10 Natural Remedies for Colds and Flu

Discover Natural Remedies for Colds and Flu and Find Out How to Prevent Getting Infected!

If you are looking for natural remedies for colds and flu, then you are at the right place.

Not only are we going to discuss natural ways to treat colds and flu, we are also going to take a look at how to prevent them!

The flu epidemic a few years ago was brutal…many people died! Almost everyone I know had a cold or the flu. Then along came the Coronavirus (COVID-19) a more deadly virus, but that is a story for another day. The Coronavirus may still be around, but the flu is also around this year.

The virus that causes colds and flu are virtually everywhere and we are constantly being exposed to them.

While there are no guarantees that even the healthiest person won’t catch a cold or contact the flu there are some ways that you can help reduce your chances of catching a cold or flu and remaining healthy.

Here are 10 natural remedies for colds and flu as well as 6 tips on what to do to avoid getting sick during cold and flu season.

Top 10 Natural Remedies for Colds and Flu

#1. Elderberry

Elderberry is choked full with important properties that help to boost your immune system. Strong immune system is vital for fighting off infections such as colds and flu.

#2. Bone Broth – A Potent Natural Remedy for Cold and Flu

Bone broth is great for fighting colds and flu. This is because it is rich in vitamins, minerals and other vital nutrients that boost the immune system and promote general wellness.

You can make your own bone broth or buy already made one. Make sure you choose one that is made with organic ingredients.

#3. Soups – Easy to Make Natural Home Remedy for Colds and Flu

Soups have been used for centuries to fight colds and flu. Unlike bone broth, soups are simple and easy to cook. call me lazy, but I like stuff that don’t take too long to cook!

#4. Ginger Tea with Lemon

I love ginger tea… it just makes me feel great. So, it has become my go-to drink whenever I am sick.

Just cut ginger root into small pieces and steep in boiling water for about 10 minutes, add half lemon juice and viola…. You have your ginger tea!

It also helps with congestion and sore throat… and the lemon also helps to increase its potency.

Here are some other herbal teas for colds and flu

Triple Leaf Tea Cold Flu Time Tea, 20 Tea Bags per Box (Pack of 3 Boxes)Traditional Medicinals Seasonal Tea Sampler Variety Pack, 16 Tea BagsHerbal Cup Herbal Tea, Helps Relieve Cold and Flu, Contains 16 Tea Bags

#5. Water

Keeping your system hydrated is very important especially when you are sick with a cold or flu. Dehydration can cause a headache and even make you feel worse.

Not only does water help keep you hydrated, it also helps to flush out toxins and impurities, thus facilitating the healing process.

Keep a bottle of water near you and sip at intervals. I know that some people find it difficult to drink water because of its bland taste. You can make your water more favorable by adding some lemon juice.

#6. Vitamin C

Increase your vitamin C intake in order to boost your natural immunity. Some of the vitamin C rich foods that you can eat include citrus fruits, berries, green veggies such as kale and spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprout.

#7. Vitamin D3

The best source of vitamin D is the sun. Unfortunately, we don’t get much sunshine during the winter, which can lead vitamin D deficiency. And a deficiency in vitamin D affects the immune system negatively, leading to vulnerability to infections.

#8. Essential Oils

Essential oils are one of the most effective natural remedies for colds and flu. Here are the best essential oils for colds and flu you can use.

#9. Garlic

Garlic has ant-viral properties that are helpful for fighting the virus that causes colds and flu. Eating raw garlic may not appeal to everyone, but you can also use it to cook. There are also quality garlic capsules you can opt for.

#10. Probiotics

Did you know that about 75% of immune cells are found in the gut? Probiotics help to keep your gut healthy by killing off the bad bacteria that cause infections and thus strengthening your immune system.

So, now that you know the best natural remedies for colds and flu, let’s take a look at how to prevent the infection!

7 Tips on How to Prevent Colds and Flu Naturally

In fact, the best way to fight colds and flu is prevention because prevention is always better than cure. So, here are some of the natural ways you can prevent colds and flu:

#1. Wash Your Hands Frequently

Keeping your hands clean and free from germs is the first step in helping reduce your risk of catching a cold or flu.

Studies suggest that by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water often you can significantly reduce your chances of picking up this virus.

People often pick up these viruses from things they touch and then when they put their hands to their face transfer the virus to themselves.

#2. Keep Your Hands away From Your Face

Rubbing your eyes, scratching your nose or pushing your hair from your eyes transfers any germs from your hands onto your face and your nasal cavities.

Even if you wash your hands frequently keeping them away from your face can help reduce your chances of catching a cold or the flu.

#3. Clean Areas In Home Touched Frequently

Areas of the home that are touched frequently should be cleaned often. This includes toilet seats and handles, faucet handles, remote controls, light switches, door handles, cabinet and drawer handles, and phones.

Using plain soap and water has been found to be helpful in disrupting virus molecules thus killing many of the germs. That being said it is still recommended to use a sanitizing spray or wipe (most are bleach or alcohol types) to effectively kill viruses.

Do you need to clean with soap and water and use a sanitizing spray or wipe afterwards? The answer is, “It depends!” If we are talking a dirty surface, then yes, it is recommended to both clean with soap and water and follow with a sanitizing spray, or wipe. If not, then using a sanitizing spray, or wipe is fine alone. (Just follow the instructions on the sanitizer you have chosen).

#4. Eat Healthy

Eat healthy diets to ensure that you get all the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients your body needs to keep your immune system strong. This will help to defend you from the viruses that lead to a cold or the flu.

#5. Try and Avoid Stress

Stress weakens the immune system, and to avoid catching a cold or getting the flu you are going to want your immune system as strong as possible.

By avoiding or reducing stress you help to safe guard your immune system, which is the first line of defense between you and a virus.

Getting enough sleep daily is one of the many ways to help reduce stress!

Learn how to reduce stress naturally!

#6. Get Plenty of Rest

Like stress, not getting an adequate amount of rest can weaken the immune system making it harder for your body to fight against cold and flu viruses.

Getting adequate amounts of rest allows your body to recharge making it better able to fight off any virus it is exposed too.

#7. Avoid Large Crowds whenever Possible

The truth is there is not going to be any way to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes the cold and flu.

We all have to work, go to school, and be around other people some of which may be carrying the cold or flu virus and not even know it.

However, we can help reduce our chances of catching a cold or the flu by avoiding large crowds whenever possible. Try and do your shopping during the hours when the grocery store is not packed.

Don’t go out to eat during the height of the dinner hour. And take other measures to help reduce your exposure to the virus as much as possible.

I think COVID-19 has taught us how to better protect ourselves.  When in doubt wear a quality type mask!

Natural Remedies for Colds and Flu – Conclusion!

You can use the natural remedies mentioned in this post to fight colds or flu if you are already infected.

If you are not infected yet, the prevention tips can help reduce your chances of catching a cold or the flu and staying healthy this winter.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not intend to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. It is always recommended that you seek the advise of your private medical doctor.