24 Natural Home Remedies For Flu Symptoms In Adults & Children

Flu or Influenza is an infection that generally attacks your respiratory system, particularly upper respiratory tract which mainly covers throat, nose, and lungs. There are many symptoms of this disease such as dry cough, fever, chills, nasal congestion, contagious disease, cold, headache, sore throat, sneezing, general weakness, etc. In fact, there are many ways of healing flu symptoms at home by using natural solutions such as herbs, vegetables, fruits, and other ingredients. In this article, EffectiveRemedies.com will show you the best home remedies for flu symptoms in adults & children. The following writing collected information from reliable sources. However, it is not intended to give medical advice. Keep reading this writing to understand more!

Top 24 Natural Home Remedies For Flu Symptoms In Adults & Children

1. Ginger For Treating Flu

Ginger contains natural antiviral and antibacterial properties which help you to fight against the flu virus effectively. You can try either of home remedies for flu below by using ginger as the main ingredient.

Remedy 1:

You will need:

• Ginger

Process:

• You take a fresh and small piece of ginger and then wash it off properly.
• Now, you consume this ginger piece slowly and swallow it.
• Or you may also consume ginger in other forms such as ginger candies, snaps, cookies, lozenges, tinctures, etc like a part of the daily routine.
• Besides, you can include dried or fresh or powdered ginger in your daily diet such as in cooking gravies, salads, and some special recipes, etc.
• Keep consuming ginger as daily to get an improvement.

Remedy 2:

You will need:

• 1 ginger
• 2 cup of boiling water
• 1 large bowl
• 1 towel

Process:

• You firstly wash the ringer and then cut it into many small pieces.
• Next, you add these ginger pieces in the large bowl and pour the boiling water in it
• Now, you cover your head with the towel and inhale the ginger steam which comes out from the ginger water.
• You have to make sure that the distance from your face to the bowl is at least 3 to 5 inches gap.
• You should inhale the steam as much as possible on a regularized basis to dispose of sore throat, runny nose and fever which were caused by flu or cold.

See more: Top 26 natural home treatments for cough relief

2. Thyme And Honey

Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.

Thyme contains a wonderful fragrant that can make to delight the senses as well as act as a powerful antiseptic and expectorant. Thyme can also help you in making the respiratory tract function well, inhibiting bacteria, and loosening mucus settled down to stay.

Remedy:

You will need:

• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves
• 1 cup of boiling water
• A little honey

Process:

• First of all, you add the dried thyme leaves in a cup of boiling water
• Then you allow it to steep for about 5 minutes and inhale this thyme stream
• Now, you strain the water and combine it with a little honey to get a better taste
• You sip this water slowly to enjoy the taste as well as to get rid of this problem.
• Keep repeating this process as you need.

3. Ginger Juice And Honey

Ginger can fight the infection while honey has the ability to help in coating the throat and soothing it to remove the infection.

Remedy:

You will need:

• 1 teaspoon of ginger juice
• ½ teaspoon of honey

Process:

• At first, you put the ginger juice and honey in a bowl.
• Then you stir them well until they form a consistent mixture.
• You consume this mixture daily until you remove this disease completely.
• Or you may chew some fresh ginger pieces mixed in honey and swallow them for a few days.

Read more: 37 natural ways for getting relief from strep throat

4. Garlic, Honey, Cayenne Pepper, And Lemon Juice

Garlic is another remedy in the list of top 24 home remedies for flu thanks to its antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Remedy:

You will need:

• 3 or 4 garlic cloves
• 2 cups of water
• A little honey
• A pinch of cayenne pepper
• Some drops or a teaspoon of lemon juice

Process:

• First of all, you peel the outer skin of the garlic cloves and then crush them gently
• Now, you heat the water and put the crushed garlic in it
• After it boils, you allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes and strain this water.
• You allow it to cool for a few minutes and then mix it with honey, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper.
• You stir them well and drink this as you need

5.  Honey, Water, Onion Juice, And Basil Leaves

Honey has the ability to boost up the immune system as well as help in reducing the symptoms of flu. It also contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties which can speed up the treatment process. You just consume 1 tablespoon of honey with 1 cup of water several times per day to have the result or follow some natural home remedies for flu below.

• You mix a tablespoon of honey well with a cup of hot water to make a mixture
• Then you combine this mixture with some drops of lemon juice and stir them thoroughly. This mixture will stimulate the mucus flow and help you to ease the irritation and itchiness in the throat.
• Keep drinking it for 2 or 3 times per day.
• Besides, you can mix honey and onion juice at an equal ratio and consume a teaspoon of this mixture 3 times per day until the flu is removed.
• Or you can also combine a teaspoon of honey with the juice that is extracted from 15 fresh basil leaves and eat this once per day.

Note: Do not use honey for children under 1-year-old.

See more: 22 natural at home remedies for someone with ear infections

6. Mullein And Honey

Mullein works as an expectorant, which can loosen trapped mucous as well as soothe your throat. Here is one of the great home remedies for flu using mullein that you can follow.

Remedy:

You will need:

• 1 teaspoon of dried mullein herb
• 1 cup of boiling water
• A little raw honey

Process:

• You firstly take 1 cup of boiling water and then add the dried mullein herb in it
• Next, you allow it to steep for about 10 minutes and strain the water
• You combine this water with raw honey to make it sweeter
• Keep drinking it as you need to get relief from this problem

7. Ginger And Alcohol

The combination of ginger and alcohol is one of the best home remedies for flu. You may simply prepare this remedy by following these ingredients.

Remedy:

You will need:

• Fresh ginger
• Pure diluted alcohol
• Canning jars with lids
• Strainer
• Decanter
• Mallet

Process:

• At first, you clean a fresh ginger and then cut it into many pieces.
• Next, you use a mallet to macerate these ginger pieces so that the ginger flavor and its juice will be released.
• Now, you put these ginger pieces into a canning jar and fill this jar with the diluted alcohol.
• You fit the lid tightly and shake it off for a few seconds.
• After that, you put this jar in a dark and cool place. You have to make sure that you shake this jar for at least 2 times a day on a daily basis during about 4 weeks in order to active the infusion process.
• You take another canning jar and strain this mixture to get the ginger alcohol.
• You put this alcohol in a decanter and consume it regularly to keep flu at bay.

See more: Top 21 solutions for stopping allergies in children & adult

8. Black Pepper And Honey

This combination naturally is an irritant substance, but it is essential to people who are suffering from cough with thick mucus. It can help in stimulating the circulation as well as the flow of mucus to give you a relief from flu.

Remedy:

You will need:

• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• Boiling water

Process:

• You firstly take a cup and then add the honey and black pepper in it
• Then you fill them with the boiling water and allow them to steep for about 10 to 15 minutes
• Now, you stir them well and consume the water slowly
• Keep using this way 1 to 2 times every day

See more: Keep away from sore throat with 36 best natural home solutions

9. Lemon For Healing Flu

Lemon contains antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties which act together to remove the flu virus in your body as well as its symptoms.

Remedy 1: Lemon and warm water

• You simply squeeze a lemon to get the lemon juice
• Then you put this juice in a cup of warm water. You stir them well and drink this mixture.
• Keep using this process 3 or 4 times every day

Remedy 2: Lemon, rum, and honey

• You mix the juice of a small lemon well with a tablespoon each of rum and honey
• Then you put this mixture in a glass of boiling water and stir thoroughly
• You allow it to steep for 2 to 5 minutes and drink this mixture 2 times per day during a few days.

Remedy 3: Steam with lemon

• Now, you put a chopped lemon (both its skin and pulp) in a glass of boiling water.
• You allow it to steep for 5 minutes and inhale the steam.
• Besides, you should also drink this hot lemonade 3 or 4 times every day. 

10. Ginger, Carrot, Onion, And Apple

You can try using ginger mixed with carrot, onion, and apple as one of the natural home remedies for flu.

Remedy:

You will need:

• 2 tablespoons of grated fresh ginger
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 cup of diced onion
• 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 chopped apple
• 5 cups or 1.5 pounds of chopped carrot
• 4 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 pinch of nutmeg
• A little salt
• 1 large pot

Process:

• First of all, you pour the extra virgin olive oil in the large pot and put this pot on the stove at the low–medium heat
• Now, you add the diced onion in it and allow it to cook for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
• Next, you combine it with ginger and garlic and then continue to cook it for a while.
• After that, you add chopped apple, carrot, and vegetable broth in the mixture and stir them well.
• You let it boil and then reduce the heat to simmer it for about 20 to 25 minutes.
• You carefully move this mixture into a blender and put the nutmeg in it.
• You blend them till they form a smooth mixture and place it in the pot again
• Then you add the pepper and salt to be tastier
• Finally, you pour the vegetable broth in this mixture to have the soup. It would be better if you eat this with fresh bread.
• Keep eating this soup until you get the improvement.

11. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar may alkalize your body and help in killing the virus leading to flu as well as its symptoms.

Remedy:

You will need:

• 1 tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar
• 8 ounces of water

Process:

• You simply mix the apple cider vinegar in the water and stir well to make a fine mixture.
• Then you drink this mixture for every 3 hours to keep flu at bay.

12. Mustard For Treating Flu

Mustard contains the healing properties that can help you in treating flu symptoms. It is loaded with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which have the ability to help you in recovering quickly. Here are some helpful home remedies for flu using mustard as the main ingredient that you can follow.

Remedy 1: Mustard, flour, and egg white

• At first, you take a tablespoon of dried mustard, 4 tablespoons of flour, an egg white, a little warm water and then mix them well to make a fine paste.
• Now, you smear this paste on a clean muslin cloth and wrap it.
• Next, you dab a little olive oil on the chest and then place this mustard plaster on it. After a few minutes, you take it out and rinse your chest with a clean cloth dipped in warm water.
• If it does not cause irritation, you may leave it on there for about 15 minutes. The odor of mustard may help you to unclog the stuffy nose and the warmth of water can improve the blood circulation as well as ease the congestion.
• Keep repeating this process once per day or very 4 to 6 hours.

Remedy 2: Mustard powder and hot water

• Firstly, you add 3tablespoon of mustard powder in3 quart of hot water.
• Then you stir them well and soak your feet in this mixture for a few minutes till the water becomes cool.
• This process may draw blood to your feet and improve circulation that helps you to relieve congestion as well as speed up the treatment process.
• Keep applying this process twice per day

Remedy 3: Mustard seed, petroleum jelly, and water

This combination will help you to dispose of the chest congestion and many other symptoms of flu such as runny nose, cough, etc. You may try using it as one of the natural home remedies for flu.

Remedy:

You will need:

• 3 tablespoons of mustard seeds
• A little petroleum jelly
• Some drops of water

Process:

• First of all, of course, you have to soak the mustard seeds in water for 10 to 15 minutes
• Then, you strain them and remove the water
• You use a blender to blend them until they form a fine paste
• To apply this paste, you firstly put the petroleum jelly on the chest and rub it gently
• Now, you put this mustard paste on it and allow it to sit on there for about 15 to 20 minutes. This way will help you in improving your blood circulation and in easing your congestion.
• Keep repeating this process to get the better results.

13. Ginger, Honey, And Lemon

This combination is very useful for healing flu. Ginger contains antiviral, anti-inflammatory that help you in digesting properly and treating the respiratory virus effectively. Besides, honey contains antibacterial, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties which can help in healing flu and its symptoms. Besides, lemon in this process contains antiseptic property and many nutrients such as calcium, bioflavonoid, magnesium, vitamin C that also help you more in treating this condition.

Remedy:

You will need:

• A fresh ginger
• A fresh lemon
• A little raw honey
• 1 glass of hot water

Process:

• At first, you cut the lemon into slices and then pack them into a jar.
• Next, you grate ginger properly and combine it with these lemon slices
• Then fill the jar with honey and stir them well
• You allow it to sit on there for a few minutes and place it aside
• Now, you add a tablespoon of this mixture in the hot water and stir well
• You drink this water every day until you get relief from this disease completely

14. Oregano Oil

This oil contains powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties that may help you to get rid of this problem quickly.

Remedy:

You will need:

• 1 or 2 drops of oregano oil
• A glass of water

Process:

• You simply add the oregano oil in a glass of water and then stir them well
• You drink this mixture for every 2 hours to have a better improvement

Note: Pregnant women should not apply this process to fend off flu.

15. Getting Rid Of Flu With Steam

Steam is one of the effective home remedies for flu. It can help you to thin the mucus and remove it out of your system easily.

Remedy:

• You simply turn on a hot shower in the closed bathroom and then sit in it for a few minutes to inhale the steam.
• Do this process several times per day to ease congestion.
• Or you may take a large bowl and pour boiled water in it. You can put some drops of eucalyptus oil or thyme oil to the water to get the healing effects.
• Then you cover your head with a towel and breathe deeply for several minutes.
• Keep doing this process as you need

16. Ginger, Turmeric, And Lemon

This process can make you produce sweat, which helps you in preventing the infections because this sweating will help to detoxify your body and thereby reducing the flu symptoms.

Remedy:

You will need:

• 3 fresh ginger slices
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder or 1 fresh turmeric root slice
• A lemon
• 1 ½ cup of hot water
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Process:

• At first, you take a mug and put the ginger slices with turmeric in it.
• Then you fill the mug with the hot water and let it steep for 5 to 8 minutes.
• Now, you squeeze the lemon to get its juice and add the lemon juice and organic honey in this mug.
• You stir them well and consume this mixture
• Keep consuming this until you get rid of this problem completely

17. Fenugreek, Ginger, And Honey

Fenugreek is used as one of the natural home remedies for flu because it contains strong antiviral and many other medicinal properties.

Remedy 1:

• First of all, you add 1tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in½ quart of water.
• Then you boil them until the water reduces to 1/3 of its original volume.
• You strain the water and remove these seeds
• After that, you add a teaspoon of ginger juice and some drops of honey in this water.
• You should drink this water once per day for 3 or 4 days.

Remedy 2:

• You simply soak a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a cup of water and let it aside for overnight.
• In the next morning, you strain out these seeds and then warm up the liquid.
• You use this liquid to gargle in order to help you in soothing sore throat.
• Keep doing this process 1 or 2 times every day for a few days.

18. Lemon, Honey, Whiskey Tonic, And Ginger

You will need:

• 1 fresh ginger piece
• A half of lemon
• 1 cup of water
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1 ounce of whiskey
• Small pot

Process:

• First of all, you take a small pot and put it over the medium heat.
• Then you wash the fresh ginger and chop it roughly
• Next, you pour these ginger pieces in the pot.
• Now, you squeeze a half of lemon to get its juice and then put the lemon juice with honey in it
• You stir them well and let them boil for a few minutes.
• After it boils, you take it out of the heat and then strain this mixture into a bottle.
• Finally, you add the whiskey in this bottle and stir them gently.
• Keep drinking this mixture regularly to help you in clearing flu as well as seasonal respiratory problems.

19. Peppermint And Honey

Peppermint is another herb that widely used for treating flu symptoms. It contains nutrients which help your body fight the infection. It also has menthol which works as an expectorant to help your body in coughing up mucus and thereby relieving congestion as well as soothing sore throat.

Remedy:

• You firstly add a tablespoon of chopped peppermint leaves in a cup of hot water.
• Then you allow it to steep for about 10 minutes
• Next, you strain the water and then combine this water with a little honey to make it sweeter.
• You drink this tea when it is still warm and keep drinking 3 to 4 cups daily to recover this disease quickly.
• You may also include fresh peppermint leaves in soups or salads.

20. Ginger And Eucalyptus Steam Therapy

Another remedy in the list of top 24home remedies for flu is ginger and eucalyptus steam that gives you a quick relief from this condition more quickly.

Remedy:

You will need:

• 2 teaspoons of freshly chopped ginger
• 2 teaspoons of eucalyptus oil
• ½ liter of water
• A towel
• A pot

Process:

• At first, you pour water in a saucepan and then put it in the stove.
• You let boil and put freshly chopped ginger in it.
• After it boils for a few minutes, you turn off the stove and put eucalyptus oil in there.
• Then you pour this water in the large pot. You use the towel to cover your head and inhale the steam which comes out from the water.
• Keep applying this every day or before you go to bed to help you to sleep properly without any breathing problem.

21. Chicken Soup

Chicken soup is an effective remedy for flu as well as many various symptoms. Several studies concluded that chicken soup may reduce the production of inflammatory compounds which are released in response to infection related to the virus.

Besides, a hot bowl of chicken soup may help to thin mucus and keep your body hydrated. You should consume a little homemade chicken soup 2 times per day for 3 or 4 days after the flu symptoms appear. In order to boost up its effects, you may add red pepper flakes or chopped garlic in the soup while preparing it.

22. Ginger, Turmeric, And Cayenne Powder

You will need:

• ¼ teaspoon of grated ginger
• ¼ teaspoon of grated turmeric or turmeric powder
• ¼ teaspoon of cayenne powder
• 1 cup of water
• ½ to 1 teaspoon of manuka honey
• A saucepan

Process:

• First of all, you pour water in a saucepan and put it on the heat.
• Then you put all these ingredients in this pan and stir them well.
• You allow it to simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes and strain the water.
• Now, you inhale the steam from the water and keep doing this process regularly to heal this problem more quickly and effectively.

23. Orange Juice

Deficiency of water during flu can lead to dehydration; therefore, you need to drink enough fluids. Drinking 8 to 10 cups of water every day may keep your body hydrated as well as thin mucus secretions. To get the best results, you should drink orange juice for a few times per day.

Orange juice is high in vitamin C which can boost the immune system and increase the production of white blood cells in order to fight infection as well as keep viruses at bay. You should choose fresh orange juice to have the better effect than packaged versions.

24. Ginger Tea For Treating Flu

Ginger tea is the most popular form of using ginger for healing many health problems including flu. It helps you to improve blood circulation and thereby boosting up the immune system. However, making this homemade tea is more effective than purchasing them at stores. Here are some natural home remedies for flu with ginger tea for people who are interested in making tea at home that you can follow.

Remedy 1: Ginger, water, and honey or lemon

You will need:

• 1 piece of ginger
• 1 ½ cup of water
• Lemon juice or honey
• Strainer
• Saucepan

Process:

• First of all, you pour the water in the saucepan and put it on the flame with medium heat.
• Next, you wash the ginger piece and then cut it into many slices
• Now you add these ginger slices to that boiling water and stir them well
• You allow it to boil for a few minutes and take it out of the heat.
• You let it steep for about 5 to 10 minutes and use the strainer to strain the tea.
• You may add a little lemon juice or honey depending on your taste
• Keep drinking this tea regularly until you get rid of this disease completely.

Remedy 2: Ginger, lemon, honey, and rum

You will need:

• ¼ cup of freshly grated ginger root
• 4 cups of water
• 2 lemons
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• A little rum (optional)
• A saucepan or tea pan
• A strainer

Process:

• First of all, of sources, you have to pour water in the pan
• Next, you slice the ginger finely and then put these ginger slices in the water.
• You put the pan on flame with the medium heat and wait for a few minutes until it boils.
• Then you turn off the flame and allow the water t o steep for 10 to 15 minutes
• You use the strainer to strain the tea and put it in a big mug.
• Now, you squeeze half a lemon to get its juice and add this juice with honey in it.
• You stir them well and drink this as you need
• Keep applying this tea for 4 times per day can help you to cure the respiratory flu as well as clear the stomach flu.

Remedy 3: Ground ginger, milk, tea bag, and honey

You will need:

• ¾ teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1 cup of water
• ¾ cup of milk
• 2 or 3 tea bags
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• A small saucepan

Process:

• At first, you pour water in the saucepan and place it on the flame at medium heat.
• You let it boil for a few minutes and then add the ground ginger with honey in it.
• You stir them well and allow it to simmer for several minutes.
• After that, you turn off the flame and remove the saucepan.
• Next, you dip the tea bags in this hot liquid and heat it again
• You allow it to steep for about 5 to 7 minutes and remove the tea bags.
• Finally, you add the milk in this ginger tea and consume it to get relief from flu and its symptoms completely.

Remedy 4: Ginger, Cinnamon, honey, and lemon

You will need:

• ½ cup of fresh sliced ginger
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 6 cups of water
• 2 tablespoons of honey or brown sugar
• A saucepan

Process:

• Firstly, you put ginger, cinnamon, and water in the saucepan
• Then you place this pan on the flame with medium heat for more than 20 minutes.
• Next, you combine it with honey or brown sugar and stir them well.
• Now, you use a sieve to strain the tea and drink it
• You should drink this tea regularly to eliminate this problem quickly.

If you want to know more about natural, at home remedies for other diseases and conditions go to our main Home Remedies page. After reading the article of top 24 natural home remedies for flu in adults & children, hope that it can help you find out the best solution to get rid of flu symptoms quickly and easily. If you have any question, or you know other natural home remedies for flu, please leave them below.