Cold and flu season is certainly upon us. Everyone I know is sick or has been over the past several weeks. I’ve never been someone who takes over-the-counter medication when I’m sick. I always opt for the holistic options before medical, especially now that I am a mom. I do not give my kids medicine unless it is absolutely necessary. Below are all of the holistic ways I treat my family and I when we are sick.
Sore Throat Remedy — I use this when I have discomfort from a sore throat and the hot water gives you instant relief. The other ingredients provide relief as well as many healing properties. Check out the full post here.
Honey — I will take a teaspoon or two whenever I have a cough. Studies show honey is one of the top choices for a cough suppressant, especially for younger children that shouldn’t be taking over-the-counter cough syrup. Use local honey whenever possible and do not give to a baby under 1 year old.
Eucalyptus essential oil — the cooling mint aroma helps to open blocked nasal passages and has antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. I usually put a few drops on a cotton ball right next to mine or my kids beds. Sometimes I use a diffuser
Peppermint essential oil — peppermint is great way to relieve a headache, among other things. It has antibacterial properties and soothes respiratory discomfort. Pure Haven also has a roller ball with peppermint oil, that can be especially helpful when you are sick.
Natural Vapor Rub — Pure Haven just came out with a vapor rub, which is really helpful when the girls are congested. You simply rub it on the chest and it will help you to breathe.
Humidifier — helps to put moisture back into the air during the winter. Modern heating systems can really dry out nasal passages, giving bacteria the perfect place to wreak havoc on our immune systems.
Hot showers/hot steam — taking a hot shower will also help to add moisture into your nasal passages and lungs, helping to make you feel better. I like to add a scoop of these bath/shower salts to help me breathe. Sometimes I will put boiling water in a large bowl and cover my head with a towel while the bowl. You can even add a few drops of the essential oils I mentioned above, or the Be Well essential oil by Pure Haven.
Sleep — this is really important when you are sick so you can give your body a break while it works hard to fight against the germs. It can be difficult for parents to find the time to get extra sleep, but take whatever chance you can or ask for someone to help with the kids so you can rest.
Hydrate — drinking fluids is important for your everyday health, but it is even more important when you are sick. The fluids will help flush out your body, getting rid of the germs and toxins.
Tips for a congested nursing/bottle fed baby:
My youngest is a fall baby and has an older sister. She was exposed to many germs the day she was born, I even had a cold when I gave birth. Thankfully I was able to nurse her so she was getting all of my antibodies and didn’t get too sick. There were a few days when she was three months old and refusing to nurse because she just couldn’t breathe. Since breast milk was her only source of nutrition, I was really concerned. I put the humidifier on high in her room and a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil on the cotton ball next to the rocking chair. Then I used a saline solution in her nose and the NoseFrieda to get out as much mucus as possible and she was finally able to nurse.
