TikTok, the cultural barometer of our time, has revealed many things: that you can actually make your own granola, that oil can clean your teeth, and that boiling stoney can cure your cold in 30 minutes. Allegedly. Naturally, Women’s Health consulted experts to ask: Do these common flu remedies actually work?
Meet the experts: Love rich is a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA). Dr. Angelique Oliveira is a doctor specializing in functional medicine. Marthane Swart is the secretariat of the South African Rooibos Council.
Why are more and more people turning to folk medicine to treat colds and flu?
In South Africa, TikTok flu cures have been used for centuries. We have evidence: According to a 2023 article in the African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, about 60-80% of Saffas use herbal products to treat their conditions. “There is definitely a resurgence of folk or home remedies for colds and flu, especially on platforms like TikTok,” says registered dietitian and ADSA spokesperson Elske Rich.
While these herbal medicines are homegrown treatments that are revered, the 2023 study also found that many people use folk remedies because they are cheaper and do not require expensive doctor visits. “While some of these practices have a physiological basis and can aid recovery, others are either ineffective or potentially harmful,” warns Rich. “It is important to separate comfort measures from evidence-based treatment.” So let’s take a look at TikTok’s popular flu remedies – and see if they’re worth the effort.
Folk Remedy 1: Boiled Stoney
A specific South African “cure”, boiling Stoney and mixing it with MedLemon, painkillers and other remedies, is often brought up in the discussion of quick cures. “The idea that you can “break” a fever by drinking something hot, dressing warmly and sweating is a long-standing folk belief, common to many cultures, dating back to a long time before modern medicine understood how fevers work,” says Marthane Swart, SA Rooibos Council Secretariat.
However, when we checked with experts, they all said a resounding “no” to the idea that it could cure a cold. “It does provide liquid, but the high sugar content and combination.” [of mixing Stoney with MedLemon or others] “can irritate the stomach,” says Rich. Additionally, there is “no proven benefit for flu.”
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Folk Remedy 2: Eat raw onions, ginger and garlic
This remedy may actually contain bones – onions, ginger, garlic and turmeric are all rich in beneficial compounds and may provide anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and cardiovascular benefits. And experts agree that consuming it brings the best benefits. In fact, Dr. Oliveira it. “I really like a version of the ‘Abuela remedy’ (honey, ginger, garlic, chili). Not because it’s magical, but because each ingredient has a distinct biological effect,” she says.
But a warning from Rich: Be careful about consuming too much. “They contain beneficial compounds, but eating them raw in large quantities can irritate the intestines.”
Folk Remedy 3: Stuff socks with raw onions or garlic
A staple in the home remedy arsenal is wrapping your feet in raw garlic or onions. The purpose? It is believed that the foot is able to absorb the beneficial properties of the vegetable, allowing the release of toxins. Onions are rich in healthy compounds containing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.
“While I appreciate the intent—garlic contains antimicrobial compounds like allicin—the skin on your feet will not absorb it in a way that provides meaningful treatment for a viral infection,” explains Dr. Oliveira. “It’s harmless at best (apart from the smell), but it creates the false feeling of doing something effective.” Unfortunately, there is also no scientific evidence that garlic or onions can absorb germs from your body.
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Popular flu remedy 4: One-day remedy
In a country where taking more than one day off due to illness can result in lower take-home pay, quick fixes are the norm. Enter: one-day cure-alls. Some involve soaking onions in water for 12 hours or purchasing complementary medicine packs with unnamed ingredients. Rich says that while these might help relieve symptoms, they won’t help cure your disease.
How experts stop colds and flu – step by step
Step 1: Rest
“Simple, best practices tend to have the most value,” says Swart. For working animals, the first doctor’s prescription is a difficult task – because it requires rest. “Most people get through it, but resting early prevents immune system suppression from stress hormones,” says Dr. Oliveira. Swart agrees—rest gives the body time to recover and restore energy, she says.
“I prioritize rest earlier than most people,” says Rich. “This is probably the most underestimated step. At the first sign of symptoms, I actively reduce: earlier nights, reduced workload where possible.”
Next, increase fluid intake
(Almost) all TikTok flu “cures” involve liquids—and while we can’t recommend boiling soda, it’s really smart to increase your fluid intake. But it doesn’t necessarily have to mean drinking gallons of water in one go. Rich says to aim for small, frequent steps every hour—and mix things up. Fluids help “keep mucus thin, support blood flow, and prevent feelings of fatigue from increasing,” explains Rich. And hydration supports lymphatic flow and the elimination of toxins, says Dr. Oliveira. This could include drinking antioxidant-rich rooibos with honey and lemon, or herbal teas and broth-based soups.
And when it comes to diet, Rich prefers soft, easy-to-eat foods to make digestion as easy as possible. These can be soft foods (oatmeal, yogurt, soups, compotes), foods rich in vitamin C (citrus fruits, guavas, peppers) and the addition of zinc (eggs, legumes, meat if tolerated). “The goal is not to ‘eat more,’ but to reduce the burden on digestion while supporting the immune system,” she says.
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Step 3: Increase your dosage of supplements
Less exciting, but very effective, decides Dr. Oliveira for (short-term) high doses of immune-boosting supplements. Your favorites:
- Vitamin C (distributed doses throughout the day)
- zinc (especially in the first 24-48 hours)
- Vitamin D (when baseline levels are low)
Natural ingredients that, according to Dr. Oliveira work:
- Honey: Antimicrobial, soothes the throat and reduces cough frequency. [study]
- Ginger: Anti-inflammatory, supports blood circulation and immune signals [study]
- Broths with garlic, chili and more: Garlic has antiviral effects and contains antibacterial compounds. Chili helps with nasal congestion and promotes the flow of mucus. Broths are ideal for loss of appetite and hydration.
Support the respiratory system
Dr. Oliveira recommends a gentle sauna or hot bath. “Fever and heat are part of the immune response, and we can support that intelligently,” she says. The heat could help open your nasal passages and expel mucus. Another old-school remedy that really works? Rinses or sprays with saline solution and steam inhalation – “this physically reduces the viral load in the upper respiratory tract,” says Dr. Oliveira. With or without essential oils, steaming is “simple, but it improves mucociliary clearance, moisturizes the airways, and can significantly shorten the duration of symptoms if done early,” says Dr. Oliveira.
It is important to know that colds and flu are incurable. All you can do is wait for your body to heal. However, if your symptoms do not improve or worsen a few days later, see a doctor and get regular medication prescriptions. This also applies if you are an older person, have previous illnesses or have a weakened immune system, says Dr. Oliveira.
Folk remedies for flu: the conclusion
“Although folk remedies are part of our cultural fabric, there is no substitute for evidence-based care,” says Swart. Supportive habits like hydration, rest and gentle, nourishing options like rooibos remain among the safest and most effective ways to help the body heal.”