Being sick is no fun, and I for sure don't want my kids or me to suffer any longer than necessary when they get sick.
But since I had way too many antibiotics in my childhood, and it caused many issues for me including gut health problems, I am all about finding natural flu remedies and cold remedies so we can avoid the prescription drugs and OTC meds.
Over the years I've found that it's a good idea to try different remedies and see what works for you and your family. Plus, there might be some that just aren't palatable for you or your kiddos, so you'll need to be armed with other options to.
Benefits of Homemade Natural Remedies
Making your own natural remedies is very satisfying. First of all, you have total control over the ingredients so you can keep everything natural and avoid ingredients that you might have an allergy or intolerance too.
It also saves money since not only are the DIY versions less expensive than the store bought, but you can use so many of these ingredients for different applications, so you'll find yourself shopping less.
Cold and Flu Remedies
Here are the natural cold remedies and flu remedies including some very yummy ones. I'm sure you'll find several that you are eager to try.
Most have low carb options so they can be incorporated into a low carb / keto lifestyle.
1. Elderberry Jam – Spread this Immune Boosting Jam on your favorite gluten-free bread or put a dollop on hot cereal or eat off of a spoon.
2. Coconut Orange Smoothie. According to Green Thickies, this will help you avoid getting sick, plus can reduce the duration should you succumb. This does not have a low carb alternative.
3. This DIY Antibacterial / Antiviral Essential Oils Blend has many applications but one of my favorite is to fight off an illness.
4. Elderberry Syrup from my site. We use this every time we get a “bug” and it really seems to help.
5. Echinacea Tincture . I have been meaning to make tinctures for a long time now – this would be a great one to get started on at this time of year.
6. Immune Boosting Tea If you are feeling under the weather, make a cup o' this tea. Or two.
7. Flu Fighting Gummy Bears. Wouldn't your kiddos love the comfort of gummies? And you'll love knowing that they're good for them! Use a low carb sweetener if needed.
8. Herbal Steam. You can use this sinus steam to prevent or treat illness.
9. Homemade Cough and Cold Syrup. I would much rather use this natural syrup from Primally Inspired than the store bought varieties. Loaded with healthful goodness. Again, use a low carb sweetener if desired.
10. Cold and Flu Zapper. Zap away your cold and flu bugs with this concoction from Life Made Full.
11. Elderberry Popsicles These would be perfect for when your kiddo just doesn't want anything to eat because of a bug. Popsicles are typically something that little ones can stomach so this would be a great recipe to have when a tummy bug hits.
Low carb sweeteners would work with these as well.
12. Cheapest and Easiest Natural Ear Infection Remedy. This has created quite a stir since I first posted it–believe me, it works! If your kids end up with an ear infection, this is a must read.
13. Homemade Chest Rub – We've used this for years in our home and love that it's all natural without any of the chemical additives.
14. Sore Throat Remedy – This remedy is loaded with soothing and nourishing ingredients – sure to help chase the ickies away.
15. DIY Saline Spray. This has gotten me and those in my family over many a sinus infection / respiratory bug. The added “tips” are helpful to boost its effectiveness.
16. Homemade Decongestant. One look at the ingredients and I can feel my sinuses opening already.
17. Thymus Thumping – Now THIS is interesting. Have you ever heard of this for beating a bug?
18. Homemade Cough Drops. I think I would have to hide these from my kids for sure, but I bet they work great! When I have a cough at night I prefer to suck on a sugar free version so I would try to make these with a low carb sweetener to keep my teeth from feeling icky – and to keep candida away.
I hope that these help you get through any flu and cold bugs that come into your home and make the ride a bit smoother.
What's your favorite natural remedy for colds and flus?
Sheila says
Love the recipes. Have tried three of them and some are quite potent! While others, i have a good mind to use as salad dressing:) Thanks for sharing. Read your write up on your quest for the best essential oil as i was on my own search too. Very informative – cleared away quite a number of questions for me. Thank you for doing all the leg work.
Adrienne says
Thanks and you are so welcome!
Sheila says
Adrienne, i read your article on Neal’s Yard Frankincense cream. Amazing result base on pic. Do you have any thoughts or experience with their Frankincense Intense Cream? Especially for combination skin prone to congestion.
Adrienne says
Hi Sheila,
Yes, I have used the cream and the eye cream and the hydrating cream and concentrate. They are great products. As for congestion, do you mean acne? If so, I could add the Mahonia Gel to that and apply it under the Frankincense Intense Cream. Feel free to respond here and I will drop you an email as well.
Vicky says
This is an awesome post! I try to stay away from antibiotics whenever possible. I’m saving this and pinning it 🙂
Adrienne says
Thanks!! I agree we need to do that whenever possible!
gretchen | kumquat says
awesome round-up! this one has been pinned, though i’m hoping not to have to use it. 😉
Adrienne says
Thanks, Gretchen! Nice to “meet” you!
Ali the Skinny GF Chef says
Wonderful info! I’m fighting a bad cold and really needed this right now. Thanks Adrienne! Pinned!
Adrienne says
Thanks Ali! Much appreciated!! Sorry again for the delay- I found all these comments in spam.
Kelly says
We will definitely have to try these! Thank you for sharing!
Heidi Fowler says
Wow! Great ideas. Pinning for my next middle of the night emergency!
Melissa says
I have been trying to find remedies that are low cost. We do baby spoons local honey mixed with lots of cinnamon for each family member when one member seems to be getting sick.. It does seem to help. We also give Vitamin C (inexpensive if you buy powder) and Vitamin D to the family in the winter.
For stomach flu we bought some grapefruit seed extract drops. It seems to keep it at bay.
Adrienne says
Love the honey idea. I have heard mixed things about toxins in GSE so I haven’t been using it much recently. Thanks!
Shanti @ Life Made Full says
Thanks for including my Cold & Flu Zapper! Pinning now!
Adrienne says
You are so welcome. So sorry for just getting to this – your comment ended up in spam.
AJ @ NutriFitMama says
Thanks SO much for posting this. I couldn’t have read this at a more perfect time- two of my kids (and myself..) are starting to get sick. Definitely going to try some of these recipes out!
Adrienne says
You are so welcome!
Trisha @ Intoxicatedonlife.com says
What a fantastic round-up of posts Adrienne! And just in time for the cold and flu season. I’m pinning this one so I don’t lose track of it. We’ll cross our fingers that we don’t need it though 😉
Adrienne says
Thanks so much, Trisha!
Melissa says
I have a low white blood cell count and my chiropractor recommended that I thump my chest to stimulate my thymus. He was never specific about which spot to thump. This motivates me to try it again.
Adrienne says
I know – fascinating! I would love to hear if it helps you!