Why Natural Remedies Matter
This year has been one of the worst for cold and flu outbreaks. Nearly everyone has been affected—whether you’ve missed work, school, or just felt miserable at home. As a chiropractor in San Diego, I believe in the power of natural healing. When your body is supported properly, it can do amazing things—including fighting off illness.
Here are some of my go-to natural cold and flu remedies that I share with patients and use myself.
Eucalyptus Oil for Stuffy Noses
Stuffy noses are annoying and draining. One of the most effective natural solutions is eucalyptus oil. This powerful essential oil works as a natural decongestant.
You can use it in a few ways:
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Place a few drops on your shirt collar or a tissue near your nose
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Add it to a hot pot of steaming water and inhale the vapors
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Combine it with a carrier oil and apply gently to your chest
Eucalyptus helps break up mucus and opens up your nasal passages for easier breathing.
Steam Inhalation for Relief
Another powerful remedy? Good old steam. Boil a pot of water, pour it into a bowl, and carefully lean over it with a towel draped over your head. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil if you’d like extra support.
As you breathe in the steam, it loosens mucus and clears sinus congestion. Be sure to blow your nose afterward to remove the loosened buildup. This simple method is a time-tested favorite and easy to do at home.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A Natural Immunity Booster
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is another versatile remedy. It’s known for thinning mucus, balancing pH levels, and supporting the immune system.
Here’s how I recommend using it:
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Mix 1 tablespoon of ACV with warm water
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Add a spoonful of raw honey to soothe your throat
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Drink this once or twice a day while you’re sick
The combination of ACV and honey fights bacteria and keeps your throat feeling smooth.
Honey for Dry Coughs and Sore Throats
A dry cough and sore throat can make even the best day feel miserable. Thankfully, raw honey works wonders.
Honey coats the throat and provides natural antimicrobial effects. For best results:
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Add 1–2 teaspoons to warm tea or water
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Mix with ACV for a double boost
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Take a spoonful directly before bed to ease nighttime coughing
This natural sweetener does more than taste great—it’s a genuine immune helper.
Final Thoughts from Dr. Zach Beatty
These natural cold and flu remedies are easy to try and often very effective. More importantly, they support your body instead of masking symptoms. So the next time you feel a cold or flu coming on, don’t rush to the medicine cabinet. Try these simple, safe, and powerful tools first.
Take care of your body, and it will take care of you.
Dr. Zach Beatty, DC
Gonstead Family Chiropractic
San Diego, CA
📞 858-997-8203