It seems everywhere you turn some new story comes out about the dangers of the flu.  Many will blindly getting vaccinated in hopes to protect themselves from the flu but disregard the risks vaccines can pose on the body.  Others will take cold and flu medicine for quick relief but will also destroy their gut Microbiome in the process.

When the body is running properly, it doesn’t need medicine to heal itself.  The best flu remedy is your body’s own natural defenses.  Whole foods and super foods can help bolster the body’s natural mechanisms and prevent the flu virus.

Many of these super foods that will be discussed in this post have been used for centuries in order to prevent disease and maintain the health of the human body.  They have a proven track record of healing the body and have been safely used for thousands of years.

Also unlike, harmful vaccines or medicines, these super foods act as a natural flu remedy without the dangerous side effects.

Below are the top 5 natural flu remedies that have been used for centuries!

1. Cod Liver Oil and Flu Virus

Raw Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil is an old folk remedy for disease prevention and longevity.   It’s thought that the Vikings were the first to discover this amazing super food.   In fact, it was a staple for early Vikings during the long winter months due to its high mineral load.

Research has shown that the vitamin d found in cod liver oil can help bolster the immune system and help protect against the flu (1).

Further research has shown that cod liver not only protects against the flu, but it also helps protect against cancer, rickets, improves muscle function and may prevent diabetes (2).

Dropi Pure Icelandic Cod Liver Oil – Extra Virgin 220 ML

2. Amla Berry

Amla Berry is an ancient Ayurveda secret.  This small berry has been used for centuries for various ailments and complaints in the body.  This berry is extremely high in whole food vitamin c.  In fact, a single serving contains around 1500 mg of highly bio available vitamin c!

A study revealed that mega dosing vitamin c before or after the appearance of cold and flu symptoms, relieved and prevented the virus (3).

However, it’s important always choose a whole food vitamin c source such as amla berry and not synthetic vitamin c (ascorbic).  Isolated ascorbic acid, such as synthetic vitamin c, appears nowhere in nature and will lower stomach acid levels if taken long enough.

3. Reishi Mushroom

Not enough can be said about the amazing health promoting benefits of reishi mushroom.  This mushroom was referred to as “The Mushroom of Immortality” in Chinese Medicine.

So much research has been done on the immune modulating effects of reishi mushroom.  In fact, this mushroom is widely recognized as being a potent remedy for various viruses such as the flu, and can even fight against cancer.

One study found that the beta-glucans present in reishi mushroom helped stimulate the immune system and reduce the viral load of the flu virus (4).

4. Fermented Foods

Fermented foods need to be a staple for anyone looking for a natural flu remedy.  Traditionally, fermented foods were always part of the diet.  Many tribes that are still living a traditional way of life still use these types of foods as a staple in the diet.  The probiotics found in fermented foods can help build the microbiome and increase the number of good bacteria found within the gut.

Research has shown the gut Microbiome plays an incredible role in the maintenance and health of the immune system.  In fact, studies show that many auto-immune conditions are a result of dsybosis in the gut microbiome (5)(6).

Luckily, we have written about the many health benefits of fermented foods and how to start making it at home today!

5. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil can offer serious protection against various viruses and bacteria related to the flu.  This oil contains a special component called Lauric Acid, which acts as a natural antimicrobial in the body.

Studies have shown that the medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil are ideal for immune suppressed individuals.  In fact, it’s so powerful that it is being studied as a treatment for those with severely compromised immune systems such as those with HIV/AIDS (7).

Further studies reveal that coconut oil is just as effective as chlorhexidine (antibiotic) in treating those with strep throat (8).