5 Must-Make Remedies for Cold and Flu
Cold and flu season is just around the corner, and it’s time to arm yourself with some powerful natural remedies. These time-tested treatments, which can be easily adapted to your needs, can help you fight off symptoms and recover faster. Let’s dive into five must-have remedies you should prepare now.
5 Natural Remedies You Need to Make Now for Cold and Flu Season
Don’t wait until you or one of your family members are sick to search the internet for the right remedy. Make these 5 Natural Cold and Flu Remedies now so you have them when right when you need them.
1. Elderberry Syrup for Colds and Flu
Elderberry syrup is a well-known remedy for colds and flu, revered for its immune-boosting properties.
What It’s Used For
Elderberry contains antioxidants and vitamins that can reduce the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms.
Recommended Dosage
As a preventive measure, take one tablespoon of elderberry syrup daily. If you start feeling symptoms, increase the dose to 1 tablespoon every 3-4 hours.
Try our Fresh Elderberry Syrup Recipe. This has been a top-seller of our for years and we’re sharing the recipe with you!
2. Mullein Oil for Ear Aches
Ear aches can be a common and painful part of cold and flu season. Mullein oil is a gentle, natural remedy that can provide relief.
What It’s Used For
Mullein oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it effective for soothing ear infections and reducing pain.
Recommended Dosage
Warm a few drops of mullein oil (be sure it’s not too hot) and place 2-3 drops into the affected ear twice daily.
Source: Dr Axe
How to Make Mullein Earache Oil
Mullein oil is a natural remedy known for its effectiveness in treating earaches and infections. You can make mullein oil using either fresh or dried mullein flowers. Here’s a simple recipe to guide you through the process.
Ingredients
- Fresh or dried mullein flowers
- Olive oil (or another carrier oil like almond or jojoba oil)
- A clean glass jar
- Cheesecloth or a fine strainer
- A dropper bottle for storage
Harvesting Mullein
Best Time to Harvest: The best time to harvest mullein flowers is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in. Mullein flowers bloom in the summer, typically from June to September.
Preparation for the Recipe
Fresh Flowers: Gently rinse the fresh flowers to remove any dirt or insects and let them air dry for a few hours to remove excess moisture.
Dried Flowers: If using dried flowers, ensure they are thoroughly dried and free of mold or moisture.
Mullein Earache Oil Recipe Directions
1. Fill the Jar: Place the fresh or dried mullein flowers into the clean glass jar. Fill the jar about halfway with the flowers.
2. Add the Oil: Pour olive oil (or your chosen carrier oil) over the flowers until they are completely submerged. Make sure to leave a little space at the top of the jar.
3. Infuse the Oil
Sunlight Method: Seal the jar and place it on a sunny windowsill. Let it sit for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar gently every day.
Heat Method: If you need the oil sooner, you can use a double boiler. Place the jar in a pot of water on low heat and let it simmer gently for 3-4 hours. Make sure the water level is below the rim of the jar to prevent water from getting into the oil.
4. Strain the Oil: After the infusion period, strain the oil using cheesecloth or a fine strainer to remove the flowers. Squeeze the cheesecloth to extract as much oil as possible.
5. Store the Oil: Transfer the strained oil into a clean dropper bottle and store it in a cool, dark place. If stored properly, the oil can last up to a year.
For Earaches: Warm a few drops of the mullein oil (be sure it’s not too hot) and place 2-3 drops into the affected ear twice a day.
Making mullein oil is a straightforward process that can provide a valuable remedy for earaches. Whether you choose fresh or dried mullein flowers, this recipe will help you create a soothing and effective oil to have on hand.
3. Fire Cider to Fight Cold and Flu Symptoms
Fire cider is a spicy, tangy tonic that’s great for boosting your immune system and warding off infections.
Rosemary Gladstar originally invented this recipe in the 1980’s; our family has made it for about a decade now and we always have some on hand.
What It’s Used For
This potent concoction can help break up mucus, stimulate circulation, and provide a burst of antioxidants.
Fire Cider Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup grated fresh horseradish root
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped garlic
- 1/4 cup grated fresh ginger
- Cayenne pepper, dried or fresh chopped, to taste
- Raw apple cider vinegar, to cover
- Honey, to taste
For directions, visit Mother Earth News: Fire Cider Recipe
Recommended Dosage
Take 1-2 tablespoons of fire cider daily to maintain health. Increase to 1-2 tablespoons up to three times daily during illness.
4. Echinacea Tea for Colds and Flu
Echinacea is a popular herbal remedy known for its immune-enhancing effects. Thankfully, Echinacea Tea is readily available at most grocery stores. Therefore, this is a natural cold remedy you don’t have to make ahead of time. However, it’s a good idea to buy some now so you’ll have it on hand.
What It’s Used For
Echinacea can help reduce the length and severity of colds by boosting the immune system.
Recommended Dosage
Drink 1-2 cups of echinacea tea daily at the first sign of a cold. To make the tea, steep 1 teaspoon of dried echinacea in hot water for 10-15 minutes, then strain and enjoy.
Warning for Echinacea
Important: Individuals with autoimmune diseases or other immune system issues should exercise caution when taking echinacea. Echinacea can stimulate the immune system, which may exacerbate symptoms in those with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis. Always consult your healthcare professional before using echinacea or any other herbal remedy if you have an immune system condition.
5. Garlic Honey
Garlic honey combines the antimicrobial power of garlic with the soothing properties of honey. Our family finds this recipe so tasty, we make it throughout the year.
What It’s Used For
This remedy is excellent for sore throats and coughs due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
How to Make Garlic Honey for Colds
Garlic honey is a powerful natural remedy that combines the antimicrobial properties of garlic with the soothing benefits of honey. Here’s a simple recipe to help you make garlic honey for colds.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic
- Peel the garlic cloves.
- Slice or chop the garlic cloves to release their beneficial compounds.
- Combine with Honey
- Place the crushed or chopped garlic into a clean, dry jar.
- Pour the raw honey over the garlic, making sure all the garlic is submerged.
- Infuse
- Seal the jar with a lid.
- Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least a week to infuse. Shake the jar gently once a day to mix the garlic and honey.
- Storage
- After a week, you can start using the garlic honey.
- Store the jar in a cool, dark place. The garlic honey can last for several months.
For Colds: Take 1 teaspoon of garlic honey every few hours at the onset of symptoms. You can eat it directly, mix it into warm tea, or spread it on toast.
Garlic honey is a simple, effective remedy that can help soothe cold symptoms and boost your immune system. Enjoy this natural powerhouse to keep colds at bay!
Recommended Dosage
Take one teaspoon of garlic honey every few hours at the onset of symptoms. To prepare, finely chop a few garlic cloves and mix with raw honey. Let it sit for a few hours before using it.
No Time to Plan Ahead?
Did time slip away from you, now you’re not feeling well and looking for something quick to help you feel better? Try ginger. Yes, ginger. See our article How Ginger Can Treat Colds Naturally
Try staying ahead of the curve next season by using these herbs to boost your immune system.
Stay Prepared and Healthy This Cold and Flu Season
By preparing these natural remedies now, you’ll be well-equipped to handle whatever cold and flu season throws your way. Each remedy offers unique benefits, from boosting your immune system to relieving specific symptoms.
Do you have any tried-and-true natural cold and flu remedies we didn’t mention? Please share them with us in the comments!
Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. My Homestead Life LLC is not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use of this information. We care about your health and safety, so always seek advice from your healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
