7 Natural Flu Remedies to Speed Your Recovery at Home

By Melanie Aman Updated: January 27, 2019

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Whether you’re currently sick in bed with the flu or you’re looking to prevent it, these natural flu remedies will come in handy. After all, there’s nothing worse than being sick in bed, simultaneously hot and cold and also unable to breathe out of one nostril (we’ve all been there!).

The flu normally comes on quite quickly, so we don’t blame you for not being prepared. Sometimes people just get sick — it stinks, but it happens. Common flu symptoms include fever, coughing, a sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, aching muscles, headaches, and a general feeling of fatigue.

Of course, if you’re hacking and achy, the last thing you want to do is accidentally run into an acquaintance at the store while wearing your at-home-only clothes. Thankfully, you’ve probably already got all the healing ingredients you need sitting in your kitchen. So, keep those sweatpants on and scroll down for our favorite natural flu remedies.

Natural Flu Remedies Elderberry Syrup

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Elderberry Syrup

Studies show this tasty natural flu remedy can drastically reduce sick time and lessen annoying flu symptoms. And when you’re finally recovered, you can use the leftover elderberry syrup in a refreshing cocktail. We’ll cheers to that!

Read more about elderberry syrup’s health benefits here.
Natural Flu Remedies Garlic

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Garlic

Stock up on this pungent seasoning the next time you’re at the grocery store. Research shows it’s packed with the ingredients your body needs to produce virus-killing white blood cells.

Read more about the health benefits of garlic and other odd ways to boost your immune system here.
Natural Flu Remedies Bonfire Cider

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Bonfire Cider

Bonfire cider is a potent concoction that will flush out toxins with every sip. Made with healing ingredients like apple cider vinegar, ginger, turmeric, and manuka honey, this spicy drink will give your immune system a much-needed boost.

Read more about bonfire cider’s health benefits and find a recipe here.
Natural Flu Remedies Slippery Elm Cough Drops

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Slippery Elm

Homemade slippery elm cough drops provide soothing relief from your constant coughing. Sweeten your DIY throat lozenges with a splash of infection-fighting manuka honey.

Read more about slippery elm’s health benefits and find a recipe here.
Natural Flu Remedies Fire Cider

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Fire Cider

Fire cider is a flu-fighting drink you can easily make at home with apple cider vinegar, horseradish, ginger, garlic, onions, cayenne pepper, and honey. A shot will instantly energize your day and help you ward off sickness.

Read more about fire cider’s health benefits and find a recipe here.
Natural Flu Remedies Relaxing

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Relaxing

Give in to your desire to curl up in bed and do nothing when you’re battling the flu. Your body needs this time to recover, and being lazy reduces your chances of getting sick again by lowering stress levels.

Read more about the benefits of relaxing and other ways to naturally boost your immune system here.
Natural Flu Remedies Honey

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Honey

Hot water and honey is a classic flu remedy — and it works! One study even found that honey alone could be an effective cough suppressant.

Read more about the health benefits of honey here.