I decided that instead of offering our friends a cheese and charcuterie tray when they come over during the winter, I’m just going to start offering a tray full of natural cold and flu remedies and preventions. I’m kidding, but seriously, the flu and plenty of other germs are everywhere right now! I realize that we cannot do anything to 100% guarantee we will not get a cold or the flu, but I have learned some natural remedies over the years. Elderberry syrup is one of those methods, and I’ve listed and explained our other methods below as well.
In honor of this post, and sick season, I am partnering with Sweet’s Syrup to give away two bottles of the best elderberry syrup! Stephanie puts her heart into this company, and it is paying off. So many people in Charlotte, and now in other parts of NC and SC, love her elderberry syrup. To enter the giveaway go to this instagram post and follow the directions there. I promise you will love her syrup! We take it daily.
Cold and Flu Remedies – The Natural Way
Elderberry Syrup. Elderberry is one of the most powerful antiviral herbs on earth. It has been known to help boost immunity and help reduce the longevity of colds and the flu.
Lemon, Ginger, and Raw Honey in Hot Water. The second I feel a tickle in my throat, I heat up some water and add fresh lemon, fresh ginger (just peeled), and raw local honey. Ginger is anti-inflammatory, it can help your body fight germs, it helps alleviate nausea, and promotes good digestion. Lemons are packed with vitamin C, and drinking lemon water can help prevent a cold, and also shorten the duration of cold symptoms. Raw honey is healing, it is a good source of antioxidants, it has anti fungal and anti bacterial properties, and it can soothe a sore throat.
Garlic. Add it to food, chew on raw, sliced garlic, take a supplement. It is another powerful antiviral. Garlic boosts immunity and can help prevent or shorten the duration of a cold or the flu. If you get sick often, incorporating more garlic into your routine can help. Ideally, you’d slice it or chop it up, then eat it raw.
Bronchial Wellness Tea. My mom gave me some of this. It is by Gaia, and has herbs that help with respiratory and throat irritation.
Wellness Formula Supplement. Our friends told us about this supplement, and now we keep it stocked in our pantry. If Todd and I start to feel sick at all, we take these. It is an herbal complex that helps support our immune systems. They also have it in drops for kids.
Vitamin C. A daily supplement, especially during cold and flu season.
Essential Oils: Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lavendar, Thieves, Oregano. I explained these more in this post about supplements we give our kids, but all of these can help alleviate sickness and/or kill germs. I buy my oils here, and I use this diffuser ($15) in the boys’ rooms when they are sick. The eucalyptus and peppermint help them breathe easier when they are congested, and the thieves is great for sick season in general. Oregano is a natural antibacterial.
Apple Cider Vinegar. Raw, cold-pressed apple cider vinegar (Bragg’s is a good brand) can help ward off seasonal allergies, it helps balance your body’s pH, and it can relieve cold symptoms – among other things. I like to mix it in with warm water and a little raw honey. It is also good mixed with sparkling water and ice. I used to drink it plain, but that was a little harsh on my tooth enamel and stomach.
No Dairy. Eating dairy can cause the phlegm that builds up at the back of your throat to become thicker.
No Sugar. Try to avoid as much sugar as possible when you’re sick or starting to feel sick. Sugar can weaken immune cells, and it causes higher inflammation.
Extra Greens and Veggies. Fill up on foods that will support your immune system, and also give your body vitamins and nutrients, naturally.
Zinc. Zinc can work as an antiviral and also supports our immune systems. If you start to feel a cold coming, taking zinc as soon as possible can help.
Bone Broth. Bone broth contains nutrients and minerals that support gut health, and therefore immunity. It is soothing to sip on something warm while we are sick, and bone broth is a great option.
Epsom Salt Bath. Make sure you have been drinking enough water before doing so, but sitting in a bath with epsom salt is soothing and also a great way for your body to detox.
Turmeric. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory. We take it as a supplement (do not do this if you have an issue with blood coagulating), but you can also add it to food or make a golden milk latte.
Thank you to Sweets Syrup for partnering with me for this giveaway! I’m so happy to be working with a local brand who is doing great things and spreading wellness in our city.
How can I order elderberry syrup from you?
You can order from Sweet’s Syrup. Here is the link! https://www.sweetssyrup.com/shop/
Thanks for sharing this