I get sick… a lot.

Yep, I’m super healthy but I’ve always battled to stay well during cold and flu season. I know a large part of it is because I tend to burn the candle at both ends and the rest of it is because I work with people, aka. I work with germs. Lol. To top that all off, I now have a toddler who loves giving nose kisses even when it’s full of leaky boogers, yuck!

Over the years, I’ve found ways to attempt to fortify my immune system at the first sign of a cold AND I’ve figured out a few natural remedies to help once it’s set in.

Vitamin D: I try my best to take 4000-6000IU during the winter. Vit D is fat soluble so look for capsules or tinctures that are in an oil base to help with absorbability. I like Prairie Naturals. It has also been shown in studies to help with seasonal affective disorder, skin health, absorption of calcium, and to improve bone and tooth health. This is a great way to keep your system up to fend off colds and some naturopaths may recommend up to 10000IU when you are sick.

Elderberry Syrup or Gummies: Elderberry is interesting. If you take it daily, when you get sick and increase your dose it continues to build effectiveness. If you just take it once you’re feeling sick, it will help your body fight off bugs, however, it will not have the same cumulative strength as taking a little bit every day. It’s super easy to make your own syrup but it does take time. Check out Wellness Mamma for some recipes. It tastes pretty yummy so it’s much easier to choke down than some of my favorite tinctures.

Goldenseal: This root seems to be extremely strong at killing bacteria and has even been shown in studies to kill E. Coli. This is not for long term use as it has the potential to disrupt the good/bad bacteria balance, however, I have found it really effective to use in the short term once you are starting to feel symptomatic. I like to take mine in a tincture mixed with some water. It is very strong and may not be suited for youngsters.

Colloidial Silver: Silver is used in a ton of Norwex cleaning products and Lululemon clothing to kill molds and bacterias. The way it works is it goes in and surrounds the bacteria, suffocating it. Colloidial silver tastes like water so it’s super easy to take. Silver is not considered a heavy metal so it is generally regarded as safe by the medical community. I feel totally comfortable taking 1-2 tsp a day when I am sick and spraying it on cuts and even in my eyes to disinfect. We use it in our face cream and whipped lotion to keep mold at bay as well!

Oregano Essential Oil: Taking Oil Of Oregano is often people’s second introduction to natural cold and flu fighting (the first being echinacea). It’s great and I used to use it all the time. I stopped after I worked in a health food store and the manager let me know that it’s so strong it can kill off good bacteria and you should follow it up with a probiotic if you are taking it to re-balance your gut. Our skin is incredible at absorbing everything we put on it so now I use 2-3 drops of pure oregano oil mixed with 1 tsp of coconut oil on the sole of each foot. Oregano stimulates the immune system and helps your body fight twice as hard to kill off the bad bugs. On little ones you want to dilute much stronger. Only use 1 drop per tablespoon. Put on some wool socks after to keep everything locked in. The only downfall to this is you smell like a pizzaria! We have some in stock right here.

Thieves Blend: Just like oregano, this blend of essential oils has been used to help your body rev up it’s natural flu busting crew. The essential oils in it are also super anti-fungal and anti-microbial and have been shown on their own to kill up to 15 different strains of viruses. The story behind the name is super cool as well. It’s named after a group of thieves that raided houses of the sick during the plague and never got sick. Once caught, they shared their secret in exchange for immunity. They took a tincture of herbs in apple cider vinegar. Since then, these herbs and a few others have been combined in pure essential oils. They can be diffused in the house, sprayed on linens or applied topically (in dilution).  I carry a 20% dilution in my purse and use it instead of hand sanitizer and will also wear it at least 4 days a week to help keep my immune system up. Once I’m sick, I will apply it 3-5 times a day on the soles of my feet, on my hips or near my armpits. You can get thieves from us too by clicking here.

Ginger Tea: This is by far my hubby’s favorite. I simmer about 2 Tbsp of ginger in about 4 cups of water on the stove for 2hr-1day. Then I mix in 1 tsp of raw honey, 1 Tbsp of lemon juice and sometimes a dash of cayenne or 1 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar. This helps to soothe sore throats and kick up the immune system. If you are super brave, you can juice 1/2 lb of ginger and take it like a shot 1 oz at a time. This will for sure get your immune system up and running but it also tend to make your ears burn. I’ve done it and I like it but it takes a bit of work. If you are under the weather, sipping on the tea will do wonders on it’s own.

Root Down: When I was little, I always ended up on Baba’s couch on school days that I missed from being ill. She used to rub vicks all over my chest and it always made me feel better. Root down is our natural vicks but it is so much better. First of all, it’s chemical and petroleum free but on top of all that, the essential oils we have chosen will help to open up your airways, lower fevers and stimulate your immune system. It’s also in a base of castor oil which helps to detox the body and get the live up to full function. Once you try it in your house, the moment anyone feels under the weather, they will ask for it… even your 2 year olds. (Note: On children under 32months we recommend only using it on the soles of their feet. We use menthol crystals and a bit of peppermint oil which can be very harsh on their lungs. Applying it to their feet will still achieve the same results). Buy some here.

The best thing to do, is what we’ve been told for ages: Wash your hands and get adequate rest.

Feel free to comment and let us know what you do in your home!

Stay Healthy

Jay