Whether it’s the seasons changing, the temperature dropping or just the virus de jour from school, church or a playdate- a cold or the flu never comes at a good time. While traditional medicine has its place, many mamas are seeking natural remedies to help prevent and treat these common illnesses. With that, I’m sharing what I keep on hand in our home to help boost immune systems, shorten the length of a cold or the flu and keep everyone a little more comfortable.
Please know that none of what is shared below is considered medical advice- you should always consult with a trusted medical professional.
I’m going on record that I scrapped any attempts for SEO or to create a post that will rank in Google. Rumor has it, anything that is health or wellness related, is buried anyway. So consider this post a helpful and easy to read resource for helping you bulk up your natural medicine cabinet. These are the ten things I always keep on hand for when that all too inconvenient virus pops in for a quick “let me throw off your entire week!” visit!
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The top 10 natural remedies in my natural medicine cabinet!
Elderberry syrup: You can DIY this by purchasing organic elderberries on Amazon and making on the stove or Instant Pot (recipe here!) or you can purchase a kit. My favorite is from my friend Elizabeth Parsons!
Essential Oils: I have a lot of essential oils but there are only a handful I reach for that are known for their antiviral and decongestant properties, such as eucalyptus, tea tree, and peppermint. These oils can be used for steam inhalations, diffusers, or homemade chest rubs. Other blends like Thieves or On Guard are helpful to roll on the midline of your back or feet. Don’t knock it til you’ve tried it!
Manuka honey: Manuka honey has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Pair it with lemon for a classic combination that can help soothe sore throats and provide relief from coughing. Make a warm drink by mixing hot water, manuka honey, and lemon juice. You can also just take a big spoonful of Manuka honey straight from the jar. As a side note, I also just manuka honey on cuts and scrapes- it’s healing properties are really impressive!
Vitamin C: Consider both supplements and Vitamin C rich foods to help support your immune system. This could look like oranges, cantaloupe, bell peppers, kiwis and broccoli to name a few. I also keep Mary Ruth’s Liposomal Vitamin C on hand. I may or may not squeeze it directly from the bottle in to my mouth.
Boiron ColdCalm Tablets: Coldcalm Tablets help address symptoms at every stage of a cold by temporarily relieving symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion and minor sore throat.
Boiron Oscilloccinum: If I’m feeling more achy and Heaven forbid, flu-like, I reach for Oscillococcinum as fast as possible. It can help reduce the duration of body aches, headache, fever, chills, and fatigue but works best when taken at the first sign of symptoms.
LMNT Hydration Packets: Whether you’re a little sick or a lot sick, hydration will always play a huge roll in recovery. I drink at least one packet of LMNT daily but I consume a lot more when under the weather.
Bone Broth: Consider keeping homemade bone broth in the freezer or a shelf-stable option in your pantry like Fond.
Saltwater and Nasal Irrigation Kits: Keeping your nasal passages clear is essential to healing and comfort. A saline nasal spray or a neti pot can help with congestion relief. I actually keep a bottle of saline in the shower when I’m under the weather and will start the day with a steamy shower and flushing out my nose with saline.
- Earthly Feel Better Fast: This tincture can help support your body’s natural immune system so that it works more efficiently. It has key herbs like, Echinacea angustifolia root, fennel seed, astragalus root, elder flower and cinnamon. This is one of the first tinctures I grab when I feel a tickle in my throat or I can tell one of my kiddos is feeling a little off.
This is not an exhaustive list but it’s a great place to start if you’re looking to add some natural remedies to your medicine cabinet! If you found this helpful, please pin for later and share with a friend!
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