3 Simple Health (Cold/Flu) Remedies You Can Make at Home

Living in the countryside, I grew up surrounded by nature, and by knowledge of how powerful plants can be for our health. My grandmother often picked leaves and herbs to make teas or ointments, and my mom followed her steps. Now, I love continuing that tradition. My father is also a beekeeper, so we always have access to fresh, organic honey, a key ingredient in many natural remedies.

I’m not against modern medicine, but whenever possible, I prefer to reach for natural, homemade remedies for things like colds, flu, coughs, or simply boosting immunity. They’re simple, affordable, and often more effective than we think. In this post, I’ll share three tried-and-true natural remedies you can make at home. These recipes have been part of my family for years, and I’ll add my own experiences along with step-by-step instructions.

👉 Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. These are traditional home remedies based on my personal experience and family knowledge. Please consult your doctor before trying any remedy, especially if you have existing health conditions, allergies, or are pregnant.

1. Houseleek and Honey Remedy 

Ingredients:

• 300 g fresh houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum) leaves
• 500 g organic honey (I use our family’s honey, but any good-quality organic honey will work)

Preparation:

1. Wash the houseleek leaves and dry them with a clean cloth.
2. Chop them finely or blend them into a paste.
3. Mix with honey using a wooden or plastic spoon until you get a smooth mixture.
4. Store in a glass jar, close the lid, and wrap the jar in foil to protect from light.
5. Keep in the fridge for 7 days, stirring occasionally.

How to Use:

• Take 1 teaspoon in the morning on an empty stomach, about 30 minutes before breakfast.
• Avoid eating or drinking anything else for 30 minutes.
• Use regularly for 20–30 days for best results.

My experience:

This is one of the first remedies I learned from my family. I’ve been taking it for years, and I notice a big difference in my energy and immunity when I use it consistently. Since we have our own honey, it feels even more natural and nourishing.

2. Pine Needle “Honey”

This recipe takes time and patience, but the result is worth it! The syrup needs to sit for about 40 days in the sun, so plan ahead if you want to use it during flu season.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg fresh young pine, fir, or spruce needles
• 1 kg sugar or honey (I recommend honey for more benefits)
• 1 lemon (optional, for a citrus twist)

Preparation:

1. Collect fresh young pine needles from clean, unpolluted areas. Wash and dry them well.
2. In a clean glass jar, add a thin layer of sugar or honey.
3. Add a thick layer of pine needles on top, pressing them down.
4. Keep layering sugar/honey and pine needles until you reach the top of the jar.
5. Add lemon slices between layers if you like.
6. Close the jar tightly and place it in a sunny spot for 40 days.
7. After 40 days, strain the syrup and transfer it into smaller jars. Store in the fridge.

How to Use:

• Take 2–3 tablespoons daily, especially during cold months.
• Children (over 1 year old) can take 1 teaspoon daily.
• Do not add to hot tea, as boiling water can destroy beneficial compounds.

⚠️ Important: Pregnant women should avoid pine needle remedies, as some compounds may not be safe.

My experience:

This is my personal favorite. I first made it a few years ago, and I was amazed that it tastes like real cough syrup, but completely natural! I love it not only in winter but throughout the year. After the 40 days are up, I always transfer it to the fridge to keep it fresh.

3. Plantain Syrup with Honey 

Ribwort plantain leaves (Plantago lanceolata) are well-known in folk medicine for their soothing effects on the lungs and throat. This syrup is especially useful for coughs and colds.

Ingredients:

• 3–6 handfuls of fresh ribwort plantain leaves
• 1–2 cups raw honey

Preparation:

1. Wash and dry the leaves, then chop or crush them to release the juices.
2. Place about 3 cm of leaves at the bottom of a wide glass jar.
3. Pour honey over them until covered by 1 cm.
4. Repeat layers until you use all the leaves.
5. Press the mixture down with a spoon, then seal the jar.
6. Store in a dark place until the honey turns into liquid.
7. Strain through cheesecloth and transfer to smaller jars or bottles.

How to Use:

• Adults: 1 tablespoon every 4 hours during colds or cough.
• Children: 1 teaspoon, or add to warm (not hot) tea.

My experience:

This is a newer recipe I’ve recently started making with my mom. We love it because it tastes similar to pharmacy cough syrups, but with only two natural ingredients. I always prefer using honey instead of sugar because of the added health benefits.

Final Thoughts

For me, natural remedies aren’t just about health, they’re about tradition, family, and connection to nature. My grandmother and mom taught me so much about plants, and preparing these recipes together feels like a comforting ritual.

If you’re new to homemade remedies, my advice is simple:

• Always make sure you can correctly identify the plants you’re using.
• Use high-quality ingredients like local honey.
• And most importantly, listen to your body, natural doesn’t always mean suitable for everyone.

Of all the recipes, pine needle honey is my favorite, not just for its taste, but for how effective it is during flu season. But honestly, all three of these remedies are worth trying.

With the right care, nature gives us everything we need to stay healthy. These homemade remedies are simple, affordable, and full of tradition, and they just might become a part of your daily routine too.