Home remedies, for the flu. This is not medical advice.

Caution, this is not medical advice, just anecdotal evidence, and worth trying before you head off to the doctor for antibiotics due to complications. If it gets worse and you cough up colored phlegm for more than 24 hours, or have compromised lungs, head for the doc, pronto.

Title: Kick the flu in the trasero, before it gets a good hold on yours.

We're having quite the flu season here, and of course, I got it. Rather than let things get out of hand, I used practically every natural remedy known to give it a good boot in the rear.

Here's the list:

1. Pour a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide into each ear, one at a time. leave it until all the foaming stops, then do the other ear.

2. Take antihistamines such as Chlor Trimeton at the first sign of trouble.

3. Hot toddies: this stuff is great medicine, works really well, and even if it doesn't quite do the trick after a couple of these you won't even care about having the flu.

Minimum 2 ounces, 3 might be better of Dark rum, Scotch or Rye whiskey
Juice of half a lemon
Raw (unpasteurized honey) a big spoonful
Hot boiled water

4. Still not felling good, well it's time to bring out the big guns. Essential oils. There's a lot of controversy about this, however I have seen this stuff work under a phase contrast microscope, (one can view live organisms using these) they do work, especially tea tree oil which was used as an antibiotic in Australia prior to the development of commercial antibiotics. Kills everything within seconds, and I mean everything.
I made up a mixture of 10 drops of tea tree oil, 10 drops of lemon oil and 10 drops of eucalyptus oil ( an ingredient in Vicks). Chuck this into a pot of boiling water and inhale, preferably under a towel. The oils will vaporize into the air and start wreaking havoc with the flu bug and any other opportunistic nasties which might seize upon your weakened state and make things a whole lot worse.

These are available at health food stores and here one of the pharmacies carries tea tree oil.

O.K. this has so far done the job for me, however if you're really still under the weather rub some Vicks on your chest, wrap up in a towel and robe and hit the sack to sweat it out.

Don't forget vitamins C and D3.
Tylenol to reduce fever and get rid of aches and pains.

Good Luck Amigos.

P.S. Smokers, don't start up here all you anti-smoking fanatics. For those of us who do smoke, immediately switch to menthol cigarettes till all sign of sniffles cough and sore throat is gone. Menthol is one of the ingredients used in cough drops.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menthol

Disclaimer: This should in no way be construed as a substitute for medical advice, it's anecdotal only, so if things really do turn ugly see your doctor.


If anyone else has more flu remedies, such as the mustard plaster mentioned by Gringal, speak up please.

We could also continue this as a handy reference for home remedies which have worked for others in the past. Maybe an actual doctor can add some stuff in like Dr. Mike. He mentioned vitamin D3, and doesn't like vaccines, that makes him O.K. in my book.

Raq, did you receive pm's from Gringal and Dr. Mike? Can't seem to find their info posted anywhere.

Would also really like to know which Farmacia sells the Tea Tree Oil...it's also great for toe nail fungus.

Appreciate the tips and hope you're feeling better soon!!!

ferret wrote:Raq, did you receive pm's from Gringal and Dr. Mike? Can't seem to find their info posted anywhere.

Would also really like to know which Farmacia sells the Tea Tree Oil...it's also great for toe nail fungus.

Appreciate the tips and hope you're feeling better soon!!!

The posts were on the flu warning thread Ferret. Tea tree is usually available at Farmacia Christina, but if not the homeopathic shop on the carretera next to James Don has it, and all the other essential oils. Ditto for the place next to Telmex. Always an adventure.

Tea tree is the absolute best for fungus, and there is to my knowledge no opportunity for the fungus to develop immunity. It also works on bacteria, protozoa, and there's a good chance that it may work on viruses as well since they have been detected inside of protozoa under an electron microscope, which I did not work with, just phase contrast.

I am almost completely over this after vaporizing with essential oils, oh yeah, I also smoked a couple of packs of menthol ciggies. Wink wink.

I'd really like to continue this thread after finding some great home remedies over the years.

Cheers, just had my second and last toddy for the day.

Hopefully some open minded docs can chime in as well.

No wonder I couldn't find it...it's not in the medical section. :)

O.K. now for the results. The flu is gonzo. It only lasted from late saturday until tuesday night. Those hot toddies did make it bearable, if not downright pleasant at times. ;-)

Hasta Luego flu.

raqueteer wrote:Caution, this is not medical advice, just anecdotal evidence, and worth trying before you head off to the doctor for antibiotics due to complications. If it gets worse and you cough up colored phlegm for more than 24 hours, or have compromised lungs, head for the doc, pronto.

Title: Kick the flu in the trasero, before it gets a good hold on yours.

We're having quite the flu season here, and of course, I got it. Rather than let things get out of hand, I used practically every natural remedy known to give it a good boot in the rear.

Here's the list:

1. Pour a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide into each ear, one at a time. leave it until all the foaming stops, then do the other ear.

2. Take antihistamines such as Chlor Trimeton at the first sign of trouble.

3. Hot toddies: this stuff is great medicine, works really well, and even if it doesn't quite do the trick after a couple of these you won't even care about having the flu.

Minimum 2 ounces, 3 might be better of Dark rum, Scotch or Rye whiskey
Juice of half a lemon
Raw (unpasteurized honey) a big spoonful
Hot boiled water

4. Still not felling good, well it's time to bring out the big guns. Essential oils. There's a lot of controversy about this, however I have seen this stuff work under a phase contrast microscope, (one can view live organisms using these) they do work, especially tea tree oil which was used as an antibiotic in Australia prior to the development of commercial antibiotics. Kills everything within seconds, and I mean everything.
I made up a mixture of 10 drops of tea tree oil, 10 drops of lemon oil and 10 drops of eucalyptus oil ( an ingredient in Vicks). Chuck this into a pot of boiling water and inhale, preferably under a towel. The oils will vaporize into the air and start wreaking havoc with the flu bug and any other opportunistic nasties which might seize upon your weakened state and make things a whole lot worse.

These are available at health food stores and here one of the pharmacies carries tea tree oil.

O.K. this has so far done the job for me, however if you're really still under the weather rub some Vicks on your chest, wrap up in a towel and robe and hit the sack to sweat it out.

Don't forget vitamins C and D3.
Tylenol to reduce fever and get rid of aches and pains.

Good Luck Amigos.

P.S. Smokers, don't start up here all you anti-smoking fanatics. For those of us who do smoke, immediately switch to menthol cigarettes till all sign of sniffles cough and sore throat is gone. Menthol is one of the ingredients used in cough drops.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menthol

Disclaimer: This should in no way be construed as a substitute for medical advice, it's anecdotal only, so if things really do turn ugly see your doctor.


If anyone else has more flu remedies, such as the mustard plaster mentioned by Gringal, speak up please.

We could also continue this as a handy reference for home remedies which have worked for others in the past. Maybe an actual doctor can add some stuff in like Dr. Mike. He mentioned vitamin D3, and doesn't like vaccines, that makes him O.K. in my book.

WoW, that's some wild advice.

I do agree w/the essential oils. In fact, found out about a lot of benefits to peppermint oil last week after making candy canes. Peppermint clears sinus,' can take away nausea, kills bacterias and virus. http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/natural-essential-oils/health-benefits-of-peppermint-oil.html

I'm looking at the salt water gargle this evening as my immune system obviously faced a compromise eating all those sugary treats since Thanksgiving and walking around the mall w/all those sneezing people. Unfortunately, even though I took the garlic 5 nights w/in the last week, I've come down with a burning soar throat this afternoon. I've already had a cup of ginger root tea, licorice tea, & gargled w/warm water & sea salt. I took a little Bragg's apple cider vinegar w/honey & water, and I'll be taking 3 cloves of garlic before bed. I do NOT want to be sick & will be putting these home remedies into motion. If anything, it'll cut the down time in 1/2.

Sore throat soother, gargle with warm salt water, it kills bacteria on the throat as well.
Clear stuffy nose w/salt water or sea spray.

Licorice Tea is also beneficial: http://www.livestrong.com/article/113308-benefits-liquorice-tea/
you can buy dried licorice sticks at the health food store, chop them, place 1/2-1 tsp in a cup of boiling water.
http://www.herbsarespecial.com.au/free-herb-information/licorice.html
licorice tea will get sweet in your mouth, it's pretty neat.

Ginger root tea:
Peel fresh ginger, chop 1 TBS per cup or more. Great for digestion & takes the bloat away.
http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/10-health-benefits-of-ginger.html

I'm definitely into simple/economical home remedies. These are a few of mine that we regularly use in my home:

Home Remedies:

3 cloves crushed *garlic(a natural antibiotic) prepare a nice hot cup of tea and or 1 glass of water with lemon juice. 1 drop of olive oil on a spoon, place crushed garlic on the spoon. Swallow, DO NOT CHEW or SWISH, swallow the garlic like a pill. Drink one or both the water & hot tea. Garlic has different levels of spiciness, some can make you nauseous. Hot tea will take the nausea away so drink more if this happens. In the case of nausea, next time it'd be better to only crush one clove of garlic. The smaller cloves are typically spicier. We take it at night when going to bed, brush teeth like crazy. Seriously, in the morning our breath doesn't stink. After morning coffee, even less. Garlic boosts the immune system and fights off all kinds of infections.

Grapefruit Seed Extract(GSE): we use Nutri Biotic and buy it at the health food store. This stuff is great too...even for tummy bugs/food poisoning etc. I've read that it works even better w/close contact to infected area. The stuff is nasty, bitter tasting. 15-25 drops in a 8 oz glass of water, four times a day if you have to. It's so nasty that we buy empty gel caps to put the drops in. We have potentially a lot of food poisoning & tummy bugs in our area and this gets rid of those fast! It's excellent for sinus and sore throat problems too. But in that case it would be better to man up, hold your breath and guzzle fast! Have a tablespoon of local honey and another glass of juice to help get rid of that horrid bitter taste. (btw, although not natural, a dose a day of pepto bismol while traveling will prevent tummy problems)

Apple Cider Vinegar with the mother-Braggs is the best but I've heard Trader Joe's is now carrying a brand. 2 TBS of Apple Cider Vinegar w/1 TBS raw/local honey in 8 oz of purified room temp water. You have to drink it in a min. Man up!!! That's also great for colds, kidneys, gallbladder, nausea & tummy bugs, geez the whole body. It cleanses. Apple Cider Vinegar has a reputation for being the wonder drug. Although it cures nausea, it can also give nausea if you're not able to take the 2 TBS. if nausea happens, you'll still reap all the benefits but next time, try 1 tsp.

Get plenty of natural unsweetened yogurt(probiotics). Antibiotics, that you get from the doctor, kill not only your bad bacteria but the good ones. That's why it's important to get your good bacteria going with yogurt.

Even when you're sick, you can eat honey. God made honey! Honey is amazing God food! Honey is great for coughs & sore throats and it helps your body heal! Great stuff, we buy local raw honey by the 5 gallon buckets. So far have gotten 4 buckets this year!!! We like it! Local honey is like an allergy vaccine. 1-2 TBS of local honey a day, say bye, bye allergies! Our guys put it in their tea, fresh bread, cereal, and our daily smoothy treat.(smoothy is natural yogurt, honey & fresh berries) Totally beware that a lot of honey is sold mixed with corn syrup!!!! Even the stands on the other side of the hill here locally, add corn syrup! It crystalizes. We've been getting our honey directly from a bee keeper.

"in addition to its reputation as Nature's nutritive sweetener, research also indicates that honey's unique composition makes it useful as an antimicrobial agent and antioxidant.
Raw Honey - An Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Viral, Anti-Fungal Substance"
check out WHFoods for more great info on raw honey: raw honey benefits

I've become a bit of a health nut but we don't seem to get sick around here. And if we feel it coming on, we'll be taking one or all three above. *If you take the garlic at onset of a cold, you will most likely not get one. It'll cut a 10 day cold into 3-5 days. Cool stuff! :))

((It's very cheap and natural health care. The garlic and GSE may interfere with heart meds.))

after putting the home remedies to the test, reporting:

Woke this a.m. with sore throat less than 1/2 the pain this a.m. & after another salt water gargle minimal. Feeling as if I had a cold but it's over now and will not come down with the flu. Truth is, you really need 3 cloves of minced/crushed garlic to kill it in it's tracks = 1 TBLS and it's worth it. Who wants to be sick with 10 days of snot & hacking? Not I.

Unfortunately, if you're using other meds, you need to google and see if garlic can interfere with their effectiveness.

Garlic, licorice & ginger all lower blood pressure & are natural blood thinners.

Some nice home remedies there MyHomeSweetHome. Thanks for keeping the thread going.

Follow up report: The flu and all evidence of impending bronchitis was completely gone after three days. I credit the essential oils with this, as they have worked similar miraculous results before.

On the 23rd, I started with the sneezing and the runnnnny nose. I snorted tea tree oil a couple of times a day...gone by the 25th...the cold I mean, not the tea tree oil.

ferret wrote:On the 23rd, I started with the sneezing and the runnnnny nose. I snorted tea tree oil a couple of times a day...gone by the 25th...the cold I mean, not the tea tree oil.

Perfect, another testimonial for essential oils. I was certainly convinced after watching tea tree do its job under a phase contrast.
Last winter our Aussie family members were here for a month (yikes), anyhow we took them over to Mexico City for a shortish visit to see the lights etc. Prior to leaving I made up little puff balls (cotton balls) soaked in a mixture of cinnamon, tea tree and oregano oils for sniffing during the trip.

Results: No illnesses at all during the four day trip and the one who gets car sick didn't.

I'm still good & even better...the garlic killed it. Gotta take a TBL minced. Probably not as nice smelling as tree oil??? Never heard of it.

MyHomeSweetHome wrote:I'm still good & even better...the garlic killed it. Gotta take a TBL minced. Probably not as nice smelling as tree oil??? Never heard of it.

Tea tree oil actually smells pretty bad. It is an Australian oil, from the plant Melaleuca Alternifolia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melaleuca_alternifolia

In adequate doses, it is also considered to be antiviral and antiprotozoal. In other words, it would kill amoebae, and other protozoal species as well as viruses.

It's available at most health food stores here, and sometimes Farmacia Christina also has it in larger bottles.

It's a super thing to have in your first aid box, as a first line of defense against infection. Be sure and buy 100% because a lot of companies dilute it with cheaper oils. Thursday Plantation is a good brand.

http://www.thursdayplantation.com/

By the way you can make your own personal care and household cleaning products using this oil. What you will need if making a water and oil product is an emulsifier, (example mayonnaise is an emulsion) such as lecithin.