Here are my top 3 cold and flu remedies! 

OK let’s face it, sometimes no matter what we do, we get sick. It’s actually a good thing to occasionally get a cold or flu since it builds your immune system against the next time you have it. I’ve compiled my top 3 cold and flu remedies and supplements we use in my house when it does strike.

We have been getting hit more than usual lately because both my kids are in daycare…so that means they are being constantly exposed to germs every day. And I mean, those kids run around those centres with snot hanging off their faces, and in the infant rooms they end up putting everything in their mouths so it’s no surprise they get sick so often. Plus, for infants they were usually cocooned up with mom at home for the first year and so haven’t been exposed to the germie germs out there.

So without further ado…here are my top 3 remedies (please note that I have no affiliation with any of these companies and so linked either to the company themselves, where you can do a search on where to buy, or I linked a reference site for you to do more research. I purchased all of this stuff at various health food stores in Toronto, and I would assume they are widely available or at least available for order online):

[kad_youtube url=”http://youtu.be/mZYulSlSaGg” ] 

Remedies for Grown-Ups

Oregano Oil – antimicrobial, antibacterial, antioxidant. I use 1 ml in a shot glass of water and shoot it back when I’m feeling a tickle or if I wake a little under the weather. Usually by the end of the day I feel much better. More Please.

Thieves’ Oil – the wonder, do-all oil…a definite must have. Read more here. 

St Francis Herbals – EchinaPura (echinacea), Deep Immune (they do a kids version too!). I’ll add to my water and sip throughout the day.  More! More!

Don’t forget about Neti Pots too – an excellent way to help clear up blocked sinuses without having to use decongestants.

Remedies for Kids

Homeopathic remedies. Safe for even the youngest babies. I’ve noticed a huge reduction in severity and length of colds when using this stuff.

HydraSense Nasal Aspirator – for slightly older babies (who sit still) otherwise use an ear syringe.

Mullein Garlic ear drops for ear infections.

My Top Recommendation

Probiotics…probiotics are good for so many things, but they are very effective at building our immune system from the inside out. 70% of our immune system is in our gut so it’s important to keep it healthy and happy. This applies to the kiddies too. I’ve been giving probiotics to my kids since they were both very young babies, and neither of them have had a single diaper rash, never needed antibiotics, and their colds or fevers generally only last a day or two. I strongly believe this is because of the probiotics and also the healthy food we eat. If you’re new to probiotics, start slowly and build up to full dose. A little diarrhea at first is normal, but if it persists, cut back on the dose and speak to your healthcare professional. 

You can find good quality probiotics at your health food stores, speak to your sales clerk who will point you in the direction for the best brand for your family. I use HMF by Genestra.

Recipe!

[yumprint-recipe id=’16’] Disclaimeroonie: Since I’m not your doctor, nutritionist, ND or mommy, I highly recommend you seek out professional advice before taking these remedies, especially the herbals, since they are potent. Everything I’ve recommended I’ve used myself or on my kids and have had no contra-indications, however if you are pregnant, nursing or have a health condition, please double check before using. None of this information is meant to treat, cure or prevent any kind of disease.