Natural Remedies for Cold and Flu

When I first set off on my own, I quickly realized how unforgiving employers can be concerning sickness. Employers allowed only a few absences for which I needed to go to the doctor and get a note. Even after that, I faced being written up if I was sick too often. I was just starting out working in the schools, and I was sick frequently. The solution I decided upon was stocking up on over-the-counter medications to suppress symptoms, allowing me to power through the workday while sick. I did not know natural remedies for cold and flu existed.

Robitussin, Claritin D, Mucinex, Dayquil, Nyquil, Vicks, Emergen-C, Tylenol Cold and Flu, Chloroseptic Throat Spray, Sudafed, Benadryl, PeptoBismol, Imodium… these were the items I kept in my medicine cabinet. I was constantly taking them, and I had to continuously check to make sure I wasn’t overdosing or taking things that shouldn’t be mixed with other medications.

Eventually, I started realizing the medicine made me more drowsy, clouded my mind, gave me headaches, and usually made me incredibly thirsty. Many times, I didn’t get better with OTC medications and ended up on prescription antibiotics every few months. Stomach viruses hit me so hard, I almost always ended up in the ER for IV fluids and prescription Phenergan.

When I became a mother, I started realizing how many of these OTC medications were not safe in pregnancy and not safe for infants. Then I started learning how the medications listed above contain drugs that have side effects, often have artificial dyes and artificial flavors, some contain carcinogens, and some of the drugs cross the blood-brain barrier. Was there a way to bring relief during illness in a way that actually supports the body rather than suppresses symptoms? I started using natural remedies for cold and flu, and I found that, while I didn’t take a remedy and lose symptoms right away, my illnesses became less frequent and less severe with a faster recovery. It has been six years since I have been on antibiotics, and one of my children has never been on Rx antibiotics. After 15 years on prescriptions, I am completely prescription-free.

After nine years of motherhood using natural remedies, I do have my favorites. The list below is the natural remedies for cold and flu I always keep in stock.

The Natural Medicine Cabinet

Earthley Elderberry Elixir
This is an herbal tincture. I have used it for colds, influenza, Strep throat, and COVID. There are two formulas. One formula is made with elderberry, clove, astragalus, mullein, and ginger steeped in organic cane alcohol, safe for ages one and up. The other is elderberries, orange peel, mullein leaf, and calendula steeped in organic vegetable glycerin, safe for ages 6 months and up. Both formulas have antibacterial and antiviral properties, but the glycerin version tastes sweeter and is more acceptable for children. Find Elderberry Elixir here.

Earthley Immune Aid
Vitamin C is essential during sickness and excellent for lung health, including pneumonia and lung cancer (1). Dr. Suzanne Humphries has extensive research on vitamin C protocols for treatment of whooping cough, even in infants (2) There are many forms of vitamin C and benefits to different kinds. I like Earthley’s Immune Aid because it is whole food (camu-camu, acerola cherry, and orange peel) and easily absorbed by the body. It comes in loose powder or capsules and safe for ages 6 months and up. During illness, take to bowel tolerance. (In other words, if you start to get loose stools, it’s time to back off the vitamin C.)

Earthley Feel Better Fast
This tincture is an herbal cold-and-flu medicine containing echinacea and astragalus to boost the immune system, fennel to calm upset stomach, elderflower for antibacterial and antiviral properties, and Ceylon cinnamon for relief of pain and inflammation. Feel Better Fast works best when given at the first sign of illness. You can repeat doses as needed, which may range from 1-2 hours or 1-2 times per day, depending on the severity of illness. This tincture is safe for ages 6 months and up but should be used with caution by those on blood pressure medication, because cinnamon can lower blood pressure.

Earthley Herbal Throat Spray
This throat spray is made with peppermint for its natural menthol. Lemon balm, echinacea, mullein, and elderflower are included for antiviral properties and supporting the immune system. The ingredients of Herbal Throat Spray are safe for ages one and up (although I was not comfortable spraying my children’s throats when they were very young).

Earthley Breathe Well Salve
Certified aromatherapists recommend avoiding eucalyptus, peppermint, wintergreen, clove, and rosemary essential oils on very young children, no matter what EO brand is being used. Petroleum-based products disrupt hormones. Menthol and camphor are very unsafe for infants and toddlers. I have searched high and low for a chest rub that is actually safe for little ones. Breathe Well Salve uses these essential oils: balm mint bush, rosalina, clary sage, and lemon. These are diluted in apricot oil and made into a balm with candelilla wax. It is safe for ages 6 months and up, but it should not be used in pregnancy due to clary sage.

Earthley Lymphatic Cream
Massage this cream in strokes towards the heart to get the lymphatic system moving. The Lymphatic system does not have a pump of its own, like the circulatory system, so things such as movement, rebounding, and dry brushing help with lymphatic stagnation. In Lymphatic Cream, cleavers stimulate the lymphatic system while burdock root, yarrow, and calendula lower inflammation. Castor oil helps gently detox. Earthley infuses these herbs into apricot oil and kokum butter. Use this over the sinuses for sinus congestion, down the neck for clogged lymph nodes, and behind the ears for ear infections. Joint pain during sickness and fever is a sign of a clogged lymph system; massage over lymph nodes, always moving towards the heart. Lymphatic Cream is safe for ages 6 months and up.

Homemade GOOT
Garlic Olive Oil Treatment is easy to make and is great for congestion, even in infants. Garlic has antiviral and antibacterial properties (3), (4). These medicinal properties can be absorbed through the skin. In a food processor, combine a quarter cup of olive oil, a quarter cup of coconut oil, and about 10 cloves garlic. (I prefer a little more olive oil and a little less coconut oil so it doesn’t get so solid.) Apply to feet and chest for congestion. Store in the fridge up to 4 months.

Plant Therapy KidSafe Sniffle Stopper
I prefer herbs and homeopathy over essential oils, because EOs are very potent. However, there is a time and place for EOs. One that I do use is Plant Therapy’s Sniffle Stopper because it does not have peppermint, eucalyptus, clove, etc. When we are struggling with congestion and coughs, I add 3-5 drops to a diffuser, and I diffuse on an intermittent setting of a half hour on, a half hour off. For topical use, dilute in a carrier oil following this dilution chart. Certified aromatherapists recommend not using EOs on infants younger than 6 months.

Hyland’s Cough and Cold
This is a homeopathic cough and cold medicine that can be found at Target, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. Although it is marketed for children, I have used it for myself. Hyland’s Cough and Cold is my favorite cough remedy. There is also another version for infants, but I feel comfortable using homeopathy at any age. There are some other variations that come in the form of meltaway tablets, but the liquid has worked best for my family.

Earthley Sinus Saver
This tincture is made with nettles and elderberries to help fight allergies and congestion. Dandelion and turmeric support the liver, an organ crucial for allergy support. Sinus Saver is available as a glycerin-based tincture or an alcohol-based tincture. I prefer the glycerin in this case, because it has a higher quercetin content. Sinus Saver is safe for ages one and up, but nettles may not be safe for those with Lupus or clotting disorders.

Boiron SinusCalm
SinusCalm is homeopathic meltaway tablets for sinus pain, pressure, and congestion. I follow the dosing instructions on the box.

Boiron Ocillococcinum
This homeopathic remedy is specifically for influenza. When we have flu symptoms (fever, aches, chills, headache, fatigue) I start dosing Ocillococcinum as soon as possible. I’ve only had to use it twice, but both times, it worked very quickly and is significantly safer than Tamiflu, which has a black box warning for neuropsychiatric side effects.

Saline Nasal Spray
Before I had children of my own, I nannied for a family. The mom told me she got her baby used to a saline nasal mist as an infant and practiced using it when she was well so that she didn’t fight it when sick. I did this with my own kids, and I’m so glad I did. I found this worked better than suctioning, which can cause inflammation and worsen the “stuffy” feeling. It’s sterile and gentle, even for infants. There are several brands, and you can find them in the pharmacy section of almost any store. I have Arm and Hammer Simply Saline because I like the way it sprays.

Saline Nebulizer
I did not know about nebulizing saline when my children were infants, and it is so unfortunate, because it is one of the best ways to clear congestion for all ages. When we have any congestion or respiratory irritation, we nebulize saline. I have a table-top nebulizer, and I make my own saline by mixing one teaspoon of unprocessed salt (such as Himalayan or Redmond’s) in two cups water to make a 0.9% dilution. I boil for 10 minutes to sterilize and cool before using. I store the leftover in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You could use a sterile, pre-made saline solution instead of making your own. Some people add iodine, food grade hydrogen peroxide, or colloidal silver to saline, but I just use plain saline to keep it gentle. You can read more about nebulizing here.

Xlear Nasal Spray
Xlear Nasal Spray is non-habit forming. It contains xylitol, which is antimicrobial. I have used this quite a bit in my recovery from mold toxicity, but it has also been very helpful for congestion and sinus infections. There are stronger solutions, but I prefer the regular. You can find Xlear in the pharmacy section of most stores.

Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver is potently antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal. There are many brands of colloidal silver. You may want to do your research to choose which one you prefer. I use Sovereign Silver, which is 10 parts per million (ppm) and non-nano. Some people take colloidal silver in small amounts daily to support the immune system. Although I do often use the Sovereign Silver gel topically on wounds and as hand sanitizer, I prefer to use it internally only when I’m trying to avoid prescription antibiotics. In that situation, I follow the dosing instructions on the bottle. I have combined Sovereign Silver and Earthley Elderberry Elixir as antibiotics for Strep and other illnesses with success, under the guidance of a doctor.
Note: Yes, there is the case of the man who turned blue because he drank colloidal silver. He drank gallons of it and essentially overdosed on it. Overdosing on anything, including OTC drugs and prescriptions, is bad for you. Don’t drink gallons of CS, and you will not turn blue.)

Standard Process Congaplex
Congaplex is made from animal organ meats and provides the nutrition your body needs to get better. My naturopathic doctor and my chiropractor both carry Congaplex, which helps during illness. Congaplex is available in capsules and chewables. I have used this for my kids during illness, and I had great success with it for ear infections and sinus infections. It is available on Amazon, but I do recommend getting it in a doctor’s office, if possible, to avoid look-alikes and to get a better price.

Standard Process Immuplex
I recently asked my doctor when she would recommend Immuplex over Congaplex. She said she uses Congaplex when she feels sickness coming on and switches to Immuplex when she knows what illness she is dealing with. She said if very sick, both can be taken.

Standard Process Spanish Black Radish
Spanish Black Radish is excellent for draining stagnation in the organs. I recently had a horrible respiratory infection and felt like I was drowning. My lungs felt full and heavy. My doctor put me on Spanish Black Radish, and the first dose brought improvement. Within a few days, I felt like I only had a mild cold. She also recommended Spanish Black Radish for Strep. There are other brands of Spanish Black Radish, but my doctor uses Standard Process.

Boiron Diaralia
An excellent replacement for Imodium is Boiron Diaralia. I once had an 11 hour car ride and was very sick but could not postpone the return home. I managed to find Boiron Diaralia in-store at Vitamin Shoppe, and it worked immediately. A few doses got me all the way home.

Boiron NauseaCalm
I prefer to use individual homeopathic remedies for nausea, but for beginners, Boiron NauseaCalm might be easier to use.

Homeopathy for Nausea and Vomiting
I mentioned in the beginning of this article that the stomach virus hits me hard. Unfortunately, my kids are similar. Our poor bellies just don’t know when to relax and let us rehydrate. Homeopathy has allowed us to avoid the ER and IV medications. I usually use Phosphorus 30C, Arsenicum 30C, and/or Ipecacuanha 30C. The remedy you choose will depend on the symptoms. I follow this article from homeopath Joette Calabrese to help me match symptoms. Some people may need only one dose, but we usually need a dose every 10-15 minutes for an hour. I have noticed that being persistent in dosing has been important for us with our sensitive stomachs.

Heal, Don’t Conceal

All these natural remedies for cold and flu support the body in getting better. They don’t erase symptoms, but the duration of illness is shorter, and you won’t have to combat illness and side effects. In addition, for infants, parents are often told there is not much they can do at home because medicines aren’t safe for babies, but often their child worsens and ends up in the hospital on medications anyway. There are gentle, safe remedies parents can do at home to prevent hospital visits.

I do highly recommend having a naturopathic doctor. A few times, I have not been able to navigate my way through illness and needed professional help. My doctor was still able to treat my children’s illness without pharmaceuticals. (Had that failed, of course, I would have turned to Western medicine, but it has not been necessary so far.) A naturopathic doctor is a goldmine of information and experience.

Natural remedies for cold and flu are powerful and can work even for severe illness. Remember, natural remedies do work better when started at the first sign of symptoms. Start early, listen to your body, and be well!

Sources

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