As you know, autumn and winter are peak seasons for viral infections. The moment the weather turns colder, my husband almost immediately catches some sort of viral illness. Sometimes, our children join in too, catching whatever is going around.
Thankfully, we have a neighbor who is a doctor—and not just any doctor. She has a wonderful talent for treating her patients with natural, home remedies. She truly took my concerns to heart and generously shared several effective folk recipes that she often uses. These remedies have helped us get through many rough seasons, all without stepping outside the house.
For a Runny Nose:
One of the simplest and most effective remedies I learned from her is for a runny nose. Here’s what you do:
Take 2 tablespoons of beetroot juice, mix it with the same amount of boiled, cooled water, and place 2–3 drops into each nostril several times a day. This mixture is gentle yet powerful. It helps to reduce nasal inflammation and congestion naturally, without irritating the sensitive mucous membranes.
For Cough Relief:
When anyone in our family develops a cough—especially a dry one—I turn to this soothing mixture:
Boil a medium-sized onion in half a liter of milk until the onion softens. Once it’s ready, add one tablespoon of honey and stir well. Drink this warm mixture right before bedtime.
Surprisingly, it tastes quite pleasant—the onion flavor is mild and not overpowering at all. Even children drink it willingly. After just one dose, dry coughs begin to soften and soon disappear altogether. It’s a comforting bedtime drink that truly works.
For Nasal Congestion:
Blocked nose? Try this powerful method, but with caution.
In a bowl of boiling water, add a small amount of Vietnamese balm “Golden Star” (also known as the “Star Balm”)—just a tiny bit on the tip of a knife is enough. Lean your head over the bowl, cover yourself with a towel, and inhale the steam rising from the water.
Within a few minutes, you’ll feel your sinuses clear up dramatically—sometimes it feels like the congestion was never even there. However, this method is very potent. It’s not recommended to use it too frequently, as it may dry out the nasal passages or cause temporary difficulty breathing through the nose.
For Sore Throat:
Sore throats can be incredibly uncomfortable, but there are several natural ways to reduce the pain and inflammation. Here are three remedies that have worked wonders in our home:
- Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a refreshing and powerful drink that can significantly relieve throat pain caused by colds or the flu. Lemons are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help support the immune system and keep mucous membranes hydrated. For best results, mix lemon juice with warm water and a pinch of salt. This creates a natural antiseptic gargle that soothes and disinfects the throat. - Ginger
Scientific studies have shown that ginger has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s excellent for treating sore throats caused by viral infections. You can make a tea by boiling fresh ginger slices in water, then adding honey and lemon for extra benefits. This warm drink not only eases the pain but also helps fight off the infection. - Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is packed with medicinal benefits. It’s known to reduce inflammation and ease throat pain. It also has a soothing effect on dry or irritated throat tissues. For relief, simply take 2 tablespoons (about 30 ml) of coconut oil daily—either straight or mixed into warm tea or water. Its calming effect on the mucous membranes is almost immediate.
These natural remedies have become staples in our home. With just a few simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your kitchen, you can ease the symptoms of seasonal illnesses without needing to visit a pharmacy—or leave your house at all.
Of course, if symptoms persist or worsen, you should always consult a healthcare professional. But for mild viral infections and early symptoms, these traditional treatments can be both effective and comforting.
