could tell that what could have been a week of illness, was already on its way to recovery. i take acv daily also: 2 Tablespoons, 1/2 lime, and 1 Tablespoon of raw honey. - I was told this brings the body's ph to 7. (perfect balance) I have given this formula to many people and have had much feed back about more energy, better digestion, etc. A good way to begin the day, setting the body's stasis point well, which lessens cravings for sugar.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

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Posted by Sandy (Orlando, FL) on 02/19/2007
 ★★★★★

Hi, I have had a recurring Urinary Tract infection so far 3 times in the past 6 months, to which my Dr has prescribed antibiotics. I felt it coming on and as my Dr was out of town was unable to get my prescription refilled for antibiotics. As I was in a great deal of pain (for 3 days and popping AZO tabs like mints) I was searching the internet for a natural remedy and came across this website. I did the vinegar and baking soda remedy and within a few hours the pain was completely gone and has not returned. I didn't have ACV on hand so I did it with just plain white vinegar (2T), baking soda (1t) and water and added a few drops of cayenne pepper. I am so happy!!! Yesterday I was coming home from a trip a feeling myself coming down with Flu Sx (achy, sore throat, and weak). I took some Advil to get thru the long car trip home. When I got home I was exhausted and went right to bed. When I woke up I felt horrible as I could barely swallow, my ears, and face (sinuses) hurt, as well as achy joints all over. I was eager to try the ACV and baking soda (added cayenne and echinacea drops too) cure and took the first drink at about 3 am. It is now 2pm the next day I have taken about 5 glassfuls and I feel 100% better. I still have very mild tired feeling but all other sx are completely gone. Its amazing!

Apple Cider Vinegar Spicy Drink

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Posted by Mama To Many (Tn) on 10/23/2017
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Spicy ACV Drink for Fall

I don't usually have fresh ginger on hand, but do right now. I have been using it in a warm apple cider vinegar drink. So tasty!

  • 1 cup almost boiling water
  • 2-3 teaspoons honey
  • 2-3 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon clove powder
  • 1/2 - 1 teaspoon freshly sliced ginger root

Mix together in a larger mug or to go coffee mug to keep you cozy when you go out in the cold.

I think I would especially love this if I had a cold or the flu.

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tn)
10/23/2017

By the way, after I finish the drink, I chew on the pieces of ginger in the bottom of the mug. One at a time. Great when you have the munchies.

Replied by Tara
(Florida)
01/10/2023

Love the plethora of “Mama to Many” contributions on here. So wise and helpful.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Cayenne

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Posted by Stephanie (Freeport, USA) on 06/22/2007
 ★★★★★

First of all, I thank GOD for helping me find your site to try these wonderful remedies! I started out with a sore throat and gargled water mixed with cayenne powder; it helped short term. But then I had a nasty cough (associated with the sore throat), so I drank 2 TBSP of apple cider vinegar throughout the day. It seemed to make my coughs more productive. When I woke up the next day, I hacked up a lot of mucous, and felt like I was getting better. Then I made a pot of tomato tea and I am well again :-) Thank you very much! Your site is a priceless wealth of information.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Cayenne
Posted by Char (OKC, Oklahoma) on 03/06/2007
 ★★★★★

Cayenne is a cureall. I thought I was the only one who knew the connection between dairy and sinusitis and the flu, every time I drink milk or eat ice cream, I get sick with sinus problems and then came down with the flu. Cayenne with distilled water, lemon juice and acv, was the only cure which helped me flush out the fever. This may sound crazy, but dairy products make me moody and emotional, like I can feel how "SAD" the cows are, I try to only do organic dairy now.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic

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Posted by Mesem (Toulon, France) on 01/23/2011
 ★★★★★

Realise I had a long lingering virus in my system. I pressed and munched several cloves of raw garlic and ate this with a little wholemeal bread and butter, hit the aspirin and VIT C and I am pretty sure that has done the trick! I also had the beginnings of a gastro attack and a strong drink of ACV and water stopped that in its tracks last Sunday. Reading ads for NZ Manuka honey I see that they are pushing the fact that it induces the body to produce more H2O2."

Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon Juice

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Posted by Schwabbie (Fontana, Ca) on 09/21/2016
 ★★★★★

Carol's cure all acv and lemon juice drink was the best remedy I tried so far.

I tried the tomato tea and it probably does boost the immune system, but this remedy did stop the thick phlegm that was blocking my airway and causing me to cough like crazy, and it worked almost immediately. I drank this twice yesterday and plan to have it twice today.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon Juice
Posted by Petran (Toronto) on 04/14/2006
 ★★★★★

Thanks for this remedy I tried it on my two daughters and i can tell you it truly worked. About 5 min. after they drank it both of them started to vomit. It releases the mucus that's was on their chest hence the vomiting. Now they are both coughing less and more active. Thumbs up Carrol, it worked wonders!!! ....Thanks again!

Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon Juice
Posted by Carol (Republic, Washington)
★★★★★

Here is the "cure what ails you" I give to my students, and they all use it and are back to the books/ or playing for the basketball team! It has an immediate effect for some:

3 TB Apple Cider Vinegar
3 TB lemon juice, fresh squeezed if possible
2 TB honey
You can add 1/4 tsp cayenne, and 1/4 tsp fresh ginger also if the first three ingredients don't work right away.

Mix in a little warmed water to liquefy, drink, and then rinse the teeth thoroughly. After the initial rush, you can drink warm tea, or water to settle the stomach. Most have an immediate reaction where they get their voice back and clear out the mucus in their nose and throat. Try it, all the kids do, and now even their moms drink it and swear by it! One mom even works at the medical clinic and uses my cure instead of the doctor's one.

Replied by Tina
(Ohio)
02/03/2016
★☆☆☆☆

Tried this a few times. Didn't noticeably help. Sorry.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon Juice
Posted by Glen (Round Rock Texas)
★★★★★

I have been sick for three days and just tried Carol's Apple Cider Vinegar & Lemon Drink and within 5 mins my nose and congestion has started to break up. Thanks for the tip.

Aspirin

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Posted by Laura (Atlanta, Ga) on 11/30/2013
 ★★★★★

After 2 days of a progressively worse fever I gave Teds aspirin remedy a shot. I'm happy to say it worked wonders.

I did 4 doses of 500mg aspirin dissolved in half glass of water every 55minutes. I also drank another half glass water or more about 20 minutes after each dose. I went from 102 degree temperature down to 98.6 in 4.5 hours.

Its now the next morning and my temp is normal. I have a little head congestion and a slight cough. I'm going for the apple cider vinegar next!

Thanks Earth Clinic and all you contributors!

Replied by Niceshot
(Wpb, Fl)
12/01/2013

Thank you for aspirin routine & virus. You take one 500 mg aspirin every 55 min. over nearly 4 hours to get to four doses? Just want make sure.

Replied by Bobbyb
(Seattle)
09/21/2015

Dissolved aspirin according to Ted is the only way to take aspirin. I take over the counter cold medicine from the drug store which seems safe. It is dissolved aspirin and I think baking soda.

Replied by Soledad
(Spain)
02/04/2021

I would like to know if there is an alternative to baby aspirin for people with gut problems.

Thanks.

Rob
(Kentucky)
02/04/2021

There is no alternative I know of because it's the salicylic acid in the aspirin that is doing the work.

Cindy
(Illinois, USA)
02/06/2021
543 posts

You could use willow bark tea to soak your feet in or just get regular, uncoated aspirin, dissolve in a bit of water, pour a little puddle of it on a piece of plastic and simply sit with your feet on it. Just don't let yourself get a chill.

Dianne
(Australia)
12/18/2022

There is an alternative to aspirin tablets. Willow bark I found also gave me stomach cramps so did further research because I was suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Meadowsweet also

Aspirin
Posted by Susan (Minneola, Fl) on 02/05/2010
 ★★★★★

hi Earth clinic, ive been reading your cures for years . My Son is a cancer survior. He came down with a flu or virus and had a high fever all week . It was very scary. First I found the egg white to bring the fever down and that helped a litte bit besides the great laugh we had helped too. Well the fever was spiking again today and i was very worried. Went on here and found the asprin help for flu. I followed it exactly as I read it and after the first dose he got up and was playing. went from 102.7 to 101.5 in the first hour after the third treatment he went down to 98.7 much to our great joy. Ive been taking his temp all week and use many natural therapies. This was the miracle breakthough we needed. This is the first time i am writing in because i am so very grateful for all the other people who have written here.I would like to start to contribute more often as I have learned so very much here and through reading alot of books. God bless this work and Thank you everyone who contributes.

Aspirin
Posted by Lisa (San Antonio, Texas) on 09/30/2009
 ★★★★★

Aspirin cure for flu in teenagers

I used the aspirin cure on my 18 year old for what I thought was the flu (dr. did not test). Did the four doses, slept, felt much better the next day.

EC: Lisa is referring to Ted from Bangkok's aspirin cure posts on the Swine Flu page: https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/swine-flu.html

Replied by Joyce
(Joelton, Tn)
10/01/2009
490 posts

Personally, I prefer L-lysine and Vitamin C, and don't forget those good old Bcomplex vitamins when the body is under stress, as it is with any illness.

Dano
(Idaho)
11/04/2022
★★★★★

I agree with the lysine and I take Vitamin C regularly anyway. The lysine interferes with viral replication, so it gives your immune system an opportunity to fight off the flu because your system isn't overwhelmed with the virus replicating. It makes a noticeable difference, especially if you start taking the lysine as soon as you realize that you may have flu symptoms. I take a gram of lysine every hour and especially before going to sleep.

Aspirin, Cayenne, and Hydrogen Peroxide

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Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 02/17/2018
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I was around someone early in the week who thought she had the flu. 48 hours later I was experiencing early flu symptoms. Sore throat, malaise.

I immediately put hydrogen peroxide in my ears. (About a capful each ear.)

I gargled cayenne pepper water. (1/4 teaspoon cayenne in 3 ounces of water.)

I took 2 aspirin.

I repeated the hydrogen peroxide twice before going to bed.

I woke up not feeling the best and repeated the peroxide in the ears, the cayenne gargle and the aspirin.

By afternoon I felt completely fine and have ever since.

I think the earlier that remedies are begun the better!

~Mama to Many~


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