If you’ve ever been to San Antonio or lived here for any length of time you probably know, the allergies here are vicious. They’re relentless. They’re everywhere. For real, the other day when it rained I swear it rained pollen. Disgusting. When I first moved here I was sick for like 2 years straight because of the allergens, my body just couldn’t handle them. It was absolutely miserable! But I guess I can say the good that came out of all of that is I really found what works to battle the allergies and get me through cold season. Which is how I can share my all natural ways to get your family though allergy, cold and flu season.
And you know me and all my all-natural tendencies (or, as my hubby calls it “witchcraft and potions”), I am not one to take meds and really try to avoid taking anything if I don’t have to. I can’t remember the last time I went to the doctor… (full disclosure, I don’t even have one…). So began my research journey of all natural remedies that actually work. And this seems like the perfect time of year to share my all remedies.
And I’m not talking about the “wash your hands” and “cover your sneeze” kind of stuff. I have some serious must-try remedies here! Take a look.
Elderberry
I swear by this stuff. And as skeptical as my husband is, my whole family thrives on it during cold and flu season. It’s so potent and full of antioxidants it really is like a magic potion. I found out about it years and years ago and it really helped me when I would feel a cold coming on ( I swear it kept me from getting the flu for some years while I was still teaching high school). And the great thing about it is that because it’s kind of “trendy” right now, you can pretty much find it anywhere. You can find it in pill form, chewable, gummies, lozenges, syrup, homeopathic tablets (these work great), and more.
When I’m really using it to stop a cold, I prefer the syrup, I just feel like it is more potent and works better, but you can try out different forms and see what you think. And yes they even have it for babies! I LOVE all of the Zarbee’s stuff for babies, and they have some elderberry goodies. I like the multivitamin formula with elderberry and the cough and cold syrup (this one or this one) with elderberry. And they have some for adults!
Essential oil care
Say what you want about essential oils, but I have a handful that I use and will go to my grave telling you: they work. Especially during cold and flu season. I use eucalyptus and peppermint in my diffuser, I’ll use it in the shower to open up my sinuses (just put a couple drops in your hands and turn on the hot shower… let the steam do it’s thang), and then I love all natural products that use essential oils.
Like this Oilogic bath gel, I LOVE this stuff for little man. It’s got all ingredients you can trust, it’s great for babies and kids (and you!). You can use it as kind of a bubble bath or as a body wash and it really helps this little guy’s stuffy nose. I also like this chest rub, it’s like a boujee kind of Vick’s Vapo Rub but has some more essential oils in it and is safe for kids and babies. Rub it on their feet and chest and it works nicely.
Teas
I like a good herbal tea any day of the week, but there are some I like to keep on hand specifically for cold and flu season. I like this one by Herbion, it REALLY helps with the gunk that gets stuck in your sinuses and when your throat is on fire. And then this Throat Coat is soothing as well.
What are your go-to remedies for cold and flu season? Try some of my natural ways to get through allergy, cold and flu season and let me now heat works for you!