Global Flu Remedies

This year's flu season has seemed to reach its peak around this time. As of February 15th, Pennsylvania had reported over 153,000 flu cases since the end of September; in early February, the CDC noted this winter as the worst flu season in 15 years.. Being sick may be one of the worst of the minor afflictions that come with winter, alongside: slush, gray skies, and barren branches. But waking up with a sore throat because you were breathing through your mouth since your nose is stuffy, with a side of an overall feeling of being overheated, is a challenging thing to deal with.

When I feel sick, I make this lemonade with whole lemons and honey for a vitamin boost and feel better the next day.

My Grandma/Mom, vitamin C packed lemonade:

• 2 lemons with rind on cut into big chunks(it's not that bitter, like a slightly pithy lemonade)  

• ½ cup ice water

• 2 tbsp sugar or honey

Blend all together and serve

Mady Munoz-Martinez (‘27), Peruvian Teas: 

In Peru, when people are sick they usually make a bitter tea with Matico or Verbena (Vervain). Both of these plants contain anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, making them perfect to help clear out excess phlegm (helps with a runny nose) and alleviate coughs and fevers. Matico, specifically, is also helpful in easing stomach-related problems like throwing up or diarrhea. 

According to Mady, whenever she drinks tea made with either of these ingredients, a painful cough is soothed into a light cough. 

Thom Nguyen, Vietnamese Black Chicken

“My mom would make me black chicken when I was feeling sick because it is very high in protein and is another traditional medicine. She would steam it or turn it into a broth or soup with the bones and the skin for all the benefits of the different parts with ginseng, red apple, carrots, potatoes, and some dianthus seed and rice to make a congee.”

Nahemi Fanfan (‘27), Haitian Black Castor Oil: 

In Haiti, there is an oil that cures all your problems called Lwil Maskriti, or Haitian black castor oil. You can use it for a multitude of symptoms: for headaches you can heat it up and put it on your forehead, for a sore throat you can actually just drink it, or if you have muscle pain you can massage it on the area that is bothering you.

Try these out if you're feeling sick.