Despite our good efforts to stay healthy this winter , our household — like many — didn’t escape the flu . Getting outside for daily walk around the farm , washing our hired man sacredly , and loading up on vitamin- and mineral - rich foods are a few strategies we use to keep our immune system impregnable , but every once in awhile the microbe get the well of you . It ’s a normal part of life , and even though it make you feel crummy for a week or so , it can make your illness - fighting capability substantial in the long - run .
I like to keep a few homemade — and homegrown when potential — remedies on script to rear our sick family and keep us comfortable while fighting the grippe . Keeping the body hydrate is key during any illness , so I like to turn to liquid “ music ” in the bod of teas and soup . Here are some born therapeutic we used against the flu this year .
- Note : While our kinfolk believe most pocket-sized illnesses can be treated at home , please consult your doctor or natural wellness practician if you ’re not familiar with using natural remedy . Also observe that high febricity and dehydration that can accompany the influenza can warrant a trip to see a medical professional , so please supervise for those things while care for at home .
1. Elderberry
One of my favourite herb for cold and flu season , elderberry offers a dose of vitamin C while also keeping the symptoms of malady from getting out of hand . When the threat of a cold or flu is imminent , I ’ll take a dropperful of elderberry tincture with meals for bar . When we are sick , I make up a soothing tea with common elder and catnip to break a febrility . kidskin might find this remediation goes down easiest insyrup formmade with honey . good for all ages , this is one herbaceous plant we must have when flu strikes .
2. Catnip
Catnip is an herbaceous plant beneficial to caretaker and the sick alike . It ’s amild depressant , so when brew alone into a teatime , it can help caretakers ride out unagitated and can assist the sick residual and find a sense of homeostasis . However , this herbaceous plant also shines in conjunction with other herbs . I use a homemade shadow made with catnip , camomile and valerian to help with the head and body ache that keep company the flu . Catnip can also induce sweating to give away a febricity when compound with yarrow , elderberry or elder flush into a warm Camellia sinensis . Again , catnip is gentle enough to be used with patients of all age .
3. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen herbaceous plant , stand for it can serve the body cope with stress . While ashwagandha generally is n’t advocate to address acute conditions , such as a cold or flu , you may use it to help build up the immune system of rules during recovery or if you ’re susceptible to illness from not getting enough rest . I ’ve been putting ashwagandha shade in my H2O to get my DOE back up after the bad of the flu has passed . ( Ashwagandha has stillborn properties , so do n’t use it if you ’re pregnant . )
4. Bone Broth
I ’m a big believer in food for thought as medicine , andbone brothis the quintessential coldness and influenza remediation . When the flu knocked out our appetites , we replenished the minerals in our body and give ourselves a healing cost increase by sip on a little off-white stock made from high - quality organic chicken bones . As an added incentive , it ’s high in electrolytes , which can keep the body hydrated better than drinking water alone . It ’s also a great vehicle for other immune - boosting herbs , such as garlic and ginger . We always make bone broth after roasting a chicken and keep it our freezer for use in future soup — or for times like this , when we all get sick .
5. Massage Oil For Aches
Sometimes the best affair you may do for your body during a bout of the flu is to get rest , but that can be unmanageable with the aches , annoyance and stuffy nose that accompanies the illness . I make an easy massage oil using Olea europaea crude oil with a few drops of lavender and rosemary essential oils mixed in . Rub it on the temples , neck , articulatio humeri and chest of drawers to offer rest from aches and open up up the pinched passage — a little proceed a tenacious elbow room . verify you research essential oils before using this on children .
These are just some of the tools we care to keep on hand to razz out the flu , but there are many other options that can help , as well . What are your best-loved natural remedies for insensate and flu season ?
