Common colds and the flu are a part of life, but there are home remedies that can help. Read on to learn how to get rid of a cold as quickly as possible, discover natural sore throat remedies, find out which herbs are helpful when you’re sick, get recipes for immunity shots, and more.

 

Common illnesses such as the flu and colds can occur at any time, but their appearance comes with such regularity during fall and winter months that this period is known as cold and flu season. No matter when it hits, most people are familiar with these tell-tale symptoms: cough, sore throat, headache, nausea, congestion, and more. 

 

Following the 8 laws of health and practicing immune-boosting strategies can help prevent getting sick. But not always. When the flu or cold bug strikes, there are things you can do that may lessen the severity of your symptoms, prevent your condition from worsening, and maybe even shorten the duration of your illness. 

 

God has provided simple, natural remedies to help our bodies fight and heal from illnesses. If used correctly, God will bless these remedies which can bring relief in times of illness. These natural yet effective remedies may help you find relief from the discomfort caused by colds and flus and help your body recover more quickly. Best of all, these remedies are made with things you probably already have in your home. 

General Principles To Treat a Cold or Flu

 

#1:  Fast from all processed foods. Eat lightly or not at all at first so that your body can focus on healing. 

 

#2: Be sure to drink plenty of water, much more than your usual amount. This will help flush the toxins out of your system. 

 

#3: Nourish yourself. After a day or two of fasting, you will want to keep your strength while fighting the illness. Make a soup of potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, and parsley. The vegetables can be finely diced, or the soup can be blended if desired. Add some salt for flavor but don’t oversalt.

 

#4: Try herbs. Many herbs are also helpful for cold and flu symptoms. You may want to keep sage, echinacea, thyme, and eucalyptus handy for use when needed. This can be in tea form or essential oil form depending on the use. Some essential oils have the potential to be toxic, so practice caution when using these. Do not give essential oils to babies or children. Always follow the directives of a trusted healthcare practitioner. 

 

 

5: Try juicing. Juicing is a great way to quickly boost nutrient intake. Raw fruits and vegetables can powerfully support your body’s efforts to fight infections and heal. Try to use organic fruits and vegetables wherever possible.

 

6: Add radish. Radishes contain something known as sulfurated essence which aids in digestion and works to soften mucus, making it easier for the body to expel. Radish also has antibacterial properties and can help prevent cancer.¹

 

Try mixing one part radish juice to two parts honey and take a tablespoon of this mixture before every meal and at bedtime to help clear phlegm and relieve sore throat.

 

Laryngitis/Sore Throat Remedies

Cabbage is a nutrient-dense food² that’s great for your health and can be used both internally and externally.³ Cabbage juice can aid in the healing of throat maladies. 

 

Gargle cabbage juice to relieve a sore throat, or drink cabbage juice mixed with honey to prevent losing your voice.

 

Tumeric and ginger are also very good for laryngitis. Use the Flu Bomb or Rocket Fuel Recipe above if you have this ailment.  

 

To soothe a sore throat, make a compress by placing hot, mashed, unpeeled, boiled potatoes in a linen or cotton cloth, and then apply to the affected area. Take care not to burn by applying potatoes that are too hot.

 

Gargling with warm salt water and a drop or two of eucalyptus essential oil can help ease a sore throat as well. 

 

Congestion, Stuffy Nose

Eucalyptus oil is an excellent remedy for a variety of ailments. Eucalyptus has antibacterial properties⁴ and may also fight certain viruses. 

 

There are approximately 730 varieties of eucalyptus trees, and only eleven are rated "medicinal" by US standards. You can purchase pure eucalyptus essential oil or eucalyptus oil mixed in a carrier oil such as almond or jojoba. 

 

Eucalyptus is toxic when used internally in amounts over 5 ml. For this reason, eucalyptus oil should not be ingested in any larger quantities than 1-3 drops mixed with other juices or herbal teas and this should be done only 1-2 times per day. In addition, it should not be used in treating babies or children under two years of age.⁵ Take precautions if you’re pregnant or suffer from existing health conditions. 

 

For external use, blend eucalyptus essential oil one-to-one with a carrier oil. Eucalyptus should not be used directly on skin. 

 

 

In spite of these cautions, because of its powerful anti-microbial properties, eucalyptus has a long history of use in treating colds and infections. 

 

Eucalyptus can provide relief for congestion caused by a cold. Apply a warm compress to a congested chest for 10-15 minutes. Apply eucalyptus essential oil diluted with a carrier oil onto the chest and let it absorb. Breathe deeply to allow the eucalyptus to enter the lungs and break up congestion, making it easier to cough and expel mucus and phlegm. Eucalyptus opens the airways in your lungs to allow you to breathe easier. 

 

You can also mix equal parts eucalyptus essential oil  with olive oil or melted coconut oil and gently massage the chest, neck and back, or area under the nose.

 

 

Eucalyptus Steam Therapy

To treat a head cold or flu, add 3 drops⁶ of eucalyptus essential oil into a bowl of steaming hot water. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the vapors. A personal steam vaporizer inhaler can also be used with smaller amounts of eucalyptus essential oil and water.

 

Another quick way to open the airways is to sprinkle a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil onto a handkerchief and inhale to help clear clogged nasal passages. 

 

How to Fight the Flu or a Cold with Immunity Boosters

Nature's Penicillin

This remedy contains natural ingredients which are full of vitamins, antioxidants and other healing agents. It is good for either viral or bacterial infections. 

 

Grapefruit is high in vitamin C⁷ which is an immune system strengthener. Grapefruit also aids the body in eliminating poisons. The rind of the grapefruit is a natural source of quinine, a drug that was often prescribed to fight the 1918 flu.

 

Orange is high in vitamins A and C.⁸ Orange is known to decrease excess mucus from the head and nose. It is useful in cases of respiratory ailments, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, high blood pressure, and rheumatism.

 

Lemon contains vitamins B6 and C, as well as potassium, and fiber.⁹ A natural antiseptic, lemon can inhibit growth of some types of bacteria.¹⁰ Because of its vitamin C content, it acts as an immune system builder and is very beneficial to the liver. 

 

Garlic contains minerals and vitamins including Vitamin C¹¹ and calcium. Garlic also contains an active ingredient called allicin, which has powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.¹² Garlic is one of the most beneficial foods and offers a host of health benefits¹³ and has been used for many years in traditional medicine.¹⁴ Garlic is anti-inflammatory, good for your heart, and has a positive effect on the lymph, helping eliminate toxic waste from the body. It also cleans the blood. It is a natural antibiotic and strengthens the immune system. Garlic is most beneficial when taken raw.

 

 

Onion contains vitamin A, thiamine, iron, niacin, and calcium.¹⁵ Onion has antiseptic qualities and can also have an effect on certain bacteria and viruses.¹⁶ Onion can help drain mucus from the sinus cavities and loosen phlegm. It also has bronchodilatory effects which makes it especially useful for those suffering from respiratory-related issues. It destroys worms and other parasites in the body, and helps heal and relieve symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, flu, and colds.

 

Peppermint Oil has traditionally been used for digestive-related complaints.¹⁷ Peppermint essential oil has antifungal, anti-inflammatory,¹⁸ antibacterial and antioxidant properties.¹⁹ It cleanses and strengthens the entire body.

 

 

Wherever possible, use organic ingredients as discussed above. 

 

Ingredients

• 1 Grapefruit (peeled or peel on)
• 1 Orange (peeled very thinly)
• 2 Lemons (washed thoroughly, peel on)
• 3 Garlic cloves 
• 1/2 large onion
• 3 drops peppermint oil
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional; can help relieve congestion)

 

Instructions

Thoroughly wash fruit then cut fruit and onion into pieces. Blend well. Add a little bit of water if necessary. Can be used effectively for colds, flu, sore throat, infections, respiratory problems, and as a general immune system strengthener.

 

Dosage

Adults: take one cup a day. 

Children: take 1/2 cup a day. 

 

This amount is to be taken periodically throughout the day, one spoonful at a time. Refrigerate any leftovers in a glass jar. Can be warmed slightly in a saucepan before serving.

 

 

Coughing, Sniffling or Fever 

If you are experiencing symptoms such as coughing, sniffling, or fever, try one (or all) of these recipes:

 

Freshly Pressed Juice 

1 beet

4 carrots

1 green apple

½ lemon (peel included) - buy organic lemons or wash thoroughly with fruit wash to remove as much chemical residue as possible 

1 inch piece of ginger

1 inch piece of fresh turmeric

¼ of a small head of cabbage

 

Thoroughly wash and scrub root vegetables, fruit, ginger, and turmeric. Remove outer leaves of cabbage. Run all ingredients through a juicer.  Drink immediately.

 

If you have figs on hand, fig juice made from soaked figs may also help relieve a cough or sore throat.

 

 

 

Herbal Tea with Juice 

Steep 1 tbsp dried echinacea herb 

1 tbsp dried sage herb 

1 tbsp dried thyme herb 

1 tbsp dried rosehips

in 4 cups boiling water for 3 minutes, turn pot off and let cool till lukewarm or cold. 

 

Mix in 2 tbsp red beet juice  (The juice of beets is great for the immune system. Beets are high in vitamins and minerals,²⁰ including immune-booster Vitamin C.)

 

4 tbsp acerola cherry juice or juice from half a freshly squeezed lemon. If you don’t have acerola cherry juice, it is also available in powdered form. If using powdered form, use 1 tbsp powder. Acerola cherries are extremely nutritious and can have up to 4500 mg of Vitamin C per 100/g of fruit.²¹ Lemon and oranges are also high in Vitamin C, but contain significantly less than acerola cherries. However, if you can’t get acerola cherries, lemon and orange are both viable alternatives for naturally sourced Vitamin C. 

 

2 tsp honey or per taste (be cautious with the honey if you are diabetic) 

 

Mix well with apricot nectar (again careful if you are a diabetic) and drink slowly in small sips. 

 

 

Lemon and Honey Cough Syrup

Create a cough remedy with juice of two lemons, equal amounts of pure honey and a slice of onion, and 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil. Stir well and take one teaspoon up to six times daily as needed. Don’t go over 3 drops of eucalyptus oil (high quality).  (Exercise caution with the amount of honey used if you are a diabetic.) 

 

 

 

 

Flu Bomb/Immunity Shots

1 crushed large garlic clove

1⁄4 tsp fresh ginger

1 lemon juiced

1 tsp honey

1 drop eucalyptus oil (high quality)

1⁄2 tsp cayenne (if not tolerated take in pill form)

1⁄2 cup very warm /hot water

Add 1 tsp turmeric for lung issues or laryngitis or any inflammation

 

Mix and drink as quickly as possible with food 4x / day. 

 

Rocket Fuel

5 cloves of garlic (crushed)

1⁄2 onion minced

2 lemons juiced

1 thumb size of ginger juiced

2 tbsp honey

1/8 – 1⁄2 tsp cayenne (or take in pill form)

1 tbsp Allimed liquid (if available; can be ordered from The Mustard Seed)

1 tbsp elderberry juice (try to get an unsweetened brand) 

1 tbsp turmeric

 

Mix all together and add hot (not boiling) water to equal 1 litre. Let cool so that you are able to drink it. 

 

Drink 1 cup with food 4x / day. More tolerable if taken quickly.

 

You can also mix components of the Flu Bomb and Rocket Fuel together. To learn more and see how it’s done, watch How to Make Natural Antibiotics at Home.

Herbs for colds and flu

Sage essential oil has powerful antimicrobial properties and has been found to be effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.²² Colds, sore throats, and the flu can be treated with sage oil. It’s possible to obtain many of the benefits of sage through tea²³ made from fresh or dried sage leaves. Sage leaf tea has anti-inflammatory properties²⁴ and is packed with vitamins and nutrients. Taking too much sage oil internally can make you very sick. Do not give sage oil to babies or children. 

 

Echinacea

Echinacea is a herb that has been used by Europeans and Indigenous peoples of North America for hundreds of years. Echinacea has antibiotic and antiviral properties²⁵ and can be used to stimulate the immune system. Echinacea can be used as a tincture or tea. Use precaution when taking echinacea, as it can interact with certain drugs. People who are allergic to the daisy family should avoid the use of echinacea. Echinacea may trigger an allergic reaction in some people, in which case discontinue use. Always take echinacea with food as taking it on an empty stomach can cause discomfort. 

 

Thyme

Thyme has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Thyme contains antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.²⁶ Scientists are currently investigating the health properties of thyme and possible applications. 

Eucalyptus 

Eucalyptus is a species of tree originating in Australia. There are many varieties of eucalyptus, with e. Globulus or blue gum eucalyptus most commonly used in herbal medicine.²⁷ Eucalyptus has antimicrobial²⁸ and antiviral²⁹ properties and is especially effective in treating respiratory illnesses. 

If used properly, natural remedies can be greatly beneficial to your health, preventing illness and providing relief from uncomfortable symptoms. 

Even though these natural remedies have been provided for our use and benefit, remember that it is God who ultimately provides healing and helps us recover from illness. Trust in God and ask His blessing as you apply these natural remedies.