Medical expert of the article
New publications
Home remedies for flu: which ones to choose?
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Do you feel like running to the nearest drugstore every time you get the flu? There are great home remedies for flu that can help you manage your condition and reduce the discomfort of it. Which of these home remedies are the most effective and powerful?
[ 1 ]
Inhalations against flu
Inhaling steam over a pot of boiled jacket potatoes sprinkled with baking soda, taking a hot shower, or even inhaling steam over a pot of boiling water will help loosen up any mucus in your throat and lungs. You can also add 3 to 4 drops of essential oils, such as eucalyptus, for instant relief from a dry throat and cough. Even a sauna can help!
Sea gargles for flu
Sea gargles are very good at fighting bacteria. This significantly eases the patient's condition with flu. You can dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in half a glass of warm water and use it to gargle. This is probably one of the most common home remedies for fighting flu. Gargling is very effective in relieving pain or sore throat.
You need to increase the amount of liquid you consume
Water, juices, clear chicken broth, and lemon water with honey can help reduce mucus, preventing you from becoming dehydrated. Warm fluids, taken in the right amounts (up to 1.5 liters), help reduce caffeine and alcohol intake, as they can worsen dehydration.
Tea with thyme
Thyme is a wonderful remedy for the flu. Put two tablespoons of fresh thyme in a small cup of boiling water. Bring it to a boil for about four minutes, cool slightly. Then drink the mixture while it is still hot. This is a wonderful and very effective flu tea with thyme. It is a powerful remedy that helps to relax the lungs and promotes the removal of phlegm.
Nasal saline sprays for flu
Nasal sprays (rinses) with salt can help combat dry nasal passages. They help to unclog the nostrils from mucus. However, perhaps the best role of nasal rinses is that they are good at dealing with irritation in the nostrils usually associated with chemical decongestant nasal drops.
Chicken Soup Against Flu
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic believe that chicken soup helps relieve symptoms of the flu and cold. Surprising, right? It speeds up the movement of mucus and is a great anti-inflammatory to reduce flu symptoms. If a person is a vegetarian or vegan, he or she can try any other hot soup instead of chicken soup. The trick here is that the soup, while it is hot, helps to unload the body.
Boost your immune system
Strengthen your immune system by taking vitamin C supplements. Drinking orange juice or eating lemons, or drinking rosehip tea is enough. A strong immune system can fight colds, flu, and other common illnesses. Getting enough sleep and rest can also help ease cold and flu symptoms.
If the natural remedies mentioned above do not help, you can consult a doctor and choose the appropriate medications. Over-the-counter decongestants and painkillers offer symptomatic relief. However, they will not prevent the flu or shorten its duration. It should be noted that antibiotics are useless in this case - they kill bacteria and provide little help against viruses.
And don't forget that along with the home remedies for flu that were mentioned above, don't forget to give your body enough rest and sleep and you will feel much better in the near future.