13 Herbal Remedies for Colds
It always seems to happen overnight. One minute we’re enjoying crisp air and the changing seasons, and the next, someone in the house is sniffling, coughing, or just not quite themselves. Cold season sneaks in gently, but it can sure make a mess of things when it lands.
Years ago, I would have panicked, rushing to the drugstore for something (anything) that might help. But the more I learned about herbs, the more I realized that God really has given us everything we need to care for ourselves, right in our kitchens, gardens, or spice cabinets.
Now, when a cold starts making its rounds in our home, I turn to gentle herbal remedies first. Warm teas, soothing salves, and natural syrups that not only bring comfort but also support our bodies as they heal.
These remedies have become part of our rhythm, and they’ve helped us move through seasonal sickness with more confidence and peace. My kids have even started to refer to herbs as “medicine!”
If you’re just starting out or want to build your own toolkit for cold and flu season, I’ve gathered all of my best herbal cold remedies here in one place.
These are the tried-and-true recipes I use with my own family; the ones I reach for when little noses are stuffy and big bodies need rest.
Let’s take a look!
10 Herbal Remedies for Colds
I make these immunity shots every week. Not only do they taste good, but they really help you be healthy too! Perfect for cold and flu season.
I recently made this and it almost instantly helped bring our sore throats and coughs relief. It is now a staple in my house!
My daughter and I made these herbal cough drops and they are our new favorite. Not only are they delicious, our throats are soothed by the lavender and marshmallow root and we feel so much better after eating them.
This simple salve combines garlic-infused oil and coconut or olive oil to create a chest rub that opens airways and supports healing from the outside in. I keep a small jar in our medicine drawer and use it on my throat and chest when someone’s sniffly.
This recipe walks you through making frozen tea “bombs” infused with elderberry, chamomile, lavender, marshmallow root, and fresh ginger. Just heat with hot water, add honey or lemon if desired, and sip for immune support and symptom relief. I’ve relied on this when loose, sore‑throated mornings hit, and it’s soothing every time.
Learn how to make easy, delicious DIY elderberry gummies at home! This step-by-step guide includes tips for creating immune-boosting gummies with elderberry syrup, honey, and gelatin. Perfect for all skill levels and ready in just minutes!
This simple but powerful remedy combines raw honey with garlic cloves for an antimicrobial, immune-boosting powerhouse.
A spoonful at the first sign of illness can help the body fight off infection gently but effectively. I like to keep a jar ready in the fridge during cold and flu season. It’s especially helpful for sore throats and stubborn coughs.
Known for its strong antiviral and antibacterial properties, oil of oregano can be used (very carefully!) to support the immune system.
I usually dilute a few drops in a carrier oil or take in capsule form when something is really trying to take hold. It’s one of those remedies I always keep tucked away for more stubborn bugs.
A spicy, tangy tonic made with elderberry and other herbs, fire cider is stirring and immune‑supportive.
Great to sip when cold season begins or at first sniffles. I take it by the tablespoon when I feel run-down.
Made from fresh ginger, zesty lemon, and warming spices like cinnamon or turmeric, this tea is a go‑to when congestion and aching set in. It feels restorative during those head‑cold days when I need comfort in a mug.
With just thyme and honey, this two‑ingredient syrup relieves sore throats and coughs, and can last up to a year in your pantry. A tiny spoonful before bed can ease a nighttime cough so everyone sleeps more peacefully.
When congestion turns into ear discomfort, this warming ear oil can bring gentle relief. It’s a soothing blend of garlic and mullein infused into oil and applied just outside the ear canal.
I’ve used this with my kids when they’re fussy with ear pressure and it’s been a calming and effective addition to our care routine.
Different from the soda version, this syrup is warming, respiratory-supportive, and rich in vitamin C. Sweetened with honey and simmered slowly, it can be taken by the spoonful or added to tea.
The scent alone is grounding during a head cold, and it’s so simple to make with foraged pine (just be sure of the variety!).
Benefits of the Herbs Used
- Elderberry: traditionally used as immune support and may help reduce respiratory symptoms
- Chamomile & Lavender: soothing and calming for the nervous and digestive systems
- Marshmallow root: demulcent that helps coat irritated mucous membranes
- Ginger: anti-inflammatory and warming; supports circulation
- Thyme: contain allicin and thymol which are natural antimicrobial and antiviral properties
- Honey: soothes sore throats, coats inflamed tissue, and offers antioxidant support
- Oregano: high in carvacrol, helps fight bacterial and viral infections
- Garlic: supports immunity, fights infection, and soothes coughs
- Mullein: gentle expectorant and soothing to the respiratory tract and ears
- Pine needles: rich in vitamin C, support lung health and immune function
Safety note: Always consult a healthcare provider, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, medicinally sensitive, or giving these to young children. Honey should not be given to children under 12 months.
Final Thoughts
Natural cold remedies don’t need to be complicated to feel comforting or effective. These simple recipes, built from herbs you may already have at home, are meant to ease symptoms while supporting your body gently.
Whether it’s a cup of warm tea, a homemade salve, or a shot of fire cider, each one carries intention and healing energy.
Let me know of any herbal remedies for colds and flus that you use, I would love to hear it!
That is a great list, thank you so much! I’ve already tried some of that, and I love them, very effective and no side effects, they are effective even for kids if there are no allergies. And I’m also taking mullein extrct not only for ear pain relief, but also like mullein drops for lungs and reducing cough.
Yes! I made a mullein tincture for lung health and it works SO well. Thank you for sharing!