How to Avoid the Flu: Use This Garlic-Based Remedy During Epidemics!
Flu, also known as influenza, is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause widespread illness during seasonal epidemics. It primarily affects the respiratory system, damaging the mucous membranes of the airways and leading to overall intoxication of the body. The influenza virus multiplies rapidly in the lining of the upper respiratory tract and spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks.
What makes the flu particularly dangerous is not always the virus itself, but the complications that can follow if it’s not properly treated. These complications can affect vital organs such as the kidneys, the brain, and even the heart.
Understanding Flu Symptoms
One of the very first signs that you may be coming down with the flu is a general feeling of unwellness. People often report:
Fatigue and weakness
Headache
Muscle and joint pain
Aches in the temples or forehead
Sudden onset of fever, often rising to 38°C–40°C (100.4°F–104°F)
In addition, symptoms such as a sore throat, dry cough, hoarseness, and nasal congestion quickly follow. Fever typically lasts for about 4 to 6 days, but even after the fever subsides, weakness and fatigue can persist for a couple of weeks.
A common saying goes:
“What’s dangerous is not the flu itself, but its complications.”
And that couldn’t be more true. Complications from influenza can include pneumonia, heart inflammation, and even neurological issues.
What About the Common Cold? How Is It Different?
Colds and other acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) are caused by an entire group of viruses—more than 200 are known today. While the symptoms often resemble the flu, there are key differences:
Colds usually start gradually, whereas the flu hits suddenly.
Fever in a cold rarely goes above 37.5°C (99.5°F), but with the flu, it can soar up to 40°C (104°F).
A cold might bring mild fatigue, while the flu often leaves you completely drained and bedridden.
Another unique sign of ARVI or a cold is a headache that doesn’t bother you when you’re still but becomes painful when bending over or turning your head. In addition, a runny nose, sore throat, and a dry or productive cough usually accompany the illness.
How to Protect Yourself During Flu Season?
Doctors often recommend vaccinations, proper hygiene, and staying away from crowds during flu season. But for centuries, people have turned to natural remedies to prevent illness and strengthen their immune systems. And among all traditional remedies, one humble ingredient stands out as a true powerhouse: garlic.
Garlic: Nature’s Tiny Yet Mighty Healer
Garlic has been used for thousands of years both as food and as medicine. Ancient civilizations, from the Egyptians to the Greeks, believed in its ability to ward off illness and strengthen the body. Today, modern science supports many of these claims, as garlic contains compounds that have antiviral, antibacterial, and immune-boosting properties.
Here’s what garlic can do for you:
Boost Immunity: Garlic stimulates the immune system, helping the body fight off viruses and infections.
Reduce Risk of Heart Disease: Studies show garlic may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Improve Cognitive Health: Some research suggests garlic can support brain health by reducing oxidative stress.
Lower Cancer Risk: Certain compounds in garlic are thought to have anti-carcinogenic effects.
In short, garlic is more than just a seasoning—it’s a natural medicine chest!
Folk Remedy for Flu Prevention: Garlic Infusion
If you want to avoid catching the flu during an epidemic, traditional healers recommend using a simple yet effective garlic infusion. This solution is easy to make at home, requires minimal ingredients, and can be used as both a preventive and therapeutic measure.
Recipe 1: Garlic Nasal Drops
Chop 2–3 cloves of garlic finely.
Pour 30–50 ml of boiling water over the garlic.
Let it sit for 1–2 hours, then strain.
How to use: Instill 2–3 drops in each nostril once or twice a day.
The infusion can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
This method helps disinfect the nasal passages, creating a natural barrier against viruses trying to enter the body through the respiratory tract.
Recipe 2: Garlic and Lemon Elixir
During flu outbreaks, this mixture is not only helpful for prevention but also beneficial for overall immunity.
Slice half a lemon with the peel (to retain its juice and essential oils).
Peel and chop 7–8 cloves of medium-sized garlic.
Place the lemon and garlic into a half-liter glass jar.
Fill the jar with boiled, cooled water.
Store in a dark place for 4 days, then refrigerate.
Dosage: Take 1 tablespoon daily, about 20 minutes before a meal.
Tip: Don’t worry about garlic breath—this infusion is surprisingly mild!
Important Precaution
Garlic remedies are powerful, but they are not suitable for everyone. Avoid using these remedies if you have:
Enteritis (inflammation of the intestines)
Stomach ulcers
Duodenal ulcers
Always consult your doctor if you have chronic gastrointestinal problems or other health conditions before starting any folk treatment.
Why Garlic and Lemon Together?
This combination is a classic in natural medicine for good reason:
Garlic provides antiviral and antibacterial protection.
Lemon is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and support immune function.
Together, they create a potent immune booster that helps the body resist infections during cold and flu season.
Other Tips for Staying Healthy During Flu Season
Besides garlic remedies, here are a few other natural ways to protect yourself:
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and herbal teas.
Eat Immunity-Boosting Foods: Include onions, ginger, honey, citrus fruits, and fermented products in your diet.
Get Enough Sleep: A well-rested body can fight infections better.
Maintain Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
Avoid Crowded Places During Epidemics: This reduces your chances of exposure.
Final Thoughts
Flu is not just an annoying seasonal illness—it can lead to serious complications if ignored. While modern medicine offers vaccines and antiviral medications, folk remedies like garlic infusions can serve as an additional preventive measure to keep you strong and healthy during epidemic waves.
Remember: Natural methods are most effective when combined with a healthy lifestyle, good nutrition, and proper medical care when needed. Garlic may not be a magic bullet, but it’s a small, powerful ally in the fight against flu and colds!
Stay safe, stay healthy, and let nature’s remedies work for you.
✅ Pro Tip: Want even more immune support? Combine garlic-based remedies with honey and ginger tea for an extra boost of protection against seasonal viruses!
