If you have been fending off the phlegm then you will know that flu season is officially the worst season. Seasons change brings a glut of gory germs into our lives, turning our normally blissful bedrooms into dens of caked tissue paper, half-warm mugs of honey and lemon, and blanket forts we struggle to climb out of.

But for all those who don’t want to succumb to the land of cough syrup and Netflix binges, we have some tried and tested natural remedies to get you out of the fort and back on your feet – here are our favourite flu busters for the season…

Ginger Lemon and Honey Tea

A sore throat can make it difficult to stock up on that all-important fluid intake but soothing steamy honey lemon and ginger tea should do just the trick. The honey will calm a flared and inflamed throat providing instant slick relief, and the ginger is chock full of antioxidants and has been known to kill rhinoviruses which contribute to colds and flu in the first place.

40 Clove Garlic Soup

It may sound like a recipe straight from the vampire victims cookbook but the 40-clove garlic soup is sure to beat back that flu with a big stinky yet delicious stick. Along with being an amazing anti-inflammatory that will help boost your immunity to dizzying new heights, this garlic soup is actually delicious. Roast the garlic to take the sting out of its tail, before simmering in a pot with chopped potato, onion, chicken broth, thyme and a squeeze of lemon. Cook until the potato is tender and blend up for a creamy concoction topped with croutons.

Apple Cider Vinegar Shot

It may make you pucker your lips, but apple cider vinegar is the cure of all cures. Now, if you can’t face a straight-up morning shot to essentially burn through the germs in your throat, you can sweeten the medicine with a touch of cinnamon and a teaspoon or two of grape juice topped with some ice-cold water. Apple cider vinegar curates a great alkaline environment for killing off unwanted viruses.

Kimchi

Whether you smear it on cheese and toast, dump it in a stew or simply spoon some in your mouth on a daily basis – kimchi is one cold busting superfood you don’t want to miss. Famed as a side-dish in Korean cooking, we are now starting to learn that kimchi can change your life. As a probiotic-rich in vitamins, it keeps the microflora in your gut highly healthy and balanced which works wonders for getting your immune system back on track when suffering from the dreaded flu.

Turmeric Milk

If the gorgeous golden hue doesn’t melt your heart, the healing properties of turmeric, ginger and cardamom are sure to inject a little life back into you. If you are looking to avoid dairy then swap the milk out for oat or coconut (the latter of which works wonders for bringing your electrolyte count back up). Heat the milk and stir in the cardamom pods, a teaspoon of turmeric powder, an inch of chopped ginger, and a pinch of saffron to boot. If you need a dose of sweetener then stir in some honey before straining and sipping to your heart's content.

Bone Broth

Bone broth or even homemade chicken soup – this steaming bowl of nutrients works wonders on more than the soul. Don’t scrimp on the packaged stuff if possible but be sure to invest in actual bones to make this work. Bone broth is brimming with amino acids that do a thorough job on building your immune system, gifting strength where it is needed, and helping your body stay hydrated with easy to digest deliciousness.

Which natural remedies will you be turning to this season? Share in the comments and let’s get fighting fit together.