Top 14 Home Remedies for Flu That Really Works

Flu and cold are two of the most common health concerns that every one of us have experienced at some point. These two health concerns are also the ones that are most neglected and left untreated. Doing so, can cause some serious health concerns and lead to a worse health ailment.

What is Cold and Flu?

Influenza or Cold and flu are caused by viruses, weak immune system and other respiratory infections. It affects the lungs, upper respiratory system, nose and throat. It also weakens our digestive system.

Symptoms of Cold & Flu:

• Mild to High Temperature
• Runny Nose
• Repetitive or Consistent Sneezing
• Headache & Body Aches
• Loss of Appetite
• Blocked Nasal Passages
• Dry Cough
• Others

There are many over the counter drugs available in the market that claim to treat cold and flu but most often flu kicks back once you stop consuming the drugs.

Cold and flu can be quite contagious so the most convenient way from spreading it to the other members of your family is by taking a strict measure to get rid of it instead of avoiding it.

The next best, effective and the most natural way to get rid of flu is by trying out some really helpful home remedies for flu.

But before we move on with the home remedies let us learn about the primary causes of cold and flu.

To know what really triggers cold and flu in our body is very important so as to take the necessary precautionary measures in order to avoid it in the first place.

Contributing Factors Causing Cold & Flu:

• Deficiency of Vitamin D
• Lack of Physical Activity
• Inadequate Amount of Sleep
• Excessive Emotional Stress
• Excessive Consumption of Sugar & Grains
• Weak Immune System
• Others

Now that we gained some important and basic knowledge about what causes cold and flu and what are initial most symptoms of cold and flu let us now discover some amazingly helpful home remedies for the flu.

Helpful & Effective Home Remedies for Flu and Cold at Home

1. Honey Remedy

Honey contains anti bacterial and anti microbial properties. This helps in making it the most potent natural ingredient to get rid of the cold and flu symptoms at home.

Honey even aids in boosting the immune system and speeds up the cold and flu recovery process.

Ingredients:

• Honey – 1 tsp
• Water – 1 Glass

Directions:

1. All you need to do for this remedy is to just mix a teaspoon of honey in a glass of water.
2. Mix this well until the honey is well combined with the water.
3. Now drink this solution and repeat the process 3-4 times in a day.
4. This remedy helps in boosting the immune system and also prevents the body from flu.
5. This honey remedy can definitely be considered as the best home remedies for flu symptoms.
6. Continue the remedy for at least 7-10 days.

2. Lemon Juice Remedy

Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C and also contains natural acidic properties. This particular quality of the lemon juice helps in killing the flu causing bacteria and virus present in the body.

This remedy can definitely be considered as the ultimate remedy for eliminating the symptoms of cold and flu.

Ingredients:

• Lemon Juice – ½ tsp
• Water – 1 Glass
• Honey (For Taste)

Directions:

1. Take a glass of water and into this add in the freshly squeezed lemon juice.
2. If you don’t like the pungent taste of lemon juice alone in water you can also add a teaspoon of honey.
3. Mix this well and consume this.
4. Repeat this process at least 4-5 times in a day and continue doing this until you don’t experience the symptoms of cold and flu.
5. This is also one of the most effective home remedies for stomach flu and can immediately speed up the recovery process.

3. Mustard Foot Soak Remedy

Yes this may sound completely crazy but it is considered as one of the most helpful home remedies for cold and flu.

Our feet are known to contain the most important nerves that connect with our nervous and respiratory system.

This remedy using mustard powder and hot water helps in drawing blood to your feet and this helps in relieving the nasal and congestion caused due to the symptoms of cold and flu.

Try this remedy and notice the elimination of cold and flu with every application!

Ingredients:

• Ground Mustard – 1 tbsp
• Hot Water – 1 Large Bowl or Tub

Directions:

1. Firstly heat a large bowl of water over medium heat.
2. Now take it off the heat and keep it aside.
3. Once the water feels warm for usage add in the mustard powder and mix this well until the powder is completely dissolved in the water.
4. Now soak your feet in this water for at least 15-20 mins.
5. This process needs to be repeated 3-4 times in a day for best results.
6. This is the easiest, quickest and the most effective home remedies for flu.
7. Following this remedy for at least 8-10 days will give you a quicker and permanent relief from cold and flu.

4. Salt Water Gargle Remedy

The formation of thick mucus is the reason behind the severe chest and nasal congestion caused due to cold and flu.

The best and the most natural way to break down this thick mucus in the throat, chest and nasal passage is with the help of this remedy.

Gargling with salt water helps in breaking down the mucus, reduces the chest and throat inflammation and also helps clear stuffy nose and ears.

Ingredients:

• Salt – 1 tsp
• Warm Water – 1 Glass

Directions:

1. Firstly you will have to heat a glass of water over medium heat.
2. Once the water reaches the warm consistency take it off the heat.
3. When it feels warm enough for consumption add in the salt and mix this well.
4. Now take a sip of this salt water solution and gargle with it.
5. Do this until you finish the glass of salt water.
6. This process needs to be repeated 4-5 times in a day.
7. This remedy is one of the best home remedies for the stomach flu as it provides an immediate relief within a day.
8. For best results it is recommended to continue this process for at least a week or until there is no sign of cold and flu in the body.

5. Oregano Oil Remedy

This remedy is one of the lesser known and rarest of remedies. Not many people are aware about this remedy but is quite popular and the most recommended in many parts of the globe.

In the ancient times oregano was the key ingredient used in the ancient herbal medicines for treating cold , cough, sore throats, bronchitis and flu symptoms.

According to the recent studies it has been proven that oregano or the oregano oil contains a high amount of anti bacterial, anti viral and anti inflammatory properties (1). It is one of the most potent and effective natural ingredients to treat and prevent the body from the signs of cold and flu.

So if you are looking for home remedies for flu that are effective as well as affordable then this is the one for you!

Ingredients:

• Oregano Oil – 8-10 Drops
• Water – 1 tbsp

Directions:

1. Take a tablespoon of water and into this add in the oregano oil and place this spoon in your mouth so that the solution of water and oregano stays under your tongue for at least 50 seconds or for a min.
2. Later swallow it.
3. Repeat this again immediately.
4. This process needs to be repeated 3-4 times in a day for best results.
5. Regular follow up of this remedy for a week will help in decongesting your chest, nasal and throat.
6. It also helps in reducing the other symptoms of cold and flu.
7. This is one of the most recommended home remedies for the flu.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon, Honey & Cinnamon Remedy

Apple cider vinegar aids in boosting the immune system of the body and also balances the pH levels in the body. This helps in preventing and treating the body from the many symptoms of cold and flu.

Lemon is naturally packed with vitamin C and this serves as the perfect natural ingredient to boost the immune system and speed up the recovery process.

Cinnamon contains anti bacterial, anti septic and anti viral properties (2). This makes it one of the best natural ingredients to treat flu and cold.

Honey too is known for its anti microbial and anti bacterial properties.

So if you are looking for the most effective home remedies for cold and flu then this is the one for you!

Ingredients:

• Warm Water – 1 Cup
• Apple Cider Vinegar – 2 tsp
• Lemon Juice – ½ tsp
• Honey – 1 tsp
• Ground Cinnamon – ½ tsp
• Serving Cup

Directions:

1. Firstly you will have to warm a cup of water over medium heat.
2. Once the water feels warm enough take it off the heat.
3. Now add in the apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon and honey.
4. Mix this well until all the ingredients are well combined in the water.
5. Now drink this solution and this process needs to be repeated 2-3 times in a day for best results.
6. This is one of the most helpful home remedies for the flu as it not only helps in getting rid of the symptoms of flu but also prevents the body from further getting it back.
7. This remedy needs to be continued for at least a week for complete cure.

7. Matcha Green Tea Remedy

We all have heard a zillion times how green tea is highly beneficial for our skin. But did you know that green tea is packed with multiple health benefits as well?

Green tea or the Matcha green tea has many health benefits as it is known to boost the immune system, boosts the metabolic rate of the body, improves the brain health, prevents the body from heart disorders, and reduces the risk of cancer and dementia and many other such health benefits.

It also aids in the prevention and the treatment of cold and flu.

So if you are looking for an easy and quick home remedies for flu symptoms then this tea is just what you need to switch to!

Ingredients:

• Match Green Tea Powder – 1 tsp
• Water – 1 Glass
• Saucepan
• Serving Cup

Directions:

1. Firstly add some water to a saucepan and place it over medium heat.
2. Now allow the water to reach a boiling consistency.
3. Once the water starts to boil take it off the heat and add in the matcha green tea powder and stir it well.
4. Cover it with a lid and let it steep for about 3-4 mins.
5. Later transfer the matcha green tea into a serving cup and once it feels warm enough to drink consume it.
6. Repeat this process for at least twice in a day.
7. This is one of the quickest home remedies for the stomach flu and also aids in boosting the immune system and metabolic rate of the body which eventually helps you heal better.
8. This routine needs to be followed for at least 7-10 days or until you feel no sign of cold and flu.

8. Pepper & Honey Tea Remedy

Pepper is considered as one of the strongest of spices. It is also rich in anti viral and anti bacterial properties. This quality of the peppers is exactly what aids in melting away the mucus formation in the chest and nasal passages.

Adding honey to this pepper tea remedy helps in increasing the efficacy of the remedy and speeds up the flu recovery process.

Ingredients:

• Ground Black Pepper – 1 tsp
• Honey – 1 tbsp
• Water – 1 Glass
• Saucepan
• Serving Cup

Directions:

1. Add some water into a saucepan and place it over medium heat.
2. Once the water starts to boil take it off the heat.
3. Now add in the ground black pepper and honey and stir it well.
4. Cover it with a lid and let it steep for about 5-10 mins.
5. Later transfer this black pepper tea into serving cup and consume it.
6. This process needs to be repeated twice in a day for best results.
7. This remedy is one of the most preferred home remedies for cold and flu.
8. The black pepper tea remedy needs to be continued for at least a week and about 2-3 times in a week for a complete relief from the symptoms of cold and stomach flu.

9. Thyme, Elder Berry & Peppermint Tea Remedy

Thyme, elder berry and peppermint are naturally packed with anti bacterial and anti microbial properties. These natural ingredients are also loaded with natural oils that are known to treat cold and flu symptoms within a short period of time.

Adding honey to these ingredients will only help in doubling up the efficacy of this natural remedy!

So if you are looking for the best home remedies for flu then this one is a must try!

Ingredients:

• Thyme Oil – ½ tsp
• Peppermint Oil – ½ tsp
• Elder Berry Oil – ½ tsp
• Honey – 1 tbsp
• Water – 1-2 Cups
• Saucepan

Directions:

1. Add in some water into a saucepan and place it over medium heat.
2. Now allow the water to reach boiling consistency.
3. Once the water reaches the boiling consistency take it off the heat.
4. Now into this water add in the peppermint oil, elder berry oil and the thyme oil.
5. Stir it well and then add in the honey and again stir it.
6. Now cover it with a lid and let it steep for about 10-15 mins.
7. Later transfer this thyme tea into a cup and drink it.
8. Repeat this process for at least twice in a day and continue it for 3-4 times in a week for at least a week.
9. This one of the most highly effective home remedies for flu symptoms.

10. Steam Shower Remedy

Are you looking for helpful home remedies for cold and flu?

Then this easy and one step remedy is just the one for you!

A steam shower not only helps in decongesting the chest and your nasal passages but also reduces the symptoms of the cold and flu.

Adding vapor rub to this remedy will only help in getting rid of the symptoms of cold and flu effectively.

Ingredients:

• Vicks Vapo Rub – 1 tsp
• Hot Bath Water

Directions:

1. For this remedy you will need to first fill the bath tub with hot water and shut the door of the bathroom for at least 10-15 mins.
2. Allow the bathroom to get steamy for a few mins.
3. Once the bathroom feels steamy enough get into the shower and rub some vicks vapo rub over your chest and nasal area and spread it across your cheeks too.
4. Stay in the bathroom and inhale the steam for at least 10-20 mins or until you feel comfortable.
5. Repeat this process at least twice in a day for best results.
6. The result of this remedy is cleared nasal and chest regions and with every usage you will notice the cold and flu symptoms to disappear.
7. Continue doing this for a week or until you feel better.

11. Chicken & Rice Soup Remedy

This can definitely be considered as one of the most delicious, health as well as effective home remedies for the flu.

Chicken soup is loaded with proteins and amino acids. This not only helps in the tissue repair process but also reduces the chest and nasal congestion.

Several scientists have also proven the fact that a bowl of chicken soup and some veggies acts as an anti inflammatory agent and also speeds up the flu recovery process.

Ingredients:

• Boiled Boneless Chicken Pieces – 2-3 Cups
• Chicken Broth – 4-5 Cups
• Uncooked White Rice – ¼ Cup
• Chopped Onion – 1 Cup
• Ground Cumin – 1 tsp
• Ground Pepper – ½ tsp
• Salt – As Per Taste
• Chopped Tomato – 1 Cup
• Chopped Cilantro – ½ Cup
• Canned Black Beans or Kidney Beans – 1 Cup
• Garlic Cloves – 2-3
• Diced Avocado Pulp – 1 Nos.
• Lime Juice – 1 tbsp
• Mortar & Pestle
• Saucepan
• Cooking Spray
• Serving Dish

Directions:

1. Firstly place a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Now add some cooking spray on the saucepan.
3. Add the garlic cloves into the mortar & pestle and mince it well until it forms a paste like consistency.
4. Now add in the chopped onion and the minced garlic into the pan and sauté it for about 2-3 mins.
5. Later add in the chicken broth, the ground cumin, rice and the beans into the same pan.
6. Turn down the heat and let it simmer for at least 10-15 mins.
7. Lastly add in the boneless chicken pieces, ground pepper, salt and the chopped cilantro.
8. Let it simmer for another 4-5 mins or until the chicken is well cooked.
9. Later take it off the heat and add in the chopped tomato, lime juice and the diced avocado.
10. Transfer it into the serving dish and consume it once it feels warm enough.
11. This chicken soup is definitely considered as one of the preferred home remedies for flu as it gives instant results and also makes you feel better.
12. This process can be repeated twice in a day and continue for a week at least for complete recovery from the flu.

12. Chamomile Tea Remedy

Stomach flu can turn out to be one of the most annoying and stubborn health concerns. It not only causes uneasiness but also loss of appetite. This is when one refrains from eating anything.

So the most natural and ultimate cure for stomach flu is to consume hot drinks that can serve as helpful home remedies for the stomach flu.

This chamomile tea remedy is just what you need to cure the stomach flu!

Chamomile is known to contain a high amount of stomach healing properties and is also a rich source of anti inflammatory and anti spasmodic properties (3). This makes it the best natural ingredient to deal with the stomach flu at home.

Ingredients:

• Dried Chamomile Flowers – 2-3 tsp
• Water – 1 Cup
• Saucepan
• Strainer
• Lemon Juice – 3-4 Drops
• Honey – 1 tsp

Directions:

1. Firstly add in some water into a saucepan and place it over medium heat.
2. Once the water reaches the boiling consistency take it off the heat.
3. Now into this add in the dried chamomile flowers and cover it with a lid.
4. Let it steep for about 5-10 mins.
5. Later once the chamomile tea feels warm enough transfer it into a cup.
6. Add in the lemon juice and the honey and stir it well and drink it.
7. Repeat this process for at least 2-3 times in a day and continue doing this for a week at least.
8. This is one of the most helpful home remedies for stomach flu.
9. It eases the uneasiness as well as strengthens the lining of the inflamed stomach.

13. Mustard, Eggs & Flour Remedy

We know the ingredient names must have left you confused but we assure you that this remedy works really well in treating the symptoms of cold and flu.

For a matter of fact many health specialists recommend it as one of the most effective home remedies for cold and flu.

Mustard is naturally packed with multiple healing properties and is also loaded with anti inflammatory and anti microbial properties (4).

This makes it one of the best natural ingredients to get rid of the flu at home!

Ingredients:

• Ground Mustard Powder – 1 tbsp
• Egg White – 1
• Flour – 3-4 tbsp
• Warm Water – 1-2 tbsp
• Olive Oil – 1 tbsp
• White Muslin Cloth
• Small Bowl

Directions:

1. Take a small mixing bowl and into this add in the mustard powder, flour and the egg white.
2. Now mix this and then add some warm water and mix it again.
3. Mix it well so it forms a smooth paste like consistency.
4. Now apply some olive oil over your chest and then apply this mustard paste over the chest.
5. Leave it on for about 15-20 mins or until you feel comfortable.
6. Later dip the muslin cloth in clean warm water and then using this wipe your chest off.
7. This remedy helps in clearing up the blocked and congested chest and also improves the blood circulation throughout the body.
8. This can definitely be considered as one of the quickest home remedies for flu that can be followed at home.
9. Repeat this process for at least twice in a day and continue it for 3-4 days.

14. Fenugreek & Ginger Tea Remedy

Looking for natural home remedies for flu symptoms then this remedy is the one for you!

Fenugreek contains a high amount of anti viral properties and this helps in getting rid of the flu causing virus present in the body.

Several medical researchers have also proven the fact that fenugreek also contains several other health beneficial and medicinal properties.

Ginger too just like fenugreek contains a high amount of anti bacterial and anti viral properties. It is also known as one of the most preferred ingredients to get rid of cold and cough.

So ultimately this tea is nature’s way of completely curing the cold and flu symptoms within a short period of time!

Ingredients:

• Fenugreek Seeds – 1 tbsp
• Water – 1-2 Cups
• Saucepan
• Strainer
• Ginger Juice – 1 tsp
• Honey – 1 tsp

Directions:

1. Take a saucepan and into this add in the water and the fenugreek seeds and let it boil until the actual volume of the water reduces down.
2. Once the water feels like it has reduced to a certain amount take it off the heat and let it warm down a little.
3. Once it feels warm enough strain the tea and add in the fresh ginger juice and the honey.
4. Stir this well and consume it immediately.
5. Repeat this process for at least 3-4 times in a day for complete relief from the symptoms of cold and flu.
6. This is easily the most recommended home remedies for the flu as it is easy to make and is very helpful in treating the flu too.
7. Continue with this remedy for at least 8-10 days or until you don’t experience any sign of cold and flu in your body.

More: Ginger for Asthma Treatment

So These Were our Top Most Recommended and Trending home Remedies for Flu.

Do try these easy, quick, affordable and completely natural remedies before buying those sedative and chemically laced over the counter drugs and syrups to get rid of the cold and flu.

IF at all any of the symptoms of cold and flu doesn’t subside even after the usage of these remedies then it is best recommended to consult a specialist for the same!

Do drop in a line and let us know as to which of the above mentioned remedies was of best help to you. We would love to hear from you and know your opinion in order to serve you with better natural suggestions.