Top 5 Natural Remedies for Cold and Flu Season
*Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this is not medical advice. Speak with your health care practitioner to discuss your individual needs. This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a direct purchase through a link, I may receive a small kick-back at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!*
As Mom’s, we feel a strong sense of responsibility to care for our families when they are unwell. This is a God-given responsibility, and a part of our refinement as women; learning to create a comfortable home where we nurture and care for our families well.
When I first started learning about the negative side effects of many over-the-counter remedies that I used to grab for at the pharmacy, I stopped buying them. I believe that consuming products that contain sugars, dyes, and artificial flavors will further suppress your immune system, resulting in a longer healing process. The problem was, I found myself struggling to figure out how to help my husband and children deal with cold and flu-like symptoms without them! I didn’t want to stand by and watch them tough-it-out, so I started testing out some low-risk alternatives that would support our bodies and fight off symptoms quickly!
I’ve compiled a list of the top 5 natural remedies that I keep in my cabinet to support my family and help them to recover quickly from illness.
#1: Homeocoksinum (Homeopathic remedy)
Homeocoksinum is SERIOUSLY number one on my list for both cold and flu symptoms. A friend of mine dropped this off at my doorstep one time after I told her that I was coming down with the flu. It stopped it DEAD IN ITS TRACKS and relieved my headache and chills almost instantly. We keep it on hand now and take it every time we feel a cold or flu setting in. If you’re gearing up for travel, or a big event, and need to make sure that stuffy nose doesn’t turn into something that’s going to take you down, this is what you should be reaching for.
You can order it here, and you will definitely be thankful to have it on hand the next time you need to kick a cold or fly quickly!
#2: Fire Cider
Fire cider is a vinegar based remedy that you can make at home that has strong immune-boosting properties. Once prepared, you can store this in a glass jar for up to a year in your pantry. You can drink a spoonful of your cider regularly for illness prevention, or save it for emergencies when you feel those cold or flu symptoms coming on. Take a shot of this and you will literally feel the burn immediately as it runs its course. It’s jam-packed full of ingredients that work together to boost your immunity quickly and has known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
If offering this to someone with a sensitive stomach, or a child, I recommend diluting and not consuming on an empty stomach. It will still take full effect, but it can be potent, as I’m sure you will assume based on the ingredients.
For a great recipe, and more information on why this is so high on my list, check out this blog post
#3: Oregano Oil
This one is (IMO) easier to stomach than the Fire Cider, but still incredibly helpful. Oregano Oil has incredibly high antioxidant, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, and is very accessible. Simply add the recommended dose into a shot of water and drink up! I use the Natural Factor’s brand which you can order on Amazon here. Be prepared for a very pizza-esque after-taste!
#4: Elderberry Syrup
Do you have a deep, lingering cough that seems to be sticking around FOR-EVERRR? Elderberry is my go-to for respiratory issues, specifically. In folk medicine today, Elderberry is known as one of the most healing plants. It’s another powerful antioxidant, and can be consumed in many versatile ways – in a syrup, a tincture, or as a whole berry.
I couldn’t find a link that I supported for this one, but I typically use an Elderberry Tincture from a local distributor. You should be able to find a high quality tincture or syrup at your local health food store. Glass bottles are preferable to avoid any chemical leaking 😉
#5: Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that supports the body’s natural defense to respiratory tract infections, while supporting a healthy immune response. Zinc is a heavily used mineral in the body that is required in order to carry out many types of chemical reactions in our bodies. Increasing your Zinc intake by supplementing when you’re feeling unwell may help to speed up the recovery process. You can take this in capsule form, or as a liquid. To my knowledge, one is not superior to the other, it’s just simply personal preference. For either option, just be sure that you aren’t purchasing a low-quality option that contains other unnecessary ingredients (such as dies, flavors, sweeteners).
I recommend ordering an organic Zinc supplement like this one to have on hand when you need it!
