Flu

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Old-Time Remedies Whiskey, Cayenne Muscle Rub for the Flu!

Rob (Kentucky) on 04/13/2023
5 out of 5 stars

I like collecting stories like this one from old timers.

I was talking to a friend's mom, Nancy (80 years old), and she was telling me about how people treated the flu back in her day.

She said: My X-husband (in the 1960-70) and I would get sick with the flu. He would drink whiskey and had me rub athletic hot muscle rub all over him and wrapped himself in a flannel sheet and by morning, he was well. I wouldn?t do it and I was still sick for a week or two.

Nancy does not remember the brand of muscle rub, only that it was hot, not cool. I am assuming it was a capsaicin based ointment. She said he was a body builder and had a lot of herbal supplements and it came in a tub.

?Cramer Red Hot Sports Ointment? or possibly ?Watkins Red Liniment? has capsaicin and has been around sine 1900 and is still on the market so I?ll assume it was a product like that.

Believe it or not, whiskey was considered a cure for the flu. Ever heard of a Hot Toddy? I?ve read nursing journals during the 1918 Spanish flu, where even the nurses mention sick people in quarantine camps drinking hard liquors and never getting sick with the Spanish flu. It?s the alcohol! Alcohol is a disinfectant. It kills germs.

Cayenne (capsaicin) has warming properties, it also acts as a catalyst to the body, stimulating the immune and cardiovascular systems in particular. It has antiseptic properties and can help with congestion (Gladstar, 2008).

In old England, Cayenne was called ?Ginnie pepper? since it was purchased from ?Guinea, ? or the Indies. Being official in both the United States and British pharmacopeias (even until the 1950?s), Cayenne was an ingredient in many of the cure-all remedies of the last century.

Gerard mentioned it as being cultivated in his time (Gri: 175). It is used in folk medicine in various parts of the world, notably Greece, Italy, and parts of Russia, where it is steeped in Vodka and drunk as a tonic in wine glassful doses (Hut:68). It is especially valued in the West Indies there for deadly fevers, especially yellow fever, of which the native people have no fear as long as they have a goodly supply of Capsicum (Ibid.).

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Apple Cider Vinegar - The Next Generation

Mama to Many (TN) on 12/22/2022
5 out of 5 stars

Over the years my children have not always loved the medicines that I have given. They have generally been pretty tolerant and patient, though slippery elm will always be a hard sell for them. :)

Vinegar Tea has been staple in my home for a long time. And now my oldest son gives it to his kids. My 5 year old grandchild loves vinegar tea. My daughter in law makes a large batch of it to give the kids during the day when they are fighting sickness.

It would be better if I had called it, "Honey Tea" from the start. Here is how we make it:

  • 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2-3 teaspoons honey
  • 6 ounces hot water
  • a dash of cinnamon if desired
  • Mix.

Thats it! Good for cough, colds, flu, sinus infections, stomachache etc.

Pass it on!

~Mama to Many~

REPLY   10      

Chinese Remedy Yin Chiao for Flu

Lynn (Deming, NM) on 12/18/2022
5 out of 5 stars

Decades ago, a nurse told me about a Chinese remedy called Yin Chiao to take at the first sign of feeling unwell. I tried it, and it worked. And it worked the second time. My husband, a doctor, was more than skeptical, but now, he wouldn't be without it. You want to order the original Yin Chiao, which has little containers of tablets inside the box.
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Mama's Flu Recovery Remedies

Mama to Many (TN) on 12/02/2022
5 out of 5 stars

Our family has had the terrible flu that has been all over the country.

We are mostly better, but the cough lingers (and relapse is common.)

I have been drinking vinegar tea and that has helped some. But this morning, I squeezed the juice of one lemon into a mug and added hot water and that seemed to be more effective for this cough.

My 11 year old has had a relentless cough and, after 2 weeks, was not really improving. I started using the nebulizer on him yesterday with 2 teaspoons 1% hydrogen peroxide 4-5 times a day. To make 1% hydrogen peroxide, I mixed up a jar with 1/4 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide and 1/2 cup of distilled water. I then use 2 teaspoons of this in the nebulizer as often as desired. His cough today has been noticeably less. I am using hydrogen peroxide from the drug store in the brown bottle.

I also used that same hydrogen peroxide in the ears (straight 3%, not diluted) for anyone whose ears felt stuffy. This flu has come with some ear and sinus pain after the first week, many of us have found.

We have also been using Nyquil to help us sleep. (Just like the commercial promised back in the 80's.) It seems that returning to normal activity and not enough sleep are the recipe for relapse.

This flu has also had a seriously painful sore throat. My son asked for a throat spray, but the store was out. I made my own - 2 Tablespoons of honey and 2 Tablespoons of warm water and 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (not essential oil) I put that in a little spray bottle. It is tasty and helpful. Of course, gargling salt water is ideal, but a yummy spray is a better sell than gargling. :)

Take care everyone!

~Mama to Many~

REPLY   21      

Zinc Picolinate for Colds, Flu and Viruses

Tom (Livingston, Tx) on 10/30/2022
5 out of 5 stars

This post is about me staying well by taking zinc picolinate (ZP) capsules internally. I noticed that I tended to get a sore throat on the day following going shopping in town.

However, taking the ZP capsules stops the sore throat for me, and I suppose any virus before it can go to the lungs and be a chest cold.

Or as a maintenance dose taken daily every 6 hours, ZP prevents a sore throat from happening to me entirely in the first place.

For me, 6 hours maximum seemed to be the best dosage interval for ZP to maintain it's effectiveness.

As mentioned in a different thread, I reversed a sore throat 3 or 4 times last winter (2021-22) by taking PipingRock's 50 mg zinc picolinate capsules internally. The dose was 400 mg per day, which was 2 capsules every 6 hours. I noticed no side-effects on the 2 capsule dose, although 400 mg per day seemed like barely enough to overcome the sore throat.

So this fall/winter I have increased the dose to 600 mg per day which is three 50 mg capsules, every 6 hours which is 4 times per day.

Plus or minus 2 hours for each, I prefer using 6 AM, 6 PM, 12 AM and 12 PM for my dosage times.

I noticed that at the 3 capsule dose, I have to take the three capsules on a mostly empty stomach or before a meal and not after, or indigestion can occur. I believe food in itself is inflammatory, and that ZP could act to detoxify the food and cause indigestion.

Also, some loose bowels happened at first at that 3 capsule dose, which since went away, similar to the bowel tolerance dose of taking ascorbic acid vitamin C.

Other than that, I am confident that taking enough ZP could be the cure for the common cold/flu or things worse like Covid and variants.

I also tried taking zinc citrate powder last winter and it did nothing against the sore throat, so I quickly switched back to taking the ZP.

I am not concerned about a zinc overload or overdose because I feel fine and I accept the risks, if any, and especially if the ZP is being utilized which it obviously is, in deactivating the sore throats, colds, flus and worse.

Actually, I stopped taking the zinc picolinate on Nov 3, 2022 because of indigestion.

I will still try taking ZP for any sore throats but probably at the 2 capsule dose of 400 mg per day instead of 600 mg per day.

REPLY   2      

Oscillococcinum For Flu

Havanadaydream (Brandon Ms ) on 10/29/2022

Flu is helped by taking Oscillococcinum in a matter of hours or days. My son was burning up with fever, coughing, bad body aches and he started with the vials and was totally well by the next day. I was skeptical but now I?m a believer. I also saw the online reviews and most all comments are positive.
REPLY   3      

Greek Folk Remedy Tsiporou for Colds and Flu

Rob (Kentucky) on 08/20/2021
5 out of 5 stars

The ancient Greeks consumed a drink called Tsiporou (or Raki a distilled grape spirit), which was made from the leftover mash of wine-making. They added half a teaspoon of cinnamon and a teaspoon of honey to the mash to create a remedy that eased the symptoms of cold and flu. Patients would enjoy a clearer head and reduced symptoms.

A substitute for this home remedy is to use whiskey or brandy instead of leftover mash. Consume the preparation 3 times a day, between meals, and immediately the cold or flu will return. Or take half a teaspoon of nutmeg powder with warm water 3 times a day.

Shaker Spiced Grape Juice Recipe

? This drink is a great alternative to hot apple cider and the closest to a Greek drink ?non-alcohol? called Tsiporou (or Raki) I can find. I've only had it once and got the recipe at Pleasant Union, one of the Shaker settlements here in Kentucky.

Ingredients:

-3 cups concord grape juice (Welches is the best)

-3?4 teaspoon cinnamon

-1 pinch clove

-1?4 cup sugar (optional)

-3?4 teaspoon nutmeg

-1 tablespoon honey

Combine all ingredients and simmer for 5 minutes. Strain if necessary. Serve hot.

Yields 3 cups. Drink throughout the day.

REPLY   5      

Oregano Oil for the Flu, Colds and Sore Throats

Annie (Ontario) on 03/18/2021
5 out of 5 stars

Oil of Oregano for sore throats and to ward off cold/flu at first sign

I have switched to Oil of Oregano as my first defense against sore throat/cold and flu or earache linked to the throat. I used to do Cayenne pepper gargles (which DO work really well) but I find oregano oil even more effective and far simpler and less time consuming to administer.

I use 4 drops under the tongue (as per instructions on the label - different brands may have different dosing so do check). I leave the oil there for a few seconds then swallow in several small "gulps" making sure to linger on the throat as long as possible. It's potent stuff and not the most pleasant as it will sting/burn the throat a bit and makes me cough but that goes away very quickly.

Make sure to always do it on a FULL stomach (so as not to irritate the stomach lining) and repeat up to 3 times a day. I take it until I'm pretty certain it's killed the virus; usually, 1 - 3 times does the trick! I buy an organic brand from my local health and wellness store.

REPLY   9      

ACV, Garlic, Lemon, Coconut Oil for Any Virus

Pamela (Salte City, N Mexico) on 02/08/2021
5 out of 5 stars

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.

REPLY   4      

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.

REPLY         

Mexican Herbal Tea for Colds, Flu, and Covid19

Rob (Kentucky) on 11/21/2020
5 out of 5 stars

Garlic/Onion/Ginger/Lemon/Lime/Honey ? Mexican Herbal Tea for Colds ? Flu ? Covid19:

My friend from Guadalajara, Mexico swear by this herbal tea for general health and to prevent cold/flu virus?s in the body. She said this is what they are using there to prevent Covid19. They said it is to be drank everyday to prevent you from becoming sick. I just started drinking mine and already feeling better from a lingering head cold and fever. The Amish have a similar recipe.

As a preventive = drink 1x/daily

Currently ongoing sickness = drink 3x/daily

Material needed:

*1 pint glass mason jar or similar object with lid

*Boiling hot water

*Strainer

Ingredients:

*2 cloves garlic (minced)

* 1 onion slice ?red, yellow or white your choice? (chopped)

* 1? ginger root fresh (grated)

* ? lemon (squeezed and add w/peel to jar)

* ? lime (squeezed and add w/peel to jar)

* 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

  1. Add garlic, onion, ginger, lemon and lime with peel to mason jar.
  2. Add boiling water and place lid on jar (not screwed) to keep steam from escaping.
  3. Allow to steep for 20 minutes.
  4. Strain into coffee mug and add honey and drink.
  5. <
    REPLY   11      

    Peter (Chicago) on 05/28/2020
    5 out of 5 stars

    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.

    REPLY         

    Beat the Cold or Flu Fast!

    Michael (Chapel Hill, N.C.) on 09/12/2020
    5 out of 5 stars

    I learned along time ago, that when you feel the 1st sign of a Cold or the Flu, take 1/2 capful of Peroxide, put in your ear, leave in for 2 minutes, empty into a tissue, do the other ear, your chances of getting either is greatly reduced, and if you do get sick, it will be shorter.

    I am 71 yrs old, haven't had the Flu since I was 21yrs old. Never had a Flu shot, don't plan on ever having one, people I know get one every year, every year they get the Flu.

    REPLY   34      

    Hydrogen Peroxide, Cayenne and Aspirin for Flu Symptoms

    Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 02/17/2018
    5 out of 5 stars

    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~

    REPLY   13      

    Hydrogen Peroxide in Ears

    Nichole (Silver Spring, Md) on 01/22/2018
    5 out of 5 stars

    My ears were hurting like crazy along with a sour throat, extreme fatigue, and coughing. A horrible cold, maybe pneumonia, was attacking me yesterday at about 2pm. I felt exhausted and lost my appetite. My throat hurt so badly, and both of my ears really hurt. I went to the internet to see if I could find a remedy for ear pain and was sucking on a halls cough drop. I saw the 3% peroxide treatment in ears. I poured some in a small cup, looked in the mirror and put some in my right ear. It started bubbling and was really loud. I left it in for 10 minutes. I turned my ear over and let it drain into the sink. I did the same thing with the left ear. It bubbled loudly in that ear. I repeated three times, with doing it about 5 minutes the second and third times. My ears were itching like crazy after the treatment and when I would let out the hydrogen peroxide it felt hot when some of it ran down my cheek. I took one whole garlic and diced it up small. I ate half of that with apple sauce, making sure to not let the garlic get on my tongue, just chewed in the back of my mouth and put the apple sauce in to swallow it. The last thing I did within this one hour period was to gargle with listerine for 2 minutes. I tilted my head back so it would reach the top of my throat. Within 5 minutes, I felt like I need to throw up. I started coughing, then threw up this green and dark red mucus. It was a lot of it! I didn't feel that much better yet. I went to sleep. When I woke up about 5 hours later, I felt about 5% better only. I repeated these three steps: 1) peroxide in ears several times, 2:) fresh diced garlic in apple sauce, 3) gargle with listerine. Last, I took 1 aleve. This time for the peroxide in ears, I did it 5 or 6 times in each ear, but only left it in about 1 minute. This time it did not bubble in either ear. It still felt hot though. Again, I threw up after gargling with listerine and what came up was the apple sauce PLUS a bunch of mucus. Within 2 hours I started feeling significantly better. Now, three hours I am completed cured, my appetite came back, ear pain is at 0 and throat pain is at zero. This is a miracle. I will always keep hydrogen peroxide!
    REPLY   6      

    Apple Cider Vinegar for the Flu

    Sara (Long Beach) on 01/18/2018
    5 out of 5 stars

    Apple cider is good too, just a tablespoon with water twice a day will cut the flu symptoms.
    REPLY   7      

    Tea Tree and Oregano Oils for Colds and Flu

    John (Virginia) on 01/15/2018
    5 out of 5 stars

    I am 70 years old and can not remember the last time I had a cold or the fl minute or twou. A soon as I feel the first sign of an infection, for me a scratchy feeling in my throat, or rarely a swollen soft palate, I gargle a minute or two with Tee Tree Oil diluted with water. Just a few drops in one inch of water, well stirred. Do NOT swallow TTO! Then I switch to Oil of Oregano. OoO is VERY strong. Be cautious. If it comes in a bottle with an orifice so small that it has to be shaken hard to get a few drops out, use just a few drops. Some OoO comes with a squeezy dropper tube, and is much weaker. You can safely use more. Mix it as strong as you are comfortable with. Swill it around and slowly swallow. Four times in one day has always stopped a cold or flu dead in its tracks for me.

    Also, studies have shown that taking N-Acetyl Cysteine reduces the chances of getting the flu, and its severity if you do get it. It is good for liver, lungs and much, much more. Well worth a little research.

    REPLY   6      

    Apple Cider Vinegar Hot Drink for Flu

    John McMann (Kentucky) on 01/14/2018
    5 out of 5 stars

    Here is tried and true, southern flu-kicking remedy. Drinking this when I first start to feel sick, kicks the virus out. If taken during cold or flu recovery, helps ease congestion and prevents cough.

    8 oz of hot water, 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 jigger whiskey, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 2 shakes of cayenne pepper. Stir and drink slowly. Enjoy.

    REPLY   17      

    Vitamin C + NAC + Homeopathy for Flu

    Consult68 (Switzerland) on 01/14/2018
    5 out of 5 stars

    Vitamin C + NAC +Haemophilus influenza comp for Flu

    We usually use a homeopathic spray to be rubbed in the skin (Spenglersan G = Haemophilus influenza comp) 3 x /day + 4-5 g Vitamin C (preferably Liposomal)/day and 500mg of N-AcetylCystein (alternatively 5 gloves of raw garlic), 2-3 Liters of purified water. Fluid, rest and proper sleep are essential for quick recovery.

    Severe cases - can be accelerated by IV or rectal ozone + I.V. Vitamin C, Zinc and NAC.

    REPLY         

    Cayenne for Flu

    Jennifer (Visalia ) on 01/11/2018
    5 out of 5 stars

    The cayenne drink is very important to remove the protein layer that the flu virus has surrounding it. Remember the virus is also trying to survive! Drink lots of spicy drinks and then attack the virus with garlic, Colidal silver, hydrogen peroxide....etc.
    REPLY   8