Natural Remedies for Flu: Fast Symptom Relief & Recover

Turmeric, Ginger, Black Pepper, Honey

Posted by Ellen D (USA) on 01/10/2008
★★★★★

Turmeric: An Indian friend of mine gave me a recipe for sore throat, colds, flu, sinusitis: Take about a teaspoonful of turmeric powder, a teaspoon full of grated fresh ginger (or equivalent of dried ginger powder), a pinch of ground black pepper, honey or sugar to taste, and put it into about half a cup of water and bring to a boil. Then add about half a cup of milk, heat to just below boiling point, and drink the mixture slowly, while hot. I also supplement this treatment by inhaling steam and keeping a hot water bottle on my head, throat or chest. I used to have colds that lasted two weeks; now I can get over them within three days.

Green Tea

Posted by Teri (Woodinville, WA) on 11/06/2007
★★★★★

After suffering with swollen glands and a scratchy and sore throat for 3 days, I came across this website. I had been using honey in green tea, zinc lozenges, echinachea and Tylonol Extra for pain...

I tried 1/2 cup green tea, 1 tsp. lemon juice (bottled on hand), 1 tsp. honey and 1/8 or 1/4 tsp of cayenne!! It's only been less than 10 minutes and Boy what a difference!! The hotter you can stand the temperature & 'heat' from the cayenna, the better!! Wow!! It works!

Oregano Oil

Posted by Marinette (Cleveland, USA) on 10/21/2007
★★★★★

Last Winter I came down with a terrible cold that might have been pneumonia, as a lot of this was going around. I could barely get any rest at night because of the constant coughing, and I went through boxes of Klennex blowing my nose and sneezing. Also, I usually can get rid of a cold or flu with herbal teas, but nothing made a dent in this. I tried raw garlic but it seemed to do nothing. After trying for a week everything that usually works on a cold right away, I started taking Oregano Oil and Oregano capsules. I took 2 drops of the oil 3 times a day and 3 of the herbal capsules 3 times a day. The Oregano herbal capsules also have dried garlic and onion powder in them and something called Rhus Coriaria. After taking this for a day or two LOTS of bright orange mucus came out of my sinuses and lungs. It still took a few more days after that to feel completely well, but each day I was finally getting better, not just staying the same or getting worse. You might not want to post the name of the book I found this information in, but it is called "The Cure Is In the Cupboard" by Dr. Cass Ingram. I mention this because Oregano Oil is an essential oil and should not be taken in large amounts. People should really read about it before taking it, and there is a lot of inferior Oregano oil on the market. Also, it is used for many different ailments because it kills fungus, bacteria and viruses and different ailments require different dosages. I found that the best way to take it, at least for me, is to put one drop on my finger, lick it off and have a glass of water standing by. Then I take two big drinks of the water. This oil is HOT! I would not recommend waiting around holding it in your mouth to test just how hot it truly is.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

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!

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Posted by Dean (Tulsa, OK) on 11/05/2006
★★★★★

I discovered this site a few days ago. I have been impressed. Yesterday I awoke with dark rings around my eyes, fever and sore muscles. The flu was coming on STRONG. I started a new job today too. I went straight to your site and read the grapefruit seed extract cure. They should change the name to bitter fruit, but it has worked. It's awful but within an hour I felt 80% better. By evening I felt 98% better. I can tell it is still there, in hiding, so I will do it 2-3 days like it is suggested. It now feels like that day after your sick which is great because I was really going to be sick. I could tell. Jobs great too. Thanks!

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Posted by Genevieve (Bellingham, WA)
★★★★★

I absolutely hate being sick and getting the flu, like I'm sure everyone does. But, I have found something that really helps. GSE, Grapefruit Seed Extract which can be bought at supplement and health stores, really helps boost my immune system. I drop 13 drops in a small glass of orange juice three to four times a day when I start feeling and sick and by the next morning I feel 100% better.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon Juice

Posted by Tina (Ohio) on 02/03/2016
★☆☆☆☆

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

Ginger

Posted by Earth Clinic (USA)
★★★★★

This ginger tea is one of the most powerful teas to clear viruses and toxins from the body. Here's an old Chinese recipe that is very beneficial.

Chop into small pieces 2 inches of fresh ginger and add to a pot of water. Add the rind of one orange and one cinnamon stick. Boil for 10 minutes and drink hot. You will be able to tell how well this tea clears toxins from your body by the changing scent of your perspiration (for the worse).

Boneset Herb Tea

Posted by Lad (Bel Air, Maryland)
★★★★★

I bought some dried Boneset herb at a healthfood store years ago after I broke my arm. I discovered "boneset" herb is for the pain of "breakbone fever" flu, not broken bones! After half my office came down with a very nasty flu, it was my turn. It caused a LOT of pain w/ fever. I made a tea using my old bag of Boneset and the pain and malaise immediately lifted! I returned to work w/ the tea. A co-worker was face down on her desk, literally complaining of her "bones hurting!" I said "I got just the thing for you!" She mixed some breakfast tea with it because she thought it tasted awful. But after two cups she came in and said "I think you cured me!"

ACV, Garlic, Lemon, Coconut Oil

Posted by Rodnique (Louisiana) on 02/18/2021

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

Ted's Remedies

Posted by Peter (Chicago) on 05/28/2020
★★★★★

BELOW is Ted's old post. Does he means mixing the 2000 mg Vitamin C with baking soda in a glass of water? Can someone help! "The simple remedy not to get disease during long distance flying is to take 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda plus 2000 mg of vitamin C before, during and after the trip. The negative ORP (Oxidation Reduction Potential) of a chemical of vitamin C is strongly negative in an alkaline solution of baking soda, which will counteract quite easily the positive charges of static electricity caused by the plane as it flies high in the clouds."

EC: Hi Peter. Yes, he meant to take the baking soda in a glass of water.

Colloidal Silver and Manuka Honey

Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 12/30/2015

Hello Katzie;

You gave him the CS only once? Might take more if he starts regressing. Twice a day for four or five days. If he has a sinus infection maybe show him how to sniff up into sinus cavity. Hard for a kid to do that, I know. But a life time of benefits to know how to do an "irrigation." Sinus plus ears with ear syringe.

Colloidal Silver and Manuka Honey

Posted by Katzie (Calgary) on 12/31/2015

Thanks, Dave!! That is good advice. I will do that.

Ginger

Posted by Susan (Knoxville, Tn) on 10/28/2014
★★★★★

Just using the powdered ginger from the grocery store spice aisle worked for me in one dose in 2009 when the H1N1 flu was going around. My son had gotten it and coughed right in my face when I tucked him in bed (I couldn't get him to take anything like ginger for it - he was too young and spit it out), so about 2 days later, I suddenly had a runny nose and little tickles in my upper chest - felt like tiny bubbles popping in my chest. When I realized that what I was feeling was the flu, the ginger remedy I had seen here popped into my head (thank you, EC - love your site and you are my first go-to for so many things now! ) Going with what I had available, I used 1/2 tsp of the powdered ginger and made a tea with it, heating up a mug of water and then stirring the powdered ginger in with a bit of sugar. It didn't taste too good but I drank it and had to swirl the mug around to get the leftover powder on the bottom of the mug into my mouth. Within an hour, the symptoms were all gone. I was extremely relieved, because I had a really nasty virus about a year earlier, that I had gotten pneumonia from, and it had wreaked havoc on my upper respiratory area where the flu was trying to take hold and I was still suffering from recurring chest congestion every time I got a cold at that time. So I was extremely worried that the flu would land me in the hospital, given my pre-existing chest issues. I was SOOOO relieved that the ginger worked to get rid of it so quickly. I had read that ginger has over 100 antiviral components in it, but dry ginger may have fewer of those than fresh ginger, but I would say definitely don't overlook the dry, powdered version if it's all you have!

Honey

Posted by Stormie33 (Albertville, AL) on 12/27/2013

Use honey for any viral illness. Start taking it at first sign/symtom. If in doubt research honey and virus and will find out the great benefits of RAW honey.

Aspirin

Posted by Niceshot (Wpb, Fl) on 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.

Aspirin

Posted by Bobbyb (Seattle) on 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.

Ted's Remedies

Posted by Tg (Manhattan, Ny) on 01/15/2013
★★★★★

YEA!! The aspirin remedy really helps beat the flu! I just used it to beat the flu, along with Vitamin C and Olive Leaf extract and it really works! I find it best to take it just before going to sleep... 4 low dose aspirin (81 mg).

Colloidal Silver

Posted by Pr (Houston, Texas) on 01/11/2013
★★★★★

I had the unfortuned experience of getting the flu this year. I will say my normal herbal and vitamins remedies did not budge this flu. Infact I relapse 3 - 4 times. Just when you think you where done it was back worst. I had to finally use colloidal silver 1/2 cup three times a day to get rid of it and keep it away. I started with 1/4 cup and worked up to the half cup. I am still taking 1 oz two times a day for maintenance, don't trust this strain. Xylitol nose spray was a huge help and you can spray this as often as needed. Sometimes I sprayed it every five minutes. As you feel like you are drowning in mucus and than it settles in chest which is hard to get rid of. I also sprayed colloidal silver in nose mixed with Xylitol. The netti pot helps too.

Zinc

Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 01/10/2013 2041 posts
★★★★★

When I was young and otherwise healthy I would get 2 or 3 terrible colds (flu) per yr. Fast forward with aging and a severe and chronic toxic condition, I might get 1 cold per yr and then only briefly. I take nutritional supplements by the handfuls but one that seems the absolute essential immune support is Zinc. Zinc is one mineral that is terribly lacking in the western diet AND seems to be the cornerstone of the immune system, so it is almost necessary to supplement in every person to prevent such as the flu. A healthy Thymus is also critical. Some researchers believe that the power of Zinc is the strengthening of the Thymus.

Turmeric and Bromelain

Posted by Liberty (Phoenix, Az) on 04/21/2012
★★★★★

I have found turmeric and bromelain gel caps. We've used them for the stomach discomfort during flu symptoms. I've taken one in morning and one in the evening for a few days. For my children, I open the capsule and put about half of the powder in a cup of rice milk or regular milk and warm it on the stove top. Add a little sweetener if needed. This remedy has helped the sick stomach with the flu when peppermint or chamomile tea just made it worse for me.