6 Cold and Flu Remedies You Can Find in Your Kitchen

Before you head off to your local drug store looking for drug remedies to help you cope with cold and flu symptoms, you might want to open your kitchen cupboards or spice cabinet. That’s because there are many excellent remedies already in most peoples’ kitchens.

GARLIC

Garlic has long been known for its antiviral activity but new research in Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine found that garlic also shows promise against bronchitis in preliminary laboratory tests, which is a common problem for many cold and flu sufferers. World-renowned botanist James Duke, author of The Green Pharmacy, indicates that garlic contains several different antimicrobial compounds that can help while battling colds and flu, with allium being garlic’s most antiviral compound. While you can add garlic to soups, stews, chillies, curries and other savory dishes, keep in mind that garlic’s antiviral activity is most potent when it is in its raw state. So, add a clove or two to your next salad dressing or in a teaspoon of honey to fully reap its benefits. 

GREEN TEA

Most of us know that green tea seems to be good for almost everything, but now green tea can add one more thing to its ever-growing list of conditions it helps prevent or treat. That’s because research in the journal Genomics & Informatics found that a compound known as theaflavin found in green tea has antiviral activity and helps protect against the H1N1 flu virus. Sip on a few cups of green tea daily to help you ward off the flu virus, preferably with a squeeze or two of fresh lemon juice.

GINGERROOT

Fresh ginger has been found to have antiviral activity. To benefit from it, slice a 2-inch piece of fresh gingerroot and add to a quart of water in a medium-sized pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer for at least 45 minutes. Strain and drink 3 cups daily. You can also use this as the basis of your green tea, adding the green tea leaves or bags after the ginger has been boiled and strained.

LEMONS

Not only are lemons an excellent source of immune-boosting vitamin C, they can be added to a cup of hot water and a dash of cayenne to help clear your sinuses if you’re dealing with congestion.

MANUKA HONEY

You may already have manuka honey in your pantry. If so, you’ll be thrilled to know that, in addition to its many antibacterial properties, manuka honey has been found in research to be a potent antiviral remedy, too. A study published in the medical journal Archives of Medical Research found that manuka honey exhibits significant potency against flu viruses.

OREGANO OR OREGANO OIL

Most people have either dried oregano or oregano oil in their kitchen, which is great news if you’re trying to prevent or treat a flu bug. Oregano contains the natural compounds known as carvacrol and rosmarinic acid which are powerful antimicrobials. They fight viral, as well as bacterial and fungal infections. And, sometimes that infection you think is a flu could actually be a strep bacterial infection. A study published in the medical journal Frontiers in Microbiology found that oregano was effective against strep infections, including strep throat. Follow package instructions for the product you choose. For dried oregano, add one heaping teaspoon to a cup of boiled water and let steep for at least 10 minutes before straining and drinking.