DIY Natural Remedies to Keep on Hand for Illness

When cold and flu season rolls around, I like having a few simple remedies on hand that I can make at home with ingredients I already have.

These are some of my favorite DIY remedies to keep in your back pocket. From a soothing onion poultice to homemade elderberry gummies.

A quick reminder: These remedies are intended as supportive, traditional home remedies and are not a substitute for medical care, prescription medications, or advice from your healthcare provider. Always use your best judgment, especially with babies, young children, pregnancy, allergies, or underlying health conditions.

🧅 Onion Poultice

An onion poultice is an old-school remedy that's simple to make and can be especially comforting when you're dealing with chest congestion or respiratory symptoms.

What you need:

• 1 large onion or 2 small onions
• A small amount of water
• A thin hand towel

How to make it:

1. Chop the onion and lightly sauté it in a small amount of water for about 5 minutes.
2. Drain the cooked onions and the juice into a thin hand towel.
3. Fold the sides of the towel toward the center to create a square poultice.
4. Carefully check the temperature before applying it to the chest.
5. Place the poultice on the chest for at least 15 minutes.

Important: The towel can be quite hot, so always test the temperature first and use extra caution with children. Never leave a child unattended with a hot poultice.

🧄 Fermented Honey Garlic

This is one of those remedies that's worth making ahead of time because the garlic and honey need time to ferment.

Ingredients:

• 2–3 bulbs fresh garlic cloves
• 3 cups raw honey
• 1 quart clean glass jar

Instructions:

1. Peel the garlic cloves and place them in a clean glass jar.
2. Completely cover the garlic with raw honey.
3. Place the jar in a dark place at room temperature.
4. After a day or two, the honey will begin to become more liquid. That's normal.
5. You may notice bubbles rising to the top, which indicates fermentation is occurring.
6. Continue fermenting for 1–3 weeks before using.
7. The garlic may float toward the surface. Make sure the cloves remain coated/submerged in honey as much as possible.
8. Turning the jar upside down periodically can help keep the garlic coated.

Once fermented, store it according to your preferred food-safety method and inspect it for any signs of spoilage before using.

Important: Honey should never be given to children under 12 months old because of the risk of infant botulism.

🧦 Cold Wet Socks

Cold wet socks are a traditional hydrotherapy remedy often used at the first signs of illness.

The idea behind this practice is that the temperature contrast may encourage circulation. They're traditionally used for things like congestion, sore throats, headaches and general cold symptoms.

How to do it:

1. Run a pair of thin ankle socks under cold water and place them in the freezer.
2. While the socks are chilling, take a warm/hot bath or foot bath until your body feels comfortably warm.
3. When you get out, put the cold socks on your feet.
4. Cover them with thick wool socks to keep your feet warm and prevent moisture from leaking.
5. Sleep overnight with the socks on.
6. Repeat for up to 3 nights.

This is traditionally used early in an illness, but stop if you become uncomfortable, excessively chilled, or feel worse.

🛁 DIY Detox Bath

A warm bath can be a simple way to relax when you're feeling under the weather. If you like incorporating mineral baths into your routine, here are a few options.

Option 1: Bentonite + Epsom Salt Bath

• ½ cup bentonite clay
• ½ cup Epsom salt
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar

Add the ingredients to a warm bath and soak comfortably.

Option 2: Epsom Salt Bath

• 1–2 cups Epsom salt

For children, use age-appropriate amounts and avoid overly hot water. Supervise children around water at all times.

Option 3: Pre-Made Detox Bath

You can also use a pre-made detox bath product, such as Rowe Casa Detox Bath Salts or Earthley Detox.

🍋 DIY "Amoxicillin" Alternative

You'll sometimes see homemade remedies online nicknamed "Amoxicillin" because they're made with ingredients traditionally associated with immune and respiratory support.

If you're making this as a traditional home remedy, here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

• ⅔ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup fresh pineapple
• 2-inch piece ginger, peeled
• 2–3 cloves garlic
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• ¼ lemon, including the peel
• 1½ tablespoons manuka honey
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder or 1-inch piece fresh turmeric, peeled
• A dash of cayenne
• Black pepper

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a blender.
2. Blend until combined.
3. Strain until smooth.
4. Store in a clean glass jar in the refrigerator.

🫐 Homemade Elderberry Gummies

If you already make elderberry syrup, turning it into gummies is an easy way to make it a little more fun, especially for kids who aren't fans of taking syrup by the spoonful.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups elderberry syrup
• 4 tablespoons gelatin
• ½ teaspoon acerola powder

Directions:

1. Whisk the cold elderberry syrup and gelatin together until the mixture begins to thicken.
2. Transfer the mixture to the stove.
3. Stir continuously and heat until the mixture is very hot and almost reaches a boil.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in the acerola powder.
5. Pour the mixture into gummy molds or a glass container.
6. Refrigerate until solid, about 1 hour.
7. Store in a mason jar in the refrigerator.

If you're making these for children, check the ingredients in your elderberry syrup and use an age-appropriate serving size.

Keep These Remedies on Your Radar

You don't need a cabinet overflowing with products to have a few traditional remedies available at home. A handful of simple ingredients; onions, garlic, honey, ginger, elderberry and Epsom salt, can give you plenty of options to reach for when someone starts feeling under the weather.

Save this post so you have it handy when cold & flu season hits!

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.