What’s In My Medicine Cabinet – Sick Season Tricks!

Funny thing about this post… I had intended it to go out over a month ago, whoops…

It wasn’t even flu season and I already had to pull my tricks out! Poor G picked up some cold/flu bug (probably from CONSTANTLY chewing on her hands – the girl is trying to push through 3-4 teeth at once) and the hubby and I fought desperately to not get sick ourselves. I will say, we do not frequent doctors offices and stay pretty healthy in general (…knocking on my wooden desk…)

So in the spirit of going back to school, the weather getting cooler, and people spreading more germs, I figured I would share my Sick Season Tricks!

DISCLAIMER – I am not a health professional. These are methods and remedies I have learned over the years from family, friends, (some of whom ARE health professionals) and tons of research. As always, I encourage you to do your own research. Look into what you are putting in your body and the effect it has on your health! MY thought process… if I can use age old home remedies to help ward off sickness, shorten the duration of a bug, boost mine and my families immune systems, and avoid paying $$$ for a rushed doctor visit then by all means, bring it on. When a bug enters my house, I take it personally – cue Momma Bear. That thing ain’t gonna last for long!

These are a few of my favorite ways to help prevent or shorten the duration of an illness, I would love to hear yours!

Apple Cider Vinegar Drink – 3 x daily

• 2 TBS ACV (Use Braggs with the Mother)
• 1-2 TBS Raw Local Honey
• 8 oz filtered water

Make this “tonic” 3x daily. We drink it if someone in the house gets sick, if we start to feel crummy, or if we already are sick.

Garlic/Honey – 2 x daily 

• 1 clove raw garlic *chopped (or 1/2 if its huge)
• 1 TBS Raw Local Honey

Put the chopped up garlic on a tablespoon, fill with honey, and down the hatch! Take this 2x or 3x a day. Users beware, after taking a few doses your skin/sweat will start smelling slightly garlicy lol. *Garlic

Lemon/Honey Tea

• 2 TBS Organic Lemon Juice
• 2 TBS Raw Local Honey
• 6-8 oz hot filtered water
• Cinnamon to taste

We sip on this to soothe sore throats. I always have a mug of something warm to sip on when I don’t feel good. Tons of fluids (tea, water, etc) will help keep you hydrated and flush out the germs.

Bone Broth – Chicken (Beef and Fish broth recipes – HERE) 

Essential Oils – DoTerra

I was a skeptic, i’ll admit. But I have had too many positive experiences since trying it out to be one anymore.

• OnGuard on bottom of feet (Diluted 1TBS carrier oil to 1-2 drops EO)
• Breathe in the diffuser during the day and Lavender or Serenity diffusing at night
• One drop Eucalyptus oil in steam pot
• Headache Blend  – Frankincense, Peppermint, Lavender, FCO in roller bottle

Apple Juice Slushies

Because who doesn’t love slushies?!

• Ice Chips
• Organic Unfiltered Apple Juice

Neti-Pot 

So gross, but SO effective. For the longest time anytime I got a cold, I got a sinus infection. I started using the Neti-Pot when I was pregnant and couldn’t take anything for being sick. Now anytime I get congested, I will do a pot of steam and/or hot shower followed by the Neti-Pot and walla! I can breathe! I’ll do this as many times a day as necessary (according to directions).

Vitamins

Extra boost of Vitamin C and Vitamin D are always my go to vitamins. I do have a pretty full vitamin/herb cabinet lol…

My mom always said, it take a village to raise a family. The value of community and support is something that should be revered and cultivated! Sharing experiences, tips, tricks, recipes, support and love is so special and now having a family of my own I really enjoy the community of other moms I have to bounce ideas off of, learn new info, or just be there for moral support. I wish everyone all the fun and good health this fall/winter! I would love to hear your favorite home remedies for staying healthy!

xo – J