Chills, fever, aches, sore throat, cough, runny nose, malaise … we all know the feeling of the flu. Did you know that the flu is one of the major reasons we end up seeing a doctor during the colder months of the year?

The flu is a viral infection, so taking antibiotics makes totally no sense. The worst symptoms will last a few days. But a cough, fatigue and other minor symptoms can linger for weeks. The flu can easily be treated naturally with ingredients hiding in your cupboards. So why would you need those harmful seasonal flu shots, antibiotics, fever reducers, etc. if nature provides you a harmless solution?

How To Treat The Flu Naturally When It Hits You Or Your Family?

Get Plenty Of Sleep

Obvious and highly recommended for every illness you have to conquer. Fatigue is one of the main symptoms, so getting enough sleep will not be so hard.

Drink Enough Fluids

What we often forget is to drink enough fluids to stay hydrated. Especially when vomiting, having a fever or diarrhea. Water is essential for the optimal function of every system in your body. Water or herbal teas are fine. Avoid caffeine, it works diuretic and will cause more fluids to escape your body. If you feel nauseous, make sure to drink with small sips to avoid throw ups.

Hot liquids stimulate the immune system and stop the proliferation of the flu virus. Herbal tea, the good old chicken soup or hot lemon water with honey are all perfect examples. If you lost your appetite try warm broth (chicken, beef or vegetable, it doesn’t matter) or fruit juices to provide your body the energy it needs to heal.

DIY: 8 Natural Remedies To Fight The Flu

1.      Immune Boosting Hot Lemon-Honey Water

Honey acts as a natural expectorant, promoting the flow of mucus and helps with digestion. Fantastic to soothe coughs. The lemons are jam packed with vitamin C, a very potent antioxidant. It aids your body to purify the lymphatic system and gives your immune system a great boost to fight the flu.

• Squeeze half a lemon in a cup of warm water and add a teaspoon honey.
• Drink this 3 or more times a day.
• Add a pinch of black pepper or ginger if you’re struggling with a lot of mucus.

2.      Coconut Oil To Soothe A Throat

Coconut oil has strong antibacterial and antiviral properties. A lot of people advice to take up to 3 spoons of coconut oil a day, but I don’t enjoy the taste of it so I prefer to make a paste with honey and cinnamon to give it a nice flavor.

• 2 tbsp. organic coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon grounded cinnamon (tasty and great to soothe the throat)
• Mix all ingredients until a paste like texture.
• Eat this mixture during the day whenever you need to soothe your throat.

3.      Oregano Oil

Oregano oil contains carvacrol which has strong antimicrobial properties. It relieves congestion and redness.

• Add one drop in a glass of water every couple of hours.

4.      Elderberry Syrup

Elderberries are wonderful to fight influenza and other respiratory viruses. Sambucol, an elderberry extract is available in many natural food stores but why not try to make your own stash? It is easy and you don’t need a lot of ingredients. Most of them can be found in your cupboards.

Click here and check out my granny’s recipe to make your own elderberry syrup at home.

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