Flu Season Remedies

It seems that every year that nasty bug called flu starts circulating as the cold weather descends upon us.  And each year it seems that the flu bug changes and mutates, becoming a dreaded disease each winter.  

I was flipping through a cookbook given to me as a birthday present by a dear friend.  She had purchased it at our local Mennonite store.  It is full of all kinds of interesting things you can make, like canned cream.  (I have never heard of canning cream!), Oatmeal Pone, making your own evaporated milk, how to make your own ketchup, homemade baking powder, and more!  If there is anything you buy in a store, it seems this cookbook has a recipe on how to make it at home! 

Well, with this nasty flu season spreading itself all around the country, I thought I’d go to the section on home remedies, and see what these industrious ladies suggested to fight off the flu.  I wasn’t disappointed!   

I thought I would share some of their flu-buster recipes.  I haven’t personally tried these flu remedies, because thankfully no one in our household has come down with that nasty flu bug, but if we were to, I know I’d be willing to try one of these trusted remedies instead of spending days feeling miserable!  

Flu Buster

1 cup horseradish

1 cup onion

1 cup garlic

1 cup ginger root

1 cup cayenne pepper

Grind these five ingredients with a hand meat grinder or food processor.  Place in a glass gallon jug, and fill the jug with unpasteurized apple cider vinegar.  Let set in a cool dark place for three weeks, stirring daily.  Now strain and put in glass jars.  Will keep indefinitely.  Use 1 tablespoon daily to maintain health.  If not feeling well, use up to one tablespoon hourly.  Very effective.

If you have a sore throat, gargle before swallowing. 

A few others remedies for the flu were mentioned in this cookbook that I would also like to share:

Colds, Flu & Fever

Stop all foods, give fruit juices or herbal teas.  No dairy foods of any kind, milk or eggs, as this is very mucus forming.  If having fever, keep hydrated with warm baths, rub all over with olive oil, and give Pedialyte water. 

Anna’s Congestion Remedy

1 tbsp chopped onion

1 tbsp lard

2 Tbsp cornmeal

Fry onion and lard together lightly.  Thicken with oatmeal.  Place in a handkerchief.  Fold so there are several layers on either side.  Place on chest.  This works great to open up noses that get stuffy while sleeping at night. 

Flu Relief

1 cup fresh elderberries (or ½ cup dried)

1” piece fresh gingerroot

3 cups water

1/8 tsp cloves

¼ tsp cinnamon

Mash and simmer all for half an hour.  Strain.  Add 1 cup honey.  Refrigerate.  Good for three months.  For flu prevention, take two to three Tbsp daily.  If flu has already started, increase dosages. 

Sure Fire Cold Remedy

3 cups water

3 Tbsp honey

2 cloves garlic

Put all ingredients in a pan.  Boil until you have only ½ cup water left.  Add a few drops of fresh squeezed lemon.  Drink just before going to bed. 

Stomach Flu Cure

1 tsp honey

1 tsp vinegar

1 cup warm water  

Mix together and sip slowly.  Works every time. 

I hope that the nasty flu bug stays away from your house this year! But if it does find its way to you, perhaps you could try one of these recipes to lessen the effects of that nasty bug.

If you are interested in this cookbook, here is the information on which you could purchase this book.  It is called "Healthy Choices" and you can call 1-800-852-4482 to find more information on how to purchase this book.  I highly recommend it!