My Go-To Remedies to Naturally Beat Cold and Flu Season
Cold and flu season seems to catch me off guard every year and then I don’t have my natural cold treatments ready! After an incredible, healthy summer where everyone thrived, the dreaded cold season hit our household—hard. I’m currently battling it myself. Life is so much harder while battling a cold!
It started when my kids caught a cold. They got through it without too much trouble, but I was hit hard after my 7-year-old sneezed in my face while getting out of the car. Yes, right in my face! I thought we were past that stage, but apparently not. This cold has had me reaching for pain reducers just to function during the day and try to sleep at night. And if you know me, you know I avoid that stuff as much as possible.
I wasn’t prepared with my usual go-to remedies! That’s exactly what I’m trying to avoid next time, and for all of you as well. My main goal is to treat colds and flu naturally, steering clear of pharmaceuticals—even over-the-counter ones.
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The Importance of Being Prepared for Cold Season
This experience reminded me of how crucial it is to be prepared for cold and flu season, especially when dealing with kids who are more sensitive, like those with eczema. Their systems are more vulnerable because their little bodies are still developing, and we want to protect them from unnecessary exposures—especially to pharmaceuticals.
I try to avoid giving my kids traditional over-the-counter medications whenever possible because they’re loaded with artificial dyes, flavors, and other additives. Plus, even though these medications are over the counter, they still have real side effects that can do more harm than good. For kids with eczema, whose bodies are already battling inflammation and dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria), these medications can worsen their condition.
Thankfully, there are plenty of natural remedies you can use to treat colds that not only help your kids recover but also support their immune system and skin health. So grab a pen and paper (or your grocery list!), and let’s dive into some natural cold treatments for kids with eczema.
“I always prioritize natural remedies first, especially when my kids get sick. By using simple ingredients like ginger, garlic, and elderberry, I’m not only helping them recover, but I’m also supporting their immune systems without the harmful side effects of over-the-counter medications.” -Andra McHugh
The Hidden Harm of Common Medications
Before we get into natural remedies, it’s important to understand why we should avoid common medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and Benadryl—especially for our eczema-prone kiddos.
- Acetaminophen: While it’s a go-to for relieving fever and pain, studies show that it may increase the risk of asthma and trigger eczema flare-ups. For our sensitive kids, it’s worth considering other options.
- Ibuprofen: This one can be tough on the stomach lining, leading to digestive issues, which is the last thing we want for kids with already fragile gut health.
- Benadryl: I get it—when you have a crying, miserable kid in the middle of the night, Benadryl seems like a lifesaver. I’ve been there myself! But it can interfere with digestion, put extra strain on their liver, and even stunt their growth over time.
- Antibiotics: While these are lifesaving in certain situations, they should be used sparingly. Antibiotics wipe out both bad and good bacteria, leaving the gut even more vulnerable—something we definitely want to avoid with eczema.
So what can we do instead? Let’s explore some natural alternatives.
Natural Cold Remedies: Supporting Their Immune System Naturally
Good news! There are plenty of natural remedies you can incorporate into your routine that not only help your kids recover from colds but also strengthen their immune system—and, by extension, their skin.
1. Kitchen Remedies: Ginger, Turmeric, Garlic, and Lemon
These four ingredients are powerhouses of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Whether you’re adding them to soups, teas, or meals, they help fight infections naturally.
- Ginger: A warming, anti-inflammatory root that can soothe sore throats and ease nausea.
- Turmeric: Packed with curcumin, turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
- Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic is excellent for fighting off colds.
- Lemon: High in vitamin C, lemon supports the immune system and can help reduce the severity of cold symptoms.
If your kids aren’t fans of these ingredients, try to sneak them into meals. I find that just having these ingredients on the kitchen counter encourages me to use them more often.
2. Avoid Hard-to-Digest Foods
During a cold, the body is already working hard to fight off infection, so it’s crucial not to overload the digestive system with foods that are tough to process. This means avoiding overly fatty or processed foods, which are taxing on the body.
And of course, if your child is battling eczema, you’re likely already avoiding certain trigger foods—especially dairy, which can create mucus and slow digestion. Dairy is something I recommend cutting out entirely during cold and flu season to help the body recover faster.
3. Stock Up on Elderberry
Elderberry syrup is one of my favorite go-to remedies for colds and flu. Not only is it great for treating symptoms, but it’s also excellent for prevention. You can buy elderberry syrup at health food stores, or better yet, make your own at home. It’s a cost-effective way to give your kids a daily immune boost. I give you a great recipe within the Eczema Elimination Method for elderberry syrup. I also love this company, Elevated Elderberry.
Garlic Honey: A Natural Antibiotic
I recently learned about this from our farm share, and it’s quickly become a new favorite remedy in our house. Garlic honey is super easy to make and acts as a natural antibiotic. Here’s how:
- Take a jar and fill it with unpeeled garlic cloves (yes, in their “wrappers” as my kids call them).
- Cover the garlic with honey.
- Let it sit for about a week, and then give your kids a teaspoon of the honey each day. The garlic flavor won’t be too overpowering, but it’s a potent immune booster!
This remedy combines the natural antibiotic properties of garlic with the soothing, sweet taste of honey—perfect for little ones.
Other Natural Cold Remedies to Try
n addition to the remedies mentioned above, there are several other natural substances and strategies that can support your child’s immune system during cold and flu season.
1. Chyawanprash
Chyawanprash is an Ayurvedic herbal jam that’s packed with around 45 different herbs and ingredients. It’s designed to boost immunity and strengthen the body. I love the one from Banyan Botanicals, which you can find online. It’s sweet, so kids don’t mind taking it, and it’s a great daily immune booster.
2. Amalaki (Amla)
Amalaki is another powerful Ayurvedic remedy that’s rich in vitamin C. You can get it in powder form and add it to smoothies, yogurt, or even oatmeal. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra nutrients that support your child’s immune system and skin health.
3. Ear Oil
Plant Therapy’s ear oil is another favorite of mine, especially during seasonal transitions. A few drops in your child’s ears before bed can help soothe earaches and even prevent ear infections. It also supports sinus health, which is especially important during cold season.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil for Colds
Essential oils can be a wonderful addition to your natural cold treatment arsenal. Eucalyptus is my go-to during cold season. It helps with congestion and can be applied (diluted!) to your child’s chest, temples, or spine.
- Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil like jojoba, especially for kids with sensitive skin or eczema.
- You can rub a drop or two of eucalyptus oil (diluted with jojoba oil) onto their chest or temples to ease congestion.
- For older kids, you can also try a steam pot—just add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to boiling water and let them breathe in the steam.
Stay Prepared, Stay Natural
Cold and flu season can feel like an inevitable part of the year, but with a little preparation and a toolkit of natural remedies, you can support your kids through it without reaching for over-the-counter medications.
Remember, the goal is to strengthen their immune system while avoiding the side effects of traditional medications. By incorporating immune-boosting foods, herbal remedies, and essential oils, you’re not only helping them recover faster but also supporting their long-term health—and their skin.
Stay healthy, stay strong, and keep these natural remedies in your back pocket for when cold season strikes!
Looking for More Natural Cold and Flu Treatments?
Can we ever get enough? Check out these articles for eczema-safe immune boosting treatments. Gut-Healthy Foods To ADD Into Your Eczema Diet, 5 Simple Habits To Improve Your Child’s Health and Gut Health and Detoxification for Children.
FAQ
How can I support my child’s immune system naturally?
To strengthen the immune system, focus on a wholesome, seasonal diet. In the Eczema Elimination Method, I’ll guide you on how to reset digestion and boost your kids’ immunity, leading to lasting healing from eczema, colds, flu, and more!
How do I use elderberry for colds and flu?
Elderberry syrup can be used as a preventative measure or during illness to reduce the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms. It’s typically taken in small doses daily. I even recommend it as a vehicle to serve eczema-healing supplements!
