If you feel the funk coming on, this recipe offers a quick and easy Old Fashioned Holistic Remedy for colds and flu. It can be made with simple pantry ingredients in just 30 minutes!
You can start with only one ingredient, which is excellent. However, feel free to get “fancy pants” and add other ingredients to boost its healing power.

But, seriously…No Fancy Ingredients Required
What are these powerhouse ingredients? You might be surprised that you already have these staple pantry items. The star of this recipe is an onion! Yes, a simple onion! Let’s pull out our loyal onion and all its parts to make the broth.
Old Fashioned Holistic Remedy
Our ancestors recognized the healing properties of the humble onion. They used this kitchen staple as a go-to remedy for many ailments. For example, they harnessed onions’ natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to fight infections, soothe coughs, and ease respiratory issues.
Additionally, they made poultices from onions to draw out toxins. They also sliced onions to purify the air during illnesses. Without modern antibiotics or over-the-counter medicines, they relied on onions to boost the immune system and support natural healing.
This simple yet powerful approach to health reminds us how nature provides what we need.

Perfected Old Fashioned Holistic Home Remedy
Just like onions, our ancestors turned to garlic when they felt unwell. They welcomed its strong aroma instead of shying away from it! Without antibiotics, they created their natural remedies and wasted nothing. They often used garlic skins in their healing practices, like onion skins.
Today, garlic and onion skins are rich in vitamins A, C, and E. They also contain powerful antioxidants like quercetin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. To enhance the healing benefits of our onion broth, we’ll add garlic to the mix!
Discover the healing benefits of these foods through the resources below:
- Onions Nutrition Benefits the Heart, Bones & More (+ Onion Recipes)
- Allicin: The Beneficial Compound that Makes Garlic So Healthy
- 12 Ginger Benefits … for the Body and Brain
Got the Chills? Reach for Ginger!
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), practitioners value ginger for its warming properties and ability to promote balance. They primarily use it to dispel cold and dampness, making it an excellent remedy for colds, flu, and digestive issues.
Ginger stimulates circulation, enhances digestion, and strengthens the immune system. It can also be found in teas, soups, and herbal formulas. Ginger supports overall health and alleviates symptoms like nausea, headaches, and respiratory discomfort.
One great thing about ginger is its ability to balance flavors. If you find the onion broth or onion-garlic broth too intense, adding ginger smooths it out. It infuses a lovely sweet spice that elevates the overall taste.
Here is a list of other thermogenic spices:
- Cayenne Pepper
- Cinnamon
- Clove

Essential Tips: Things to Avoid When You’re Sick for a Quicker Recovery
When you’re sick, your body needs optimal support to heal. Avoiding gluten, sugar, and dairy can help you recover more effectively.
Gluten often causes inflammation, especially if you have a sensitivity. This inflammation can disrupt nutrient absorption, which is crucial during illness. Without proper nutrients, your immune system struggles to function at its best.
Sugar weakens your immune system. Research shows that consuming sugar can suppress immune function for several hours. High sugar intake can also lead to inflammation, making recovery more challenging. Instead of sugary snacks, opt for whole foods that nourish your body.
Dairy can increase mucus production for some individuals. This added mucus may worsen respiratory symptoms and hinder breathing. Additionally, dairy can be hard to digest when your body is already stressed. By avoiding dairy, you help reduce mucus and support your respiratory health.
For more information on these dietary impacts, check out these resources:
- The Gluten-Free Society
- The BITTER TRUTH About Sugar & How It WRECKS Your Health! | Mark Hyman
- Dairy-Free Diet Benefits (and 6 Dairy Alternatives)
By avoiding gluten, sugar, and dairy, you create a healing environment for your body. Give your body the best care possible while you recover!
The Health Benefits of Ghee: Why It’s the Perfect Choice.
That’s why this recipe calls for ghee. Ghee, a type of clarified butter, offers numerous health benefits, making it an excellent choice for cooking.
1. Rich in Nutrients: Ghee contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. These vitamins are essential for maintaining overall health and supporting your immune system.
2. High Smoke Point: Ghee has a high smoke point, around 450°F (232°C). This makes it ideal for cooking at high temperatures without breaking down and producing harmful compounds.
3. Lactose-Free: During the ghee-making process, most of the lactose and casein is removed. This means ghee is generally safe for those who are lactose intolerant or sensitive to dairy.
4. Promotes Digestive Health: Ghee contains butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that supports gut health. It helps maintain the intestinal lining and can aid digestion.
5. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Ghee has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation and support overall wellness.
6. Rich Flavor: Ghee adds a rich, nutty flavor to dishes, enhancing the taste of your meals. It pairs well with various foods, making it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen.
Incorporating ghee into your cooking boosts flavor and adds nutritional value. So, embrace this golden ingredient for your health and culinary enjoyment!
In conclusion, using an Old Fashioned Holistic Remedy for colds and flu, like onion, garlic, and ginger, can enhance your recovery when you’re feeling under the weather. Avoiding gluten, sugar, and dairy supports your body’s healing process. Additionally, ghee provides essential nutrients and adds flavor to your broth and other meals. Overall, these timeless ingredients from nature empower you to strengthen your immune system. Embrace these holistic remedies for better health and a faster recovery!
Old Fashioned Holistic Remedy for Colds and Flu
Explore an old-fashioned holistic remedy for colds and flu using natural ingredients like onion, garlic, ginger, and ghee. Embrace the power of nature for better health and wellness!
Ingredients
- EQUIPMENT:
- Stainless steel pot
- Mesh strainer or colander
- INGREDIENTS:
- ~ 1 large Yellow Onion Skins left on and chopped. You can substitute other types of onions.
- ~ 32 ounces Water
- ~ 1 bulb Garlic, optional Skins left on and entire bulb sliced crosswise. You can substitute ground powdered garlic up to 1/2 teaspoon.
- ~ 3 inch Fresh ginger, optional Slice ginger thinly. The skin may remain on fresh ginger if it is organic. Otherwise, remove the skin. You can substitute ground powdered ginger up to 1 teaspoon.
- ~ Pinch Sea salt, optional
- ~ 4 tsp Ghee, optional You can substitute coconut oil, or another type of fat
Instructions
1. Place the chopped onion into the soup pot and add water. If just making onion broth, place the soup pot on the stove burner and bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, turn the heat down to low, and simmer for 30 minutes.
2. If adding garlic, ginger, or both, add those ingredients to the soup pot along with onions and water. Place soup pot on the stove burner and bring mixture to a boil. Cover, turn the heat down to low, and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. After 30 minutes, turn the burner off, remove the soup pot from the stove, and place it on a heat-proof surface.
4. Place a mesh strainer or colander over a bowl and pour the mixture through the strainer, separating the solids from the liquid.
5. Do not discard the solids. Transfer the solids to a freezer-proof container so you can add them to your next batch of bone broth.
6. To drink, pour approximately 8 ounces of this ancient broth remedy into a mug. If you want, you can add a pinch of sea salt. You may also add 1 teaspoon of ghee or other fat to the broth. Stir to dissolve fat and drink broth warm.
7. If you prefer, you can blend the broth with the sea salt and ghee to create a frothy beverage in which the ghee or other fat is completely emulsified with the broth.
8. This broth (without the added fat) will stay fresh stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If frozen (without the added fat), this broth will stay fresh for 2-3 months.
9. To rewarm broth, add a specified amount to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, add to a mug, (along with sea salt and ghee, if desired), and enjoy. Hope you feel better soon!


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