How to get over the flu fast!
Flu season is rapidly approaching, and while we don’t like to think about it, it’s better to be prepared if it does hit your family. Fortunately, there are natural ways to keep those nasty viruses away OR if you do come down with something, to drastically reduce the sick time. We have been using these natural remedies in my house for over six years and they never let us down. You will be healthy in no time!
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The best, number one way to get rid of the flu or a cold quickly is to start treating it as soon as you feel symptoms coming on. A tickle in your throat, a runny nose, slight cough or sores in your mouth are all signs that you could be coming down with something. As soon as you or one of your kids feels a symptom – start using your natural remedies.
I have FIVE tried and true home remedies that I rely on and they get us through every winter.
Top five natural cold and flu fighters
1. Drink Hot water with ginger, lemon, and raw honey
I love this making this warming tonic on cold winter mornings and it is especially soothing when you have a sore throat. Lemon and Ginger are two powerhouses that will help boost your immune system while providing sooo many other health benefits. Ginger is great for digestion and nausea, while Lemon provides powerful cleansing benefits to the body.
If you are sick, make this drink several times a day. You could also add some apple cider vinegar for an extra punch.
This drink is tough for little ones to handle, so if they have a cough or a sore throat I will put a little raw honey on a teaspoon with a squeeze of lemon and they are usually happy to take it!
2. Use An essential oil immune boosting roller
You know we love our oils! I make this blend and roll it down our spines every night during cold and flu season. It’s a blend of Lemon, Melaleuca or tea tree oil (promotes healthy immune function), Oregano (the big daddy of immune boosters) and On Guard (a doTERRA blend comprised of Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus, Rosemary and Wild Orange – need I say more!).
If someone has come down with a cold or the flu we use this roller several times throughout the day. My husband and I will also take this combination in a capsule (adults only please!!) and it cuts days off our illness. We also use the essential oils in the infographic below for extra support! Essential oils have been a true blessing for our family. Read this post to get the step by step on how to make an essential oil roller for immune support.
3. Take Black Elderberry Syrup
This was my first foray into natural remedies. My Dad used to take spoonfuls of Elderberry when he had a cold and it always minimized his sick time. I started doing it and noticed a huge difference. Take it when you feel something yucky coming on and you will be impressed. This stuff is magic and it tastes yummy!
If you have a cold or the flu you can take elderberry syrup throughout the day and you will start to feel so much better. Make sure to follow the proper dosage instructions on the bottle. Nature’s Way Sambucus is the one I give my kids and I like to take the sugar-free version.
Next on my list of DIYs is to make my own black elderberry syrup. This recipe from The Wellness Mama is the one I’m going to try. I will keep you updated!
4. Diffuse essential oils
Diffusing essential oils is one of the most powerful things you can do when a sickness hits your home. Not only will it help fight the illness and lessen your symptoms, but it will also keep the other members of your family healthy.
I like to diffuse a combination of doTERRA’s On Guard, Frankincense and Arborvitae throughout the day (about 2 drops each) and throughout the entire house. Fights the virus and kills any yucky airborne germs.
Essential oils like Eucalyptus, Cardamom, Rosemary and Peppermint are all amazing for respiratory support. Add a few drops to your diffuser and you will feel major relief. You can also apply an essential oil like eucalyptus or peppermint to your chest (with a carrier oil) for extra relief.
If you don’t have a diffuser, try out this awesome one . It’s inexpensive and it works really well!
5. Get lots of sleep, sleep and more sleep!
We all know how important it is, especially when you are sick. If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep try a few drops of Lavender essential oil on your pillow, or pop a calming blend (anything with Lavender, Bergamot, Cedarwood) in an essential oil diffuser. I like to mix a few drops of Lavender with Eucalyptus to kill two birds with one stone – sleep and respiratory support!
If you have trouble sleeping, check out this post which discusses the top five essential oils for sleep.
There you have it – a few natural remedies to keep in your toolbox for cold and flu season. If you think a friend could use this, share the love!
Related Posts:
How To Get Rid Of A Cold Fast!
DIY Vapor Rub
How To Soothe A Sore Throat With Essential Oils
This information is meant for educational purposes only. The statements above have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. It is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition or are taking any medication, please consult your physician.
This post contains affiliate links. Please know I only recommend products that I use and love.
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