OPINION: A Natural Flu Remedy

The wonderful thing about these home remedies is they have no side effects. They won’t make you drowsy or upset your digestion in anyway. They’ll boost your immune system, ease a congested chest and sore throat and kill a fever.

Remedy One: Honey and Lemon

This simple remedy consists purely of honey and lemon juice (from a lemon, not concentrate). Honey (especially buckwheat honey) has a large amount of probiotics and will provide your body with antiseptic, antioxidant and cleansing properties. Its natural sugars will boost your energy levels. Lemon has strong antibacterial and antiviral properties and will supply your body with vitamin C for you defence cells. Mix a tablespoon of honey in a small quarter glass of lemon juice (you can add warm water to make it easier to drink). Drink a tablespoon or shot glass of this mixture daily every 2 hours.

Remedy Two: Lemon, Honey, Garlic and Brandy

Garlic has powerful natural antibiotics, allicin and diallyl sulphide which fight infections and bacteria, and will reduce stress and toxins in the body and unclog your sinuses. Bacteria cannot develop a resistance to garlic, so the vegetable will never stop working against your flu. Brandy also has medicinal properties and works wonderfully as a cardiac stimulant and will increase your cardiac output and quiet your respiration making breathing easier. It is easily absorbed into the body and will begin working very quickly. It also reduces nausea.

Mix in a storage container; 750ml of brandy, one average-sized lemon – juiced, one teaspoon of crushed garlic and a tablespoon of honey. Leave the mixture to settle and store at room temperature (this mixture can be kept for about three months). When you drink it don’t shake the container but rather leave the sediment at the bottom. Take a shot glass of this mixture three times a day. And don’t forget to hold your nose and brace your tastebuds!

Claire Brown is a natural remedy expert based in Northcliff.