How to Treat the Flu at Home
- Feb 27, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
~this is not medical advice. always consult with your trusted provider~
As of writing this, we have yet to have the flu this year. *KNOCK ON WOOD" But these are the things we keep on hand, just in case. We like to keep things simple in the event of sickness.
For overall sickness (and everyday immunity support), we do:
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is vital for the immune system because it helps regulate both the innate and adaptive immunity systems. It helps build immunity and fight infection by regulating immune cells, which are what prompt antiviral responses. Vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to increased autoimmunity and susceptibility to infection.
Dosing recommendations vary from doctor to doctor and institution to institution. Some believe the lower end doses are fine, while others believe higher doses are needed to be effective. This is why I always recommend finding a provider you know and trust.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps the body produce immune cells, strengthens T cells, and helps healthy cells stay alive and active. Vitamin C is also essential for the growth and repair of tissue throughout the body. It can help heal wounds and fight free radicals in the body to prevent against cancers and heart disease. There is evidence showing that Vitamin C may help decrease the length and severity off cold symptoms, making it a great supplement to for the winter months.
Probiotics
Probiotics help the immune system by preventing pathogens from sticking to the intestinal surface, promoting the growth of T cells which help inflammatory responses, fighting against harmful bacteria, restoring gut balance, reducing inflammation, and improving oxygen saturation.
Probiotic dosing is a little different than normal vitamins. If an age range isn’t specified, a good rule of thumb is to use 1/4 the recommended adult dosage for children up to 6 years; half for children 6-12 years, and the full dose for 13 years and up.
A few of our favs:
Powder for babies (Klaire Labs)
Drops for Infants (Mary Ruth)
Drops for Infants (Wellements)
Drops for babies and young children (Meta Kids)
Drops for kids 1 yr + (adults can use this one too) (Mary Ruth)
Chewable for Kids 1 - Klaire Labs 2yr+
Chewable for Kids 2 - Meta Kids 3yr+
Chewable for Kids 3 - Hiya
Probiotic for Adults 1 - Apex Energetics/Stregntia
Probiotic for Adults 2 - Thorne
Probiotic Adults 3 - Bio-Kult
Probiotic Adults 4 - Florastor
Probiotic powder for Adults - Metagenics
Briar Rose
Briar Rose is a natural form of medicine called gemmotherapy, and is made from plant buds. It supports a healthy sinus passage, eyes, and throat, therefore useful against: runny nose and congestion, ear aches and infections, sore throat, sinus infections, headaches caused by allergies.
It can be used as a preventative 2-3x a week, or 2-3x times a day when battling active sickness.
For more on specific dosing for the above CLICK HERE.
For flu specifically, we keep these added extras on hand:
Star Anise: a Tamiflu Substitute
Star anise contains many chemicals that have antibacterial effects, including a chemical called shikimic acid, which is used to make oseltamivir (Tamiflu). It is not clear if star anise itself has antiviral effects, but there is plenty of anecdotal evidence suggestion it may be beneficial during the flu.
*I would only give Star Anise tea to adults. Studies have shown there can be some complications in children.
Oscillococcinum
Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic treatment specifically for flu symptoms recommended for ages 2 and up. It is best to start as soon as symptoms appear.
Fevers
Homeopathic
Homeolab pain and fever relief (ages 0-12)
Belladonna - high fevers w/ sweat
Ferrum phosphoricum - low/mild fevers
Oscillococcinum - fever, chills, body aches
Forces of Nature - fever, chills, body aches
Wet Sock Trick
At night, placing feet in wet, cold socks signals your body to dilate the blood vessels in your feet, resulting in blood being moved to, and warming, the feet. This increases circulation throughout the entire body. This cycle should continue throughout the night and helps boost the immune system and reduce body temperature - making it great for fevers.
Dehydration
Dehydration is one of the biggest issues when it comes to the flu. The best thing you can do is push electrolyte liquids like water with a high quality mineral salt or electrolyte powder:
nectar electrolytes (my personal favorite, taste wise)
You can also do bone broths like Kettle and Fire, or make your own. Coconut water is also a great source. You could also make popsicles with coconut water and blended watermelon, another great hydration source.
Cough
Similar to the fever, I would try to not suppress the cough as best as possible. The flu creates extra mucus in order to trap the inhaled virus and prevent it from spreading further down the airway. And the cough helps expel the mucus containing the trapped virus particles from your throat and lungs, helping clear the infection. Suppressing a cough can actually hinder the body's natural process of clearing the infection.
Instead of focusing on trying to dry up the mucus, focus on keeping it thin and moving. Nebulizing saline can be a great tool for this.
Nebulizing Saline
Some people DIY saline: ½ tsp of sea salt in 8oz purified water
Technically not recommended as it can cause contamination in the nebulizer, but if you decide to go this route make sure you are using purified water NOT tap water
For my entire SICK KID PROTOCOL click HERE.
You can purchase my full holistic medicine cabinet with over 100 categorized holistic remedies, homeopathic products, and more for both babies, children, and adults. It is an ever evolving document. You will receive a direct link, and any time I add new products, treatments, categories, etc., you will have direct access to the updates.
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