With cold and flu season just around the corner, it is time to start preparing your “medicine” cabinet. Even if you don’t get the flu, chances are you will come down with some sort of cough or runny nose during this time. And unlike medicine you can buy off the shelf at the store, some of the natural remedies for cold and flu take a little longer to process. So, it is good to go ahead and start making these.
Why Choose Natural Remedies for Cold and Flu
When it comes to choosing what to take during cold and flu season, it can be overwhelming. But one thing to always keep in mind is that God gave us an abundance of foods and herbs that are full of vitamins and minerals to help the body fight off the bad.
Over the counter medicines are full of ingredients that can be harmful to the body. And not just the active ingredients, the inactive ingredients as well. Dextromethorphan, a common cough suppressant, can cause all kinds of reactions such as vomiting, dizziness, respiratory issues, and rashes. It can also be addicting if used too often. Many over the counter medications also include artificial dyes such as red dye 40, and propylene glycol, an additive that has been linked to worsened kidney function, allergic reactions, and increased risk of heart attack.
Using natural ingredients will limit your exposure to these ingredients and actual boost your overall health to help protect you against future colds and flu. These ingredients we will discuss are not addictive and work with your body to strengthen your immune system.
Which Natural Remedies are Best
If you have followed our blog for any time at all, you know we love elderberries! We both started growing our own this year but have used elderberry syrup for years to fight off sickness. This syrup is full of antioxidants, vitamin C, and antibacterial ingredients that are sure to boost your immune system!
A good probiotic supplement is another handy thing to have during the winter months, or any time really. This children’s probiotic is a great choice. A probiotic will help your gut function at its best so that it can help filter out any sickness and boost your immune system.
Bone Broth is another great immune booster to take during the winter months. You can mix it in with other recipes or sip on the broth by itself. It will not only provide you with loads of vitamins and minerals, but it will also be warm and cozy during the cold winter.
Other supplements you can purchase that are great for fighting off cold and flu include echinacea, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin D. All of these can be added to your daily routine to boost immunity during the cold and flu season.
Fire Cider: A Potent Herbal Tonic
The final natural remedy for cold and flu season is homemade fire cider. This potent herbal tonic is a great way to kickstart your immune system and fight off any bugs coming your way. This recipe may come off as a little strong, and it is, but just a Tbsp a day can really make a difference! The ingredients are simple, and it only takes a few minutes to prepare. But, the fire cider does need to sit for 2-4 weeks before you can use it. So do not delay in preparing this incredible concoction! Below we will go through the ingredients and their benefits.
- Onion: Loaded with vitamin C and potassium to boost your immune system.
- Horseradish: Full of folate and great for helping the body rid itself of congestion and inflammation.
- Ginger: Great for easing nausea and sore throats
- Garlic: Known as the natural antibiotic
- Jalapeno: Contains capsaicin which is great at lowering inflammation.
- Cayenne Pepper: clears out sinuses and lowers inflammation.
- Rosemary: Supports respitory function.
- Lemon: Loaded with vitamin C.
- Raw Apple Cider Vinegar: Expels toxins from the body, can help with coughs, helps digestion.
- Honey: Cough suppressant.
Besides all of these great remedies, eating a whole foods diet, getting adequate sunlight, and exercising regularly will help your body fight off any sickness. What other natural remedies do you love? We would love to hear from you in the comments!
Fire Cider
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1/2 cup horseradish chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh ginger chopped
- 8 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 medium jalapeno chopped
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 medium lemon or orange zest and juice
- raw apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup raw honey
Instructions
- Chop all the ingredients and add them to a 32 oz mason jar.
- Fill the remainder of the jar with raw apple cider vinegar.
- Store in a cool dark place for 2-4 weeks. Shaking the jar every few days.
- After a month, strain the juices and add the honey.
- Take 1 Tbsp daily through the winter to support immune function. Or take up to 6 Tbsp a day during sickness.
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Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not meant to be medical advice in any capacity. It is informative in nature, only. Please always consult your doctor for medical advice. Pregnant and nursing moms need to consult with their doctors as well before consuming any herbal medicine.
