Advertisement Some are supplement-aisle finds like herbal capsules and liquid extracts called “tinctures,” plus a few things you might already have in your kitchen.
Echinacea
The king of cold and flu remedies, echinacea can boost your body’s immune response, reducing the length and severity of illness.
How to use: Look for Echinacea purpurea in tincture or capsule form. At the first sign of illness, take a teaspoon of tincture or one to two 500 milligram capsules every three to four hours, reducing your dose as you start to feel better.
Elderberry
Black elderberry syrup, commonly used in Europe, is the home remedy of choice for the flu. As delicious as it is effective, it’s thought to activate the immune system.
How to use: Follow package directions for elderberry syrup, available at natural-foods stores. Sipping elderberry tea blends may also help.
Eucalyptus oil
A few drops of eucalyptus essential oil, used in a steam, can help loosen mucus in your chest and sinuses.
How to use: Pour near-boiling water into a three-quart pot. Add 5 drops of oil, then turn off any nearby heat source, and create a tent by draping a towel over your head and the pot. Being careful not to get too close, breathe in steam for 5 minutes. Note: Not for internal use.
Olive-leaf extract
With anti-inflammatory and infection-fighting properties, olive-leaf extract makes an excellent remedy for a sore throat.
How to use: Several times daily, add three to five drops to a small glass of warm water; gargle and spit out.
Garlic
Packed with infection-fighting compounds, notably allicin, garden-variety garlic can help fend off illness and speed recovery.
How to use: For prevention, eat one fresh, raw clove daily; try it finely chopped in salad dressing. If the taste bothers you, chop and swallow in warm water or a teaspoon of peanut butter, without chewing. If you feel a bug coming on, up your intake to three cloves.
Ginger
Curling up with a cup of strong ginger tea can ease cold symptoms by clearing congestion and warming the body.
How to use: Peel and slice a 2-inch piece of ginger; place in two cups of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes, then strain liquid into a mug. Add honey and fresh lemon juice to taste.
Note: Ginger tea may aggravate raw, sore throats.
Astragalus
Used as a “tonic” remedy in traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus root is thought to build immunity and is helpful for those who catch every bug that goes around.
How to use: Look for astragalus in tincture or capsule form; follow package directions. To fend off winter illness, take it daily starting in the fall. Dried astragalus (available in bulk at some natural-foods stores, or at mountainroseherbs.com) can be incorporated into winter soups; strain before serving.
Medicinal mushrooms
Like astragalus, medicinal mushrooms such as maitake, shiitake, turkey tail and reishi help build immunity when taken regularly.
How to use: Look for a multiple-mushroom supplement and follow package directions; take daily for best results. Shiitake and maitake mushrooms (fresh or dried) can be added to soups and stir-fries.
Oscillococcinum
A well-known flu remedy, oscillococcinum (often called oscillo) encourages healing by delivering a tiny dose of a substance that can cause symptoms.
How to use: Look for oscillo in the homeopathy section at natural-foods stores. Take at the onset of illness; follow package directions.
Note: These remedies have a long history of safety, but if you have a serious health condition or take medication, consult your health-care practitioner before using.
