Essential Remedies (You Already Have In Your Home)
Health and wellness is certainly a main concern for the entire world at this time, fortunately for us all, it is possible to protect against some cases of illness with natural remedies that boost the body’s amazing natural immune system. Even once an illness has struck, there are things we can all do to get the family back on track. Herbal and natural remedies may not be a cure-all, but they can help shorten the duration and get you feeling better faster. We would all do well to remember that civilization has survived for thousands of years without modern medicine and it is my strong belief that in many ways we would all be better off returning to mother nature where our health and wellness is concerned. In this blog post I’ve listed some of the absolute best, tried-and-true remedies for doing just that.
Hydrate and rest
If the body is running a fever (which means it is fighting the illness) the best support you can give is to stay well hydrated on water and herbal teas and to rest enough. The body needs several extra hours of rest a day when ill, and often several extra glasses of water also. If you are running a fever, it is easier to get dehydrated, so drink enough water!
Cinnamon
Good for more than just stabilizing blood sugar (research shows hypoglycemic benefits from ingesting about 2 teaspoons a day), cinnamon is an effective antiviral and antibiotic. When sick, mix 1 tablespoon with 1 teaspoon of honey and stir to make a spicy and very effective tea that helps relieve cough and congestion and lower fever.
Garlic
This health-boosting powerhouse is naturally antibiotic, anti-fungal, and antibacterial, garlic can tackle almost any illness. For the most potent effect, I finely mince 1-2 cloves of garlic and float in a small glass of water. Drink quickly — if you are sick enough, you won’t even notice the taste.
GOOD TO KNOW: Pregnant women should not take more than 1 clove of garlic medicinally per day, and children often resist this remedy.
Hydrogen peroxide
At the first sign of sinus infection or ear infection, I put a dropper full of diluted 3% hydrogen peroxide into each ear.
Face steam
In a pinch, make this herbal steam treatment with kitchen herbs. Boil 1-2 cups of water in a large pot. Remove from heat, add 2 teaspoons each of thyme, some rosemary, and oregano. Cover for 5 minutes with a lid, and then remove lid and put face directly over pot with towel covering your head to hold in the heat. Breathe in the steam as long as you can (aim for 15 minutes). This will help loosen congestion and kill viruses and bacteria in the lungs, bronchials, or sinuses. Alternately, you can use 1/2 cup vinegar in the steam. It won’t smell great, but it will help fight the illness.
Remove white foods
At the first sign of illness, completely remove all white foods from the diet. This includes grains, sugars, milk, cheese, dairy, sweeteners, soda, etc. These foods suppress immune function and slow the body’s healing ability. When you are ill, you don’t actually need to eat a lot of food, as the body needs to focus more on healing than digestion. Eat homemade chicken soup (or keep a quality store-bought broth on hand for a shortcut version) and drink hot liquids to keep strength up.
Hot liquids
This one is pretty instinctive, but we load up on hot herbal teas and hot lemon water at first sign of illness. The heat helps boost immune system and a variety of herbs can help with infection. Lemon is also a great natural source of vitamin C.
Homemade Herbal Remedies to Help Cold and Flu
You may not have these around the house (yet!) but they are great additions to a natural “medicine” cabinet. I’ve written about how herbs support the body when healing from an illness and the ones in this list are my go-to choices. I recommend buying these from a trusted source online (I’ve suggested some I use below) or growing them yourself if you’re fortunate enough to have the outdoor space, though you can find some of them in your neighborhood supplement stores.
Nettle Leaf – Some natural doctors say this is the only herb needed for illness treatment. It contains large amounts of vitamins and trace minerals and helps the body stay hydrated and remove toxins. In a tea with red raspberry leaf, alfalfa, and peppermint herbals, it makes a powerful immune supporting and illness preventing remedy. Here is how to use nettle leaf for better health.
Elderberry – Elderberry is well known for supporting the body, especially during flu. You can find conventionally made elderberry syrups at many stores now, or to save money, make your own. Here is the recipe.
Ginger– In capsule form, ginger can greatly help with nausea and vomiting associated with the flu. It can also help with high fever and headache. Fresh ginger root can be steeped in boiling water to make a tea that is very effective against sinus symptoms and congestion.
Yarrow – Unsurpassed for flu and fever, and great for children. If used abundantly in tea or tincture at the beginning of an illness, it will usually shorten the illness to less than 24 hours. It is especially good for fevers as it induces perspiration and is great for all childhood type illnesses. Yarrow is naturally bitter, so it is often good to include peppermint and stevia leaf when making a tea. It is great for the liver and kidneys and supports the endocrine system.
Chamomile – An absolute staple, especially for kids. Chamomile calms the nerves, helps children sleep better, and reduces inflammation or fever. Soaking a chamomile tea bag in warm water and placing over an eye for 15 minutes every 2 hours will relieve pink eye in less than 24 hours. Chamomile tastes great and is easy to get kids to take. It is also great for regulating hormones and for the skin and can be used regularly for good sleep.
Peppermint – Great for all digestive disturbances and for lowering fever. It can be used as a tea or tincture or rubbed on the skin to bring a high fever down. This herb is antimicrobial and antiviral and kids usually love the taste. It can be consumed as a hot tea or cold tea during illness in any amounts.
Natural Antibiotics and Antivirals for Illness
There are several potent natural antibiotics that in some cases work much better than store-bought varieties, in my opinion. The following are ones I keep around at all times:
Oregano and oregano oil – Oregano oil is a potent natural antibiotic and antiviral. I diffuse this as needed during illness or use a tiny amount (diluted 1 part oregano to 4 parts carrier oil) on the feet. I like this brand.
Thyme and thyme oil– An herbal tea (not nice tasting) made from thyme is very effective against cold and flu. Thyme oil rubbed on the skin will help the body fight infection.
NOTE: Pregnant women and small children should not use thyme.
Make Your Own Natural Fever, Cold, and Cough Medicine (for Kids Too!)
If I only have time to do one thing, it’s give this homemade herbal tincture. Even if I get sick myself, I can crawl the cabinet and pull this out for immune support at the ready.
It is simple to make but it does need to steep for at least 2 weeks (up to 2 months), so don’t wait! I have even found it to work better than Tylenol or cough syrups. (Bonus: It is healthier too!)
NOTE: Use for everyone in the family over the age of 2.
Herbal Tincture Ingredients
2/3 cup dried chamomile flowers
2/3 cup dried peppermint leaf
2/3 cup dried catnip herb
100 proof vodka
Herbal Tincture Instructions
Put all herbs in 1 quart mason glass jar.
Pour 80-100 proof vodka over herbs, filling jar.
Let steep at least two weeks, but preferably 2 months, shaking daily.
Store in cool, dark place.
After 2 weeks to 2 months, strain liquid through cheesecloth and store in glass dropper bottles for easy use. Store in a cool, dark place and it will last indefinitely.
Use 8-10 drops for kids over age 2 whenever ill.
Disclaimer: As always, I am not a doctor, nor do I claim to be one. I cannot treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any illness. If you have concerns about any sickness, talk to your family physician. Do your own research on natural remedies to ensure that you think they are safe. I earn a small commission through the links above that helps me keep the site going (and it does not increase the cost for you). If you do not wish to use my affiliate link, go to the site directly. If you are pregnant or nursing, consult a qualified specialist before taking any herb or supplement.
