9 Natural Cures for Flu and Cold

person Larry Ostrovsky
calendar_today Nov 27, 2017

As we approach the winter season, viruses such as the flu and common cold seem to run rampantly. While there are a number of things you can do to avoid and limit contact with these viruses, it’s likely you will fall victim to their symptoms at some point. Thankfully, there are several natural cures that you can use to treat your symptoms and get your health back on track.

Compiled below are nine home remedies to help cure the flu and common cold quickly and naturally, without pharmaceutical medicine.

1. Vitamin D

It’s thought that one of the leading causes of increased incidences of the flu and cold in the winter months is due to vitamin D deficiency. Typically, we receive vitamin D from the sun. However, because people tend to spend less time outdoors in the winter, vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent.

Vitamin D is responsible for the expression of over 2000 genes in the body. Research has linked low vitamin D levels to higher contraction rates of the flu, colds, and other respiratory infections.

Typically, we receive vitamin D from the sun.

2. Oregano oil

Oregano oil has been used since ancient times as a natural remedy for various health conditions including coughs, colds, sore throats, bronchitis, and the flu. Studies have shown oregano oil has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s thought that the thymol and carvacrol present in oregano oil are what gives it its medicinal benefits.

In addition, other symptoms of the cold and flu including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can be alleviated by using oregano oil. This is because oregano oil is known to calm down upset stomachs as well as aid in digestion by stimulating bile flow. Plus, oregano oil has sudorific (sweat-inducing) properties, which can help bring down a fever.

3. Olive leaf extract (OLE)

Olive leaf extract is another powerful home remedy for symptoms of the cold and flu. It helps to boost the immune system due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties. In addition, it is also known to have anticancer properties as well as hypolipidemic (cholesterol-lowering), and hypoglycemic (blood sugar-lowering) effects.

4. Ginger

Ginger is a popular spice with many medicinal benefits. It naturally combats nausea and vomiting (two common symptoms of the cold and flu). In fact, ginger is so effective in treating nausea and vomiting that it is often used to remediate the effects of chemotherapy and other intensive treatments.

In addition, ginger has powerful antioxidant properties as well. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals in the body and combat malignant entities. Plus, ginger’s antioxidant properties can help to boost the immune system, making you less susceptible to viruses like the cold and flu.

5. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is great to boost the immune system, which can help reduce your susceptibility to viruses like the cold and flu. In addition, it boosts production of white blood cells which help fight off malignant cells. Vitamin C is best when consumed through fresh fruits and vegetables, though it can be taken as a supplement as well.

6. Elderberry

Elderberry is a popular herb with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research has shown elderberry can actually “deactivate” the flu virus and naturally boost the immune system. Both the flowers and berries of this herb can help to treat the cold and flu, boost the immune system, and relieve sinus pain.

Plus, studies have shown elderberry seems to reduce bronchial inflammation as well. A preliminary study found elderberry reduced both the severity and duration of flu symptoms when it was given at the first sign of illness.

7. Garlic

Garlic has many medicinal benefits including antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. In addition, it is a natural antibiotic. Fresh garlic is the most effective in treating illnesses such as the cold and flu.

Garlic has many medicinal benefits including antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.

8. Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil is another popular natural remedy for various illnesses and is often thought to be one of the most versatile essential oils. It has several medicinal benefits, such as antimicrobial, antiemetic, analgesic, and anticancer properties. Because of these health benefits, peppermint oil is very effective in reducing the severity of many symptoms of the cold and flu.

9. CBD

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is an extremely versatile natural remedy for a variety of health conditions. It is found in cannabis and hemp plants, though it is not psychoactive. It has numerous health benefits and has been shown to provide relief for a multitude of symptoms.