Nine MAHA Cold Remedies You Need This Flu Season

The weather has turned chilly, kids across the nation are back in school, and the annual cough is ready to make the rounds through every unsuspecting household. If you’re like me, that means it’s also time to restock the medicine cabinet and load up on remedies to avoid the worst of this year’s illnesses. And when it comes to health and wellness, I’ve joined many Americans’ skepticism of traditional pharmaceuticals; look no further than the once-ubiquitous nasal decongestant phenylephrine that is no better than placebo. Instead, I’m stocking up on these nine natural remedies to naturally boost my immune system and fight off the newest cold and flu strains.

Oil of oregano. Any time I feel a cold coming on, I swig this potent extract back with my nose plugged and with a cup of water ready to rinse away the flavor. Frankly, it’s horrendous. But it’s also an immune-system boosting powerhouse. Oregano is packed with antioxidants and has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Oil of oregano sold for consumption is not an essential oil but an extract typically preserved in olive oil. Just a few drops diluted in water pack a punch, but it’s also sold in capsules for a less potent flavor. However, as with any supplementation or herbal treatment, it’s possible to overdose or experience unexpected side effects, especially when compounded with medications or other conditions. Oregano may slow down blood clothing, which is why it’s important to consult a professional and consider your individual health circumstances before going gung ho on even natural remedies.

Vitamin D. Just because outdoor temperatures become inhospitable in many states doesn’t mean that vitamin D or sunshine are any less important. Vitamin D isn’t found in foods, but studies suggest it’s key for supporting the immune system. Even just 10 or 20 minutes a day of sunshine on exposed skin can provide a much-needed boost. And when the weather gets truly frigid, a capsule or dropper of vitamin D3 (often with complementary K2) can stave off a deficiency. 

Vitamin C. Another key vitamin to load up on during the colder months is vitamin C. While it’s easy to find in the supplement aisle, it’s just as easy to find in foods such as citrus fruits, kiwis, broccoli, and red peppers. Because vitamin C is sensitive to heat, it’s best to eat these foods raw if immune benefits are your goal. Fortunately, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice in a glass or water is an easy way to start the day, especially as citrus season arrives in the thick of winter and flu season. 

Zinc. Zinc is also well known for fortifying the immune system, and if taken 24 hours within a cold’s onset, it may even help reduce the length of sickness. It’s frequently sold in lozenges that are easy for adults and kids alike to take at the first sign of illness. That said, long-term zinc supplementation has been linked to cooper deficiencies, so it’s best kept as a short-term solution. 

Saltwater rinse. Once a cold or flu has set in, all of the immune-boosting supplements and foods can help your body fight off the infection faster, but there are a few more tricks that can make the worst symptoms fade. A mix of 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of table salt dissolved in 4 to 8 ounces of warm water makes a gargling solution that can soothe a sore a sore throat and reduce swelling. Just be sure to spit out the rinse afterward!

Throat-coat tea. Ditching the artificial and sickly-tasting cough syrup is not only a quality-of-life improvement but also another place to find a natural alternative. My favorite throat-coat tea is from Traditional Medicinals and features ingredients such as licorice root and slippery elm bark for an herbal remedy. It’s so tasty that I would happily drink it even in good health. Stir in honey for added throat soothing and sweetness. 

Honey. Honey in and of itself is a perfect way to reduce a sore throat, especially for kids who can’t gargle salt water or are picky over flavor. A spoonful will reduce inflammation, and its antibacterial properties may also help your body fight off the infection. In particular, manuka honey, made from manuka bush flower pollen, contains a strong antibacterial and antiviral compound called methylglyoxal (MGO). Look for MGO levels at least over 150, ideally over 400.  

Elderberry. This tiny berry — and its preceding flowers — are a classic of anti-cold and flu traditional medicine, particularly when consumed as a tea. Today, elderberry and elder flowers are sold as syrups, juices, drops, lozenges, and more to preserve it long past its growing season. While modern evidence for its effectiveness is mixed, many naturally minded and health-conscious people swear by its benefits during flu season, and it’s never far from my medicine roster this time of year.

Electrolytes. Finally, any key part of recovering is staying hydrated. Especially if you’ve been hit by a stomach bug or haven’t felt like eating or drinking, rehydrating is important to give your body what it needs to function optimally. A good quality electrolyte mix will contain essential minerals to help transport water through cell walls and replenish depleted mineral stores.

Of course, there’s no guarantee that even the healthiest among us won’t catch whatever virus makes the rounds this year. But when a few simple natural remedies can reduce the risk of spending a miserable week in bed — or shorten that week to just a few days — I’m stocking up on the immune support, soaking up the year’s last warm sunshine, and keeping a wary ear listening for the season’s first cough.

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Jordan Jantz is the assistant editor at IW Features as well as a freelance writer, editor, and website designer.

This article is part of Upstream, The Daily Wire’s new home for culture and lifestyle. Real human insight and human stories — from our featured writers to you.

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