The cold and flu season is back in full swing. Don’t wait until you or your family comes home coughing to ensure you have remedies on hand. Now is the time to either purchase or start making some tried and true cold remedies.
DIY ideas I have tried and swear by:
Homemade wellness shots. Each weekend, I make wellness shots for the upcoming week. You can buy these at the store, but my husband and I prefer a daily shot each and at about $4 each, that really adds up. It costs me about $5 total when I make them at home. There are lots of recipes out there but I prefer this DIY recipe that is loaded with turmeric, lemons and ginger.
Ginger Lemon Honey ‘Goo’. Sliced lemons and fresh ginger layered in a mason jar. You cover with honey and let sit a few hours. I add bits of hot water at a time and sip on it. This is loaded with vitamin c, antibacterial from the ginger and throat coat with the honey. It is yummy too!
Honey and garlic. In a mason jar, put several cloves of garlic and cover with honey. Twist the lid tight and “burp” the jar every day during the first 10 days to ensure it doesn’t over pressurize. After about 10 days, it’s ready. Leave out on the counter or the medicine cabinet and take a spoonful (yes, including the garlic clove!) when you start to feel a cold coming on. I made a batch months ago and also gave some to friends and neighbors. This remedy will last months.
Gargle with warm/hot salt water (best for adults and not kids) – This mix helps kill germs and bacteria in the mouth and throat.
Store bought options:
Store bought wellness shots. If you are not interested in the DIY wellness, there are many store bought options to give your system a boost.
Elderberry Syrup. This stuff is pretty delicious. You can buy this at any vitamin store or even at a Target or Fred Meyer. Elderberry is a great immunity booster and your kids will like it too!
Menthol Rub on Feet – I know. You think this is weird. I did too. And, then I was desperate and did it and my kids are so much better. We get ours from the baby aisle because it has lavender in it and smells so much better, but I really do think the Vicks VapoRub kind tends to work faster.
Epsom Salt. This is great to help detox and increase circulation. Pour some in the bath and soak in the nice hot water – warm for the kids of course! You can pick this up pretty much anywhere – Walgreens, Target, etc.
Throat Coat Tea and Emergen-C This might sound weird but I actually pour Emergen-C into a hot cup of throat coat tea. A co-worker turned me onto it years ago and I love the combination of the warmth along with the extra vitamins.
Oil Pulling. I have used coconut oil for this technique that is found to whiten teeth and also draw out toxins in your body. Take a tablespoon of oil and swish it around in your mouth for 10-20 minutes. Spit out, do not swallow. It is not the most convenient of remedies but it’s an ancient technique so it’s worth a try!
Chili Powder. If the salt and warm water isn’t taking care of business, try adding 1/8-1/4 teaspoon to warm water to gargle (do not drink!). I have tried it and am a believer!
Olive Leaf Extract I introduced this to a few of the All Mom Does bloggers years ago and none of us know quite how but we categorize it as pure magic. It has antiviral properties and gives immune support.
Guess what should also be common practice, mom? REST AND WATER! I know, but it has to be said. How many times do we let ourselves get burned out. Lots. Rest up. Drink water.
Cheers to good health!
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