The Cold Season Is Here: Defeat the Flu Naturally with a Simple Salt Solution
As the chill in the air starts to settle in, there’s no denying that the cold and flu season has arrived. Every year, millions of people fall victim to seasonal illnesses such as the flu, the common cold, sinus infections, and sore throats. As much as we try to avoid them, these conditions often find a way into our homes, disrupting our routines and weakening our immune systems.
While modern medicine offers a variety of treatments, from antiviral medications to over-the-counter cold relief tablets, some of the most effective and time-tested remedies remain surprisingly simple. One such remedy involves an ingredient that’s in almost every kitchen—salt.
You’ve likely heard health professionals warn about the dangers of excessive salt intake. And yes, when consumed in large amounts, salt can contribute to high blood pressure, kidney issues, and other health concerns. However, when used externally and properly diluted, salt becomes a powerful therapeutic agent.
The Healing Power of Salt: A Forgotten Soviet Remedy
The effectiveness of salt-based treatments is not a new discovery. Soviet-era doctor I.I. Shcheglov, a respected practitioner of his time, developed and used salt compresses to treat various ailments—including the flu. According to accounts from those who lived through that time, including many elderly people today, Dr. Shcheglov successfully treated dozens of patients with hypertonic saline dressings—a simple saltwater solution applied externally to the body.
This knowledge, once commonly passed down from generation to generation, has been largely overshadowed by the rise of pharmaceuticals. However, many people are now turning back to natural, non-invasive remedies as part of a holistic approach to health—and this method deserves a spot in your flu-fighting arsenal.
My Grandmother’s Secret: A Personal Experience
At first, I was skeptical. The idea that saltwater could help treat the flu or relieve headaches seemed too simplistic. But then I remembered what my grandmother once told me. When she was a child, her family would always treat the first signs of illness with salt compresses, and she claimed they worked wonders. She said that even the worst headaches would fade, and runny noses and fevers would subside within a day or two.
Out of curiosity—and desperation during a particularly rough cold—I gave it a try. To my surprise, the results were undeniable. The symptoms eased, my head felt clearer, and the pressure behind my eyes disappeared. Since then, salt compresses have become a go-to treatment in my household.
Why Does Salt Work?
The science behind this remedy lies in the osmotic properties of salt. A hypertonic saline solution—a solution that contains a higher concentration of salt than the fluids in your body—draws out excess fluid, toxins, and pathogens through the skin. When applied to the body in the form of a compress, the salt solution pulls impurities from the tissues, helps reduce inflammation, and stimulates local circulation.
Salt also has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s used in medical environments to clean wounds and rinse sinuses for a reason—it kills bacteria and helps the body heal.
When placed over certain parts of the body, salt compresses can significantly relieve symptoms such as:
Headache
Nasal congestion
Muscle soreness
Fever
Inflammation
How to Use Salt Compresses for Flu Relief
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use salt compresses effectively. This technique is particularly helpful when used at the first sign of the flu—a slight fever, runny nose, sore throat, or fatigue.
Ingredients & Materials:
Natural salt (preferably sea salt or Himalayan pink salt)
Clean water (preferably filtered or boiled and cooled)
Clean gauze, cotton cloth, or thin towel for the compress
A larger dry towel to secure and cover the compress
A warm blanket (optional for relaxation)
Salt Solution Preparation:
To make a 10% hypertonic salt solution, which is ideal for therapeutic use:
Mix 1 tablespoon of salt (about 10–12 grams) in one cup (250 ml) of warm water.
Stir until completely dissolved.
Ensure the solution is warm but not hot to the touch.
Note: A 10% solution is more effective than weaker ones and safe for short-term external use.
Application Instructions:
For Headaches or Sinus Congestion:
Soak a strip of clean gauze or cloth in the salt solution.
Wring out the excess liquid.
Apply the compress to the back of your head and your forehead.
Leave it on for at least 1.5 hours.
If the headache is severe, apply the compress overnight for deeper relief.
For Flu Symptoms or General Fatigue:
Prepare two layers of a moist towel soaked in the salt solution.
Place them on your upper back (along the shoulder blades) or chest.
Cover with a dry towel to retain warmth.
Lie down and rest for at least 2 hours.
Repeat daily for 4–5 sessions, depending on symptom s
