Struggling to stay healthy? Kick that infection to the curb with over 20 natural home remedies for colds and flu (that really work!).

Struggling to stay healthy? Kick that infection to the curb with over 20 homemade remedies for colds and flu (that really work!). #colds #flu #homeremedies #naturalremedies #naturalhealth #healing #soup #tea

Cold and flu season.

It’s that time of year again when everyone starts coming down with something. Of course, down here in the south, there’s always something blooming, no matter what time of year it is, so allergy attacks can happen year-round.

But thankfully, other than allergies, my family doesn’t get sick that often. We help keep our immune systems strong by eating smart: saying no to refined sugar and processed foods, and upping the bone broth and other immune boosting foods when the weather gets cooler. 

Time to boost the immune system.

If you’re wanting to head into the fall & winter months well prepared, here are some natural ways to combat unhealthy bacteria and viruses. Please note, you don’t have to wait until you’re sick to try these! Everything listed will not only help you heal, but will keep you healthy, as well.

Let’s start out with a list of herbs, spices, and natural foods with immune-boosting properties:

elderberries

Herbs & spices that fight colds & flu.

Cinnamon

The bark of cinnamon holds unique healing abilities because of the essential oils found in it. It is a nutritional powerhouse and a powerful anti-bacterial. With antioxidant properties that protect cells from oxidative stress and free radicals, it is one of the most effective substances against Ecoli, and  Salmonella. It’s notable that true cinnamon, often labeled “Ceylon cinnamon,” has higher levels of antioxidants than the cinnamon commonly sold, cassia.

Click here for the cinnamon I use.

Echinacea

Also known as purple coneflower, echinacea stimulates the cells responsible for fighting infections, making our immune system more effective at attaching viruses and bacteria. Please note that echinacea also stimulates the Th1 system, so use with care if you have Th1 dominant Hashimoto’s. 

Click here for the echinacea I use.

Slippery Elm

The healthy benefits from slipper elm come mainly from its inner bark. This contains nutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, beta-carotene, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and vitamin C. It’s mostly used for its soothing properties. It’s interesting to note that in “the olden days” it was used as a mechanical irritant to abort fetuses, so I’d suggest staying away from it if you’re pregnant.

Click here for the slippery elm I use.

Thyme

The healing power of this herb is relatively new to me. Its fresh leaves are packed with vitamins C, A, K & E, potassium, iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, and selenium, and contains flavonoids, making it an antioxidant-rich option. It’s antibacterial capabilities are even said to combat E-coli, as well as other bacteria and fungi. Because of the relaxing effect thyme has on muscles, it’s helpful for relieving asthma, whooping cough, laryngitis, bronchitis and dry coughs.

Click here for the thyme I use.

clementines

Fruits & berries that fight colds & flu.

Citrus Fruits

All citrus holds high amounts of vitamin C, boosting your immune system and filling your body with antioxidants. They’re always a good addition to your diet! 

Elderberries

With amino acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamins A & B and copious amounts of vitamin C (even more than oranges!), elderberries are an anti-viral, antibacterial, antioxidant and immune-boosting powerhouse. Their bioflavonoids are even capable of destroying the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect a cell!

When using elderberries, remember that most uncooked berries from this genus are poisonous. But the variety of elderberry that is usually used for health benefits is the only one considered to be non-toxic even when raw.

Some doctors suggest pregnant or nursing women should stay away from elderberries, but I’ve never experienced any negative effects from consuming them while either.  

Click here for the elderberries I use.

honey, ginger, lemons

Roots & other things that fight colds & flu.

Garlic

Most of garlic’s health benefits come from the sulfur compound allicin, that is released when the cloves are chopped, crushed, or chewed. It’s known for its benefits in controlling bacterial and viral infections. Garlic is my go-to when I come down with anything viral, it’s an amazing natural antibiotic.

Ginger

With anti-inflammatory benefits that rival those of NSAIDs, and gingerolwhich helps to lower the risk of infections.

Click here for the ground ginger I use.

Honey

Full of vitamins and minerals (niacin, thiamine, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, vitamin C & B6, calcium, and iron, to name just a few), honey also has large amounts of friendly bacteria and is anti-fungal, and probiotic. Honey is also full of phenolic acids and flavoniods (antioxidants), which help eliminate free radicals.

Generally speaking, the darker the honey, the higher the antioxidant levels. When purchasing honey, it’s important to try and find local and raw, as well. Some honey is pasteurized, and this will deplete it of some of its natural health properties.

Home Remedies for Colds & Flu

hot garlic ginger lemonade from recipes to nourish

Hot Garlic-Ginger Lemonade from Recipes to Nourish

Teas & Drinks

All-Natural Cold & Flu Buster

Cinnamon Sore Throat Tea

Vitamin C Herbal Tea

Herbal Immune-Boosting Sore Throat Tea

Cinnamon Thyme Tea

Probiotic Elderberry Kefir

DIY Electrolyte Drink

Fizzy Ginger Lemonade

Ginger Thyme Tea 

Strawberry Ginger Switchel

Honey Ginger Allergy Relief Tea

Hot Garlic-Ginger Lemonade

Anti-Inflammatory Mixed Berry Switchel

Immune-Boosting Citrus Ginger Smoothie

Mineral-Rich Electrolyte Smoothie

Get Through the Flu Tea

Immune Boosting Elderberry Tea

Lemon Turmeric Ginger Tea

Spicy Ginger Smoothie 

Elderberry Syrup in the Instant Pot from Raia's Recipes

Elderberry Syrup in the Instant Pot from Raia’s Recipes

Tonics & Tinctures

Cold & Flu Busting Elixir 

Elderberry Syrup in the Instant Pot

Easy Immune Support Tincture

Elder Flower Infusion

Elderberry & Rose Hip Syrup

Elderberry Syrup

Herbal Infusion for Fevers & Flu

Elderberry Winter Tonic

Ginger, Honey & Citrus Elixir

Homemade Cough Syrup

Sage & Honey Cough Syrup 

Homemade Elderberry Syrup

Wintertime Power Shots

Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Soup from Fearless Eating

Soups

Beef Bone Broth 

Nourishing Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup

Cream of Chicken Soup with Bacon & Mushrooms

Grandma’s Gluten-Free Homemade Chicken Soup

Low-Carb Chicken Noodle Soup

Immune-Boosting Chicken Broth Seaweed Egg Drop Soup

Paleo Chicken Noodle Soup

Thai Turkey Cold Busting Hot and Sour Egg Drop Soup 

Healing Ginger Lemon Gummies from Raia's Recipes

Healing Ginger Lemon Gummies from Raia’s Recipes

Miscellaneous remedies for colds & flu

Cold & Flu Fighting Formula

Honey Fermented Garlic

DIY Cold Care Capsules

Homemade Saline Wash

Healing Ginger Lemon Gummies

Homemade Slippery Elm Cough Drops 

How & When to Use A Steam Tent

Flu Remedies for Kids 

Struggling to stay healthy? Kick that infection to the curb with over 20 homemade remedies for colds and flu (that really work!). #colds #flu #homeremedies #naturalremedies #naturalhealth #healing #soup #tea


Much thanks to these bloggers who contributed their remedies for colds and flu:

A Calculated Whisk, All the Nourishing ThingsAttainable SustainableAnd Here We Are, Butter for AllFarm Fresh Feasts, Fearless DiningHeal You NaturallyKitchen TreatyLife Currents, Low Carb YumNatural Fit Foodie, Prepare & NourishRaising Generation NourishedRecipes to Nourish, Simply Beyond HerbsStudio BotanicaThe Health Nut Mama, The Tasting PageWhole New MomWholesome Yum, Yang’s Nourishing Kitchen