Indian Home Remedies for Cold & Flu

Last Updated on September 25, 2024 by Kiersten James, BS, RN

Ayurvedic remedies date back over 5,000 years. These Indian home remedies for cold and flu are highly effective and easy to prepare.

While most of my experience in health, medicine, and natural remedies are based on Western concepts of care, it would be foolish to ignore the powerful systems India has been relying on for over 5,000 years – Ayurveda.

Ayurveda is often discussed within the yoga and reiki realms but rarely among holistic and natural living groups. Part of me finds this odd, the other part just assumes most people don’t know it exists.

Within my own family, we rely most often on home remedies like Amish cough syrup, steam therapy to clear congestion, elderberry syrup, basic salves, infused oils for ear aches, and lots of herbal teas.

The herbal tea blends are taken from the Indian home remedies for cold and flu below. They are simple to make and many include common spices or ingredients already found in the pantry. Outliers like dried lemongrass are easy to obtain within a day or two with shipping.

Tips for Relief With Natural Remedies

The rule of thumb with most natural remedies is to repeat them often.

Unlike over the counter medications which work within minutes and last for hours (along with their side effects), natural remedies take time to build their effects in the system. You will then have to maintain therapeutic levels within the body through frequent exposure.

For the teas below, find the one which is most effective for you or your family then make a large batch.

When you don’t feel well or have much energy to continuously steep herbs, it helps to have it readily available. Warm each cup as you need and sip throughout the day.

Indian Home Remedies for Cold and Flu

By far, the best remedy for a cold is fresh ginger root. The three remedies below feature ginger and will help to alleviate symptoms of a cold or flu rather quickly.

NOTE: Ginger and aspirin increase the effects of each other to thin the blood. Drink any teas containing ginger 2 hours before, or 2 hours after taking any products containing aspirin. Those who are taking prescription medications to thin the blood to due valve replacement or a-fib (Eliquis, Coumadin, warfarin, Xarelto, etc.) should avoid ginger entirely until speaking with their healthcare provider.

Ginger, Cinnamon and Lemongrass Tea

• Lemongrass – 2 parts dried herb
• Cinnamon bark – 1 part (cinnamon sticks work here)
• Fresh ginger root – 1 part

Use 2 tablespoons herb mixture to 4 cups water

Steep herbs in a quart sized mason jar filled with 4 cups of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain the herbs, allow the tea cool to a temperature that is comfortable for drinking. Add honey or agave syrup as a sweetener, if desired.

Drink one cup often throughout the day to assist with congestion and typical cold & flu symptoms.

Ginger, Cardamom, and Cinnamon Tea

• Fresh ginger root – 2 parts
• Cinnamon bark – 3 parts
• Ground cardamom – a pinch

Use 2 tablespoons herb mixture to 4 cups water

The same preparation protocol as above applies here. Steep herbs in a quart sized mason jar filled with 4 cups of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain the herbs, allow the tea cool to a temperature that is comfortable for drinking. Add honey or agave syrup as a sweetener, if desired. Drink one cup often throughout the day to assist with congestion and typical cold & flu symptoms.

Ginger and Eucalyptus Steam Therapy

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger root
• Several fresh eucalyptus leaves (you can use 10 drops of essential oil as a substitute)
• 2 cups water

Add the ginger and fresh eucalyptus (or essential oil) to a small sauce pan and bring to a boil. Place a towel over your head that is large enough to create a tent around your face. Turn off the stove, carefully lean over the steam and inhale slowly and deeply.

This is excellent for children who are old enough to cooperate. Move the pot to the counter or low table and assist for safety. Congestion will be relieved and help to reduce some of the pressure within the sinuses.

Echinacea, Goldenseal, Cinnamon (all purpose cold remedy)

• Echinacea – 1 part
• Goldenseal – 1 part
• Ground cinnamon – 2 parts

Mix this blend up and take 1/4 teaspoon of herbs with 1 teaspoon of honey twice daily.

Cinnamon and Honey

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon raw honey

Take 3 times a day for prebiotic benefits. To assist with the cough, prepare the Homemade Amish Cough Syrup Recipe (Kids & Adults) with flaxseed.

Holy Basil Tea for Flu

Steep 1 teaspoon of dried holy basil (tulsi) in 8 ounces of filtered water. Bring to a boil for one minute only and drink once the temperature comes down. Add honey or agave syrup as a sweetener. This tea cannot be prepared ahead of time and should have a fresh batch made at each time of need. Repeat every 3 hours.

Natural Support Checklist For Cold and Flu Illnesses

1. Increase your vitamin C levels. Pure vitamin C crystals are far superior to tablets you’ll find at local drug stores. During periods of illness, we will increase the dosing from 1/4 teaspoon daily to 1 teaspoon daily for adults. One of the signs of excessive vitamin C is loose stool. In this case, reduce by 1/4 teaspoon until you find the max dose your body can comfortably tolerate while sick. This is the one we use.
2. Natural nose ointment. Apply a natural ointment with a cotton swab to the insides of the nostrils to help lubricate passages and ease dryness/irritation. We use this one which is safe for babies.
3. Drink hot lemon water. The benefits of hot water with the juice of 1/2 lemon cannot be understated. Many replace morning caffeine consumption entirely with this simple swap. Drink a cup of hot lemon water several times a day when sick to aid in the removal of toxins and expedite recovery.
4. Avoid dairy products. During illnesses that involve sinus and chest congestion, it is wise to avoid dairy products entirely as they will increase mucus production. This includes yogurt, cottage cheese, milk, and creamers.
5. “RRR” healing. Rest, Read, and Relax. Try to rest as much as possible and allow your body to use its energy reserves for healing. This is not the time to feel guilty about taking a break or asking for assistance when needed.
6. No vigorous exercise. Sometimes when you’re on the tail end of an illness (or in the beginning and just feel “off”), it may be possible to complete an exercise routine. It’s best to skip any strenuous activity when unwell, especially during a cold, which can create favorable conditions for the nasal congestion to move down into the chest through heavier breathing.
7. Take elderberry syrup twice daily from September through April for preventative measures. This homemade elderberry syrup for toddlers and adults is the one I use for our family. It’s easy to prepare and well tolerated by the littles.

More Home Remedies for Family Health

Fast Onion and Honey Cough Syrup

Easy Fermented Garlic Honey Recipe (Uses & Benefits)

Homemade Vicks Vapor Rub for Kids

Amish Home Remedy for Congestion

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