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Treatment of influenza with folk methods
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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Treating flu with folk remedies can replace even strong antiviral drugs, especially if it is a mild or moderate flu. If a person spends at least a week in bed, drinks a lot of warm infusions and teas, and combines these measures with folk remedies, a trip to the pharmacy may not be necessary at all. Moreover, there are no more environmentally friendly remedies than food and herbs.
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Garlic in the treatment of flu
Garlic contains allicin, a special compound that has antiviral properties. This was proven in a recent scientific study. This small study suggests that garlic may help prevent colds and flu, albeit in a mild form. In addition, garlic contains zinc, and this element, it turns out. Great for helping the immune system cope with viruses.
Read also: 5 Reasons to Take Zinc When You Have a Cold
Fresh raw garlic is the most powerful folk remedy against the flu. Garlic can not only be eaten - it is advisable to inhale it, crushing it so that the garlic releases juice. Garlic essential oils will help you in the fight against viruses. However, garlic supplements can increase the risk of bleeding, so people taking garlic to thin the blood should first ask their doctor's permission.
Onions in the treatment of flu with folk remedies
Onions have almost no competition in preventing flu and colds. And even when a person gets the flu. Doctors advise him to fight viruses... with onions. Previously, it was called the golden apple and onions were considered as expensive as gold. It is truly priceless - at least in terms of vitamin C, which helps the human immune system.
In order for onions to help against flu, like garlic, they can not only be eaten, but also inhaled. To do this, it is advisable to grate the onion on a fine grater so that it distributes many useful phytoncides well. By inhaling onions several times - sometimes with the nose, sometimes with the mouth - a person makes a huge contribution to their treatment of flu with folk methods. This is all the more good because the virus is primarily concentrated in the respiratory tract, on the mucous membranes, so inhalations can drive it out of there.
Echinacea as a folk remedy for fighting flu
Recent studies have shown that echinacea can be used effectively as a folk remedy for colds and flu. However, there are different opinions among doctors regarding the strength of different parts of echinacea against flu. One recent study showed that it is more effective to use not the root of this plant, but its stem, leaves and flowers.
But don't take echinacea teas or infusions for more than eight weeks - research shows that using it over a long period of time can damage your immune system. People who are allergic to ragweed shouldn't take echinacea at all.
An infusion of purple echinacea against flu is made as follows. You need to pour 1 tablespoon of dried raw material with 1 liter of water and leave it for up to two weeks in a dark place. The jar with echinacea needs to be shaken periodically. Then the infusion needs to be filtered and taken 30 drops three times a day half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 10 days. Then you need to take a break for 10 days and take the course of treatment again. The infusion fights not only against flu, but also treats the reproductive system, strengthens the immune system.
[ Elderberry against flu
Elderberry is also a folk remedy that is very effective against flu. Some studies show that elderberry extract can help reduce flu symptoms if taken within the first 1-2 days after flu symptoms appear.
True, some people may experience side effects from taking elderberry extract for the first five days. It is important to know that for treating flu, elderberry flowers and berries should be consumed, and other parts of the plant should be avoided, as they can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Inhalations with elderberry are also good.
To get a wonderful immune preparation, you need to mix sugar and elderberries in a one-to-one ratio. You need to eat this remedy for flu prevention and in the first days of the disease, a tablespoon 30 minutes before each meal or eat it as jam with tea.
There is another good recipe for elderberry decoction for inhalation. You need to mix 3 tablespoons of elderberries, 2 tablespoons of its flowers and pour 1 liter of water over them. Boil over low heat for 2-3 minutes. Then put the dish with this decoction, cover yourself with a blanket on top and inhale the elderberry vapors for as long as you can stand it. This will instantly clear your airways. The main thing after this is to avoid getting into the cold.
Ginger tea against flu
Ginger is an incredibly powerful remedy for flu. There is a wonderful recipe for ginger tea, which can significantly reduce the duration of your illness. You need to grate a teaspoon of ginger root and pour a glass of boiling water over it. You need to drink this ginger as hot as possible, like tea - and the symptoms of the flu will disappear. Ginger is very effective in destroying viruses. Just keep in mind that such tea can be drunk no more than twice a day, and people with gastrointestinal diseases should avoid it altogether, because it is quite sharp in taste and its effect.
In general, when you have the flu, try to drink more warm infusions and still water. This will relieve the intoxication of the body, which is inevitable with the flu.
Folk remedies for flu are a whole planet, and you will do very well if you use these remedies at the early stage of flu treatment.