Traditional Mexican Home Remedies for Cold and Flu

1. Té de Limón con Miel y Canela (Lemon Tea with Honey and Cinnamon)

A cup of lemon tea with honey and cinnamon is a tried-and-true favorite for a sore throat and congestion. Vitamin C from the lemon can help support immunity, honey soothes the throat, and cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties in lab studies.

How to prepare it:

1. Boil a cup of water.
2. Squeeze the juice of a lemon.
3. Add a tablespoon of honey.
4. Add a pinch of cinnamon.
5. Drink warm, especially at night.

2. Vicks VapoRub & Sobadas (Menthol Rub and Chest Massages)

Vicks VapoRub, or “Vaporúb,” is a household staple. One common use is applying it to the chest, back, and even the soles of the feet before putting on socks. A light chest massage (sobada) with VapoRub is also a favorite among many grandmothers to relieve congestion. While it doesn’t truly clear out mucus, the soothing menthol scent can help you feel less congested.

3. Caldo de Pollo (Chicken Soup)

Chicken soup is not only a comfort food—it’s also a natural decongestant and helps combat colds and the flu. In Mexican homes, a bowl of hot caldo de pollo is typically loaded with garlic, onions, carrots, cilantro, and even a splash of lime for an added immune kick.

4. Eucalipto (Eucalyptus Steam Inhalation)

Eucalyptus leaves possess noticeable decongestant qualities. A popular treatment is to boil eucalyptus leaves in water and inhale the steam to clear nasal passages and loosen mucus.

How to use it:

1. Boil water and add eucalyptus leaves.
2. Bend over the pot with a towel over your head.
3. Inhale deeply for a few minutes (take care with the hot steam to avoid burns).

5. Té de Jengibre y Ajo (Ginger and Garlic Tea)

Garlic and ginger have shown antimicrobial properties in some lab studies and are known to aid in the battle against infections. The tea is also taken at the initial signs of illness to give the immune system a gentle boost.

Preparation:

1. Boil a cup of water.
2. Add thin slices of ginger and a crushed garlic clove.
3. Allow to steep for 10 minutes.
4. Strain and drink warm.

6. Cebolla en la Habitación (Onion in the Room)

Some households place a sliced onion on the bedside table with the belief that it may help relieve congestion or purify the air. Although there’s no scientific evidence that onions can absorb germs or kill viruses, it remains a folk tradition that many people swear by. The strong scent might cause slight airway irritation, which may lead to more mucus clearance, or it could simply be a comforting ritual.

7. Gárgaras de Agua con Sal (Saltwater Gargles)

For a sore throat, a simple solution is to gargle warm saltwater to reduce inflammation. Many doctors and health professionals also recommend this practice for quick relief.

8. Ponche de Frutas (Fruit Punch)

During winter, ponche—a hot fruit punch made with guava, tejocotes, tamarind, cinnamon, and piloncillo (raw cane sugar)—is commonly prepared in Mexican households. Rich in vitamins, this beverage helps support the immune system and soothe a sore throat.

9. Baño de Vapor con Hierbas (Herbal Steam Bath)

For those who are feverish or congested, a steam bath with herbs like mint, eucalyptus, and chamomile is believed to help open up the airways. While there is no strong scientific basis for “sweating out toxins,” the warmth and humidity can relieve congestion and provide a sense of relaxation.

10. Tequila con Limón y Sal (Tequila with Lemon and Salt)

Although not technically a cure, some believe that a shot of tequila with salt and lime may soothe a sore throat or help one relax. There isn’t any conclusive evidence that it kills bacteria or viruses, but the warmth of the alcohol and the tanginess of lime can offer brief comfort. Always remember to drink responsibly and note that hydration is crucial when you’re feeling under the weather.