The only thing worse than getting sick, is watching a loved one go through it. On second thought, it is probably getting sick and trying to take care of a loved one too. Preparing for cold and flu season now, could really be a huge help. In the middle of the night when those symptoms first appear, you are going to be so relieved that you did.
Natural remedies can be wonderful, but there is no denying that a pain reliever and cold medicine really help when staying in bed isn’t an option. Check your medicine cabinet to make sure you are stocked with whatever over the counter medicine you prefer for both you and your family. Remember to look at the expiration date. Inspect the thermometer, to ensure it works and kept where it’s supposed to be. More than once, a thermometer has disappeared.
Have extra supplies on hand that will offer comfort and help relieve those cold and flu symptoms. Here is a list of a few suggestions that may make your recovery and little easier.
Supplies to Have Available When Preparing for Cold and Flu Season
- Have extra pillows to help with those late night coughing spells.
- Ginger tea, with fresh lemon and honey
- Saline spray or neti pots ( do not use tap water and follow their directions). I know it sounds disgusting but it helps so much.
- A humidifier that you can put a few drops of camphor or eucalyptus oil in. I have an old $20 vaporizer that I ran in the kid’s room at night when they had a cough or cold.
- I swore by a vapor rub. I would rub it on their chest and make sure they were bundled in a pair of warm pajamas. When you have a sick, stubborn child that refuses to take medicine, this helps a lot. I used Vick’s baby rub but they do have petroleum free vapor rubs on Amazon and Walmart.com.
- Have some bone broth on hand. If you can, make some ahead of time and freeze it. If life is just too busy for that, buy a good broth and keep it for illnesses.
- Stock up on crackers and whatever healthy, comfort food you like to have on hand for sick days.
Especially for little ones, you may want to find out what your pediatrician’s walk in hours are. It can be helpful to know if you have a child with a fever or worsening symptoms. Hopefully, illness will avoid your home this season but, it’s always good to be prepared.
By the way, this past summer I discovered Elderberry bushes growing near our home and I made a batch of elderberry syrup. I couldn’t believe it was growing all along my street. To find out how I made it, click this link. https://reclaimingjoyhomestead.com/foraging-for-wellness/
