The Homemade Cure: 6 Helpful DIY Remedies for Cold and Flu Season

I’ve got it. The crud, I mean. A virus, a winter illness, that thing that makes you ask, “Is it a cold? Is it a flu? Am I dying?” It’s been over three and a half weeks, and no matter how many cups of tea I drink, or how much I allow myself to sleep, I can’t shake it. 

I’m at the point now where I doubt a prescription would help and I’m not contagious, but I just want this thing to go away. I suspect many of you are too. So, while I can’t get this thing out of my body, I’ve been trying to put as much good stuff into it to help combat the bad guys. 

So, here are six DIY cold, flu, and allergy fighting remedies that will get you out of the pharmacy, into the grocery store and garden, and hopefully, stay out of bed. 

1. Homemade Fire Cider [pictured at top]- we discovered this recipe last year, which claims to “have anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, decongestant and digestive properties.” Worth fermenting up a batch to find out. Get the full recipe at Kaufmann-Mercantile

2.  Make Kimchi–jjigae, Korean cold fighting soup: the funky, fermented, and flavorful power of kimchi is known for its health-boosting powers, and combined with sinus-clearing chiles and warm broth, this one will kick the snot out of those germs…and, well, you. 🙂 Find the full recipe at Wild Apple.

3. Go Outside [Preferably into the woods]: Probably not for the first day of a bug, but once you’re back on your feet, bundle up and get outside. The movement is good for you, and, as our grandmother’s always said, you should get some fresh air.  But there also might be some truth to the idea that exposure to green spaces can actually improve your health, mental acuity, and (TA-DA!) immune system. The Japanese have a concept of shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” and there’s increasing scholarly research into what’s actually happening when we spend time among the trees. Anecdotally, it’s good for you, and you know it’s good for you, so even though your journey might be short due to low energy, it’s good to go outside when you’re sick, provided you stay warm and dry. Read more at Mother Earth News – Your Brain on Nature: Forest Bathing and Reduced Stress

4. DIY Honey Ginger Throat Drops: David spied this recipe last week. He says, “With the dry, cold air, my throat is sensitive to the temperature swings, and so I’m dealing with a sore throat just about every morning. While there are plenty of sugar-laden sticky throat drops at the store, I thought it may be better to make a batch of my own. Here’s a great recipe for some delicious drops from Sarah McGill.

5. No Allergy Tea: If you suspect your crumminess is caused by allergies, or other inflammation or anti-immunity issues, check out this custom tea project at Gardenista.  Key ingredient? Nettles. You should be able to put this together at any herbal shoppe or natural foods store, or you can order the goodies online. 

6. Drink a Bunch of Hot Water + Lemon. This one’s easy. Boil some water squeeze a half a lemon in it. Drink it. What’s it good for? Google it. And keep this one up once you get better, too. 

What are some of your favorite homemade and DIY cold and flu remedies? Let us know in the comments below.