Flu Bomb: Home Remedy for cold and flu season

This flu bomb recipe is a natural cold and flu remedy, actively boosting your immune system to keep you prepared and resilient. 

I thoroughly enjoy the winter season, sipping hot Aperol or winter tea and observing the snow-covered landscape while relishing the scent of bonfires. However, I also like to prepared.

When it is the right time to boost my immune system, I usually start with immune-boosting herbal tea with elderberry and echinacea, use elderberry tincture, ferment garlic with honey, or make these turmeric or garlic shots.

When these remedies are not strong enough, I go for a flu bomb. Even though it sounds pretty bombastic, you can prepare this elixir from ingredients you may already have in your pantry.

But before we start, please note that this recipe isn’t meant to treat or cure. Consult your medical practitioner for any health concerns or conditions.

Flu bomb Ingredients from your kitchen

Each ingredient listed below possesses immune-boosting properties, allowing you to use each separately for brewing tea, fermenting, or turning into cider. Combining these healthy ingredients creates a powerful flu bomb with potential health benefits that few viruses can withstand.

Ginger

Fresh ginger root is stronger and has a more intense flavor than dried ginger powder, so I suggest using fresh. Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. In addition, ginger tea eases a sore throat and relieves cough and cold symptoms. 

Look for roots that are firm, smooth, and free from wrinkles. 

Turmeric

Turmeric is a member of the ginger family and has a typical bright yellow color, which comes from a compound called curcumin. I suggest using fresh turmeric root, but you can also use turmeric powder. Turmeric is a strong colorant, so protect your hands and nails from turmeric stains. 

Garlic

Garlic has a rich history of being used for its antibacterial and antiviral effects, mainly due to allicin.

Allicin is a compound found in fresh garlic cloves when chopped, crushed, or chewed. According to this study, using garlic juice daily led to a 63% reduction in colds compared to a placebo. Another study found that a high dose of garlic extract decreased the days of illness from a cold or flu by 61%.

Raw Organic Honey

Honey is a powerful antioxidant with antibacterial properties that help boost immunity, soothe sore throats, and even aid wound healing.

I prefer using raw honey when making homemade medicine, because most enzymes, antioxidants, and other antibacterial compounds are destroyed during processing. 

Lemon Juice

Use fresh lemons, preferably of organic quality. Their juice can help mask garlic’s intense taste and is high in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar aids digestion and potentially lower cholesterol. In addition, it can also mask the intense and spicy taste of garlic.

Black Pepper

It contains a compound called piperine, which helps increase the absorption and effectiveness of allicin.

Similarly, we have used it in this post lemon ginger turmeric shots because piperine enhances the bioavailability of curcumin (found in turmeric).

Cinnamon Stick

Opt for Ceylon cinnamon, or “true” cinnamon, instead of cassia cinnamon. Ceylon has a sweeter taste and less coumarin, which can be harmful in large amounts.

I recommend using cinnamon sticks rather than ground cinnamon. You can steep them in hot water with ginger and turmeric. 

Thyme and/or oregano

In addition to antioxidants, thyme contains vitamins A and C, which help fight infections and support the immune system.

Oregano is a powerful expectorant with antimicrobial and diaphoretic properties—all handy actions for cold and flu support. 

Oil

Adding a small amount of oil enhances the absorption of curcumin, completing the final piece of our puzzle. Any oil works; I used extra virgin olive oil, but you can use any oil from your pantry.

Kick the flu with this Flu Bomb Recipe

First step: Prepare the ingredients

 Peel ginger and turmeric and cut them into small pieces. Peel the garlic and mince or grate garlic. I like to use this garlic mincer. Finely cut fresh oregano and thyme.

Second step: Cook ginger, turmeric, thyme and cinnamon stick

In a small saucepan, place ginger and turmeric roots. Pour over water and place it on the stove over high heat. Once the water reaches a boil, add the cinnamon sticks and herbs to the saucepan. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.  

Third step: Add other ingredients and drink it

Turn off the heat, strain the mixture, and add apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, black pepper, and minced garlic. Mix it well. Let it steep for 10 minutes and once the mixture has cooled to 50 degrees Celsius, add raw honey. Stir until the honey dissolves, add one spoon of oil and drink it warm.

Variations if you feel like

• Add a small slice of jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Use thyme and/or Oregano for additional benefits. Oregano contains carvacrol that can help kill bacteria, so it is known for its antibacterial properties. Thyme vs Oregano for more info.
• Consider adding a chamomile tea bag for a calming effect.

Best tips and tricks to natural Cold Remedy

1. Start taking the flu bomb when you feel like your body is sick and you are coming down with something.
2. Use caution with children under 8; consider their age and potential reactions to the ingredients and overall taste, which is strong with fresh garlic and apple cider vinegar.
3. Don’t expect honey to mask the intense flavors completely; be prepared for a robust taste.
4. Drink the flu bomb quickly for efficient absorption of its active compounds.
5. Skip the flu bomb if you’re experiencing vomiting to prevent any potential discomfort.
6. If you have a sensitive stomach, have the flu bomb with mild soup, bread or crackers for easier digestion.
7. If you use ground turmeric or ginger, add them with the black pepper. 
8. Use the leftover pulp from ginger and turmeric to make tea or store it in an ice cube tray for later use.

When do I drink it?

If you start feeling unwell or notice the early signs of sickness, you might consider having a flu bomb immediately and continue with a daily intake until symptoms subside.

Adjust the frequency based on your body’s response and consult a healthcare professional.

How does a homemade flu bomb taste?

The taste of a flu bomb can be intense and vary from person to person. It often has a robust flavor due to ingredients like garlic, ginger, and apple cider vinegar, and adding honey may provide some sweetness but not mask the potent flavors.

How long does flu bomb last?

This flu bomb is the most effective when you drink it right away. However, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can you freeze this cold flu remedy?

While it is possible to freeze this flu bomb, it is not recommended. Freezing can alter the texture and taste of the ingredients and may also degrade some of their active compounds.