Global Remedies for Cold and Flu

Global Remedies for Cold and Flu

One common thread for the treatment for colds and flu is to ensure that it does not spread. Isolation, hydration, and a lot of rest seem to have always been the answer to treat cold, and common flu. Too much phlegm caused the cough—this was the belief—and the treatment and remedies focused on removing the phlegm. Some of the old-timey remedies for colds and flu that are effective even today are:

1. Hot shower
Take a hot shower – use a shower cap so that you don’t wet your hair. Or run a warm bath ensuring that your hair and scalp remains dry.

2. Extra pillow
Lie down with your head raised with an additional pillow. This will relieve congestion and also reduce coughing.

3. Honey
Honey has been an old-timey remedy for colds and flu. You can mix it with warm water or add it to any herbal tea. It is important to remember that young infants and children under the age of one should not be given honey.

4. Ginger
This root has been used by cultures across the globe as a remedy for many stomach related ailments and mainly for cough and flu. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties and relieves pain caused by the flu. People who have acidity can avoid ginger as it could cause heartburn.

5. Herbal tea
Sipping herbal tea not only relieves sore throat but can also help build immunity. Some herbal teas that are beneficial for colds and flu are:

  • Green, black, and white teas
  • Ginger tea
  • Lemon verbena
  • Peppermint tea
  • Elderberry tea
  • Hibiscus tea
  • Licorice root tea

6. Tallow poultice
An old-timey remedy for colds and flu, tallow was mixed with herbs like mint and mustard and wrapped in a cloth. It was warmed and placed on the chest to loosen the mucus and relieve congestion.

7. Concentrated red wine
Red wine which is distilled multiple times, and gets concentrated has been recommended in journals from Italy.

8. Vegetables
Journals and medical books recommended increasing mustard and horseradish in the diet, along with artichokes and licorice.

9. Onions
Raw onions were commended for those who were sneezing and coughing. For those who couldn’t eat it raw, slices of onion were added to milk to drink.

10. Rubs
Rubs made of goose grease, eucalyptus oil, and camphor were used to be rubbed in the chest.

11. Essential oils
Essential oils were a big part of ancient medicine and continue to be used to treat flu and cold. These oils contained chemicals and antibacterial and other properties that help bring relief from cough and cold.

  • Eucalyptus: One of the old-timey remedies for colds and flu, this is used as a rub ideal for children and is also mixed with warm water for inhalation.
  • Cinnamon: You can inhale hot water with a few drops of cinnamon oil. This prevents bacteria from multiplying.
  • Rosemary: Used in treating many respiratory diseases, rosemary oil can be mixed with other oils and applied to the skin to provide relief.
  • Peppermint: This contains menthol and is used to inhale to clear the sinuses.

Other essential oils like nutmeg, thyme, and cypress also are used to provide relief from cold and flu symptoms.