We try to treat as much as we can at home with as little “medicine” as possible. I prefer to use natural/homeopathic remedies and various supplements that support our immune systems before calling the doctor and resorting to prescription medication.
That being said, none of this is intended to be medical advice.
Always consult your health care provider before starting a new supplement or vitamin.
These are the items we keep on hand in our home, what they’re for, and how we use them!
All items linked in my Amazon Storefront!
Product | Info | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
Natural immune support - naturally rich in antioxidants with over 300 beneficial compounds | Whenever we feel a sore throat coming on, we start using this | |
Elderberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins | Recent studies have shown that elderberries can shorten the duration of the flu by 4 days! We give these drops to Mila whenever we've been exposed to illness or are going to an event or holiday parties! | |
Electrolytes are minerals that are essential to functions within your body like nerve function, muscle function, | We use this in place of Pedialyte when Mila is sick! Pedialyte is great to help when kids are dehydrated from diarrhea or vomiting, but it is PACKED with unnecessary sugar and dyes! Whenever I get a headache, I know it's likely from dehydration. I try to drink this before resorting to Advil/Tylenol. | |
Garlic has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties | Whenever Mila complains of her ears hurting, this is the first thing we use before calling the doctor! She often gets "ear pain" when she's congested and has trouble clearing her mucus! A drop in the affected ear at night and she typically feels better by morning! | |
Temporarily relieves flu-like symptoms: body aches, headache, fever, chills, and fatigue | We take this at the first sign of flu-like symptoms! It allegedly shortens the length and severity of the flu | |
Contains tons of vitamins and minerals that support immune function | It is super easy to make but can be purchased and is shelf stable! I always have some on hand to add into soups or drink plain during any illness. | |
A non toxic chest rub suitable for babies 2 months and older | I use this for both of my girls when they’re congested. It doesn't smell as strong as Vick’s but it doesn’t contain any of the harsh chemicals! | |
Lysine is thought to help prevent the herpes virus from growing | There isn’t much you can do for a cold sore on a toddler so I’ve been using this and it seems to help | |
Natural cough and cold remedy using a homeopathic formula | We use this for Mila when she has cold symptoms and it seems to give her relief | |
Saline nasal spray that Helps to moisturize dry nostrils and ease congestion | We use this on both Mila and Penelope when they are really congested! Followed by some sort of nasal aspirator (Nose Frida for P, and Momymust for Mila) | |
Naturally heals skin irritations and helps promote healing on the skin | This calendula cream has a similar texture to Neosporin so we use it interchangeably | |
Homeopathic remedy for skin irritations | Mila takes this when she gets cold sores | |
Fast-acting relief for upset stomach, gas, and occasional indigestion | I don't know about you but I hate being nauseous. I spray this in my mouth at the first sign of nausea! Warning: it does not taste good. But anything tastes better than vomit | |
Lemon balm has been used for centuries to reduce stress, promote | This can be given in multiple forms (tincture, tea, herbal bath, etc) and has a variety of uses. It is one of the remedies we try at the first sign of fever |
And…FOOD!
Food is packed with vitamins and minerals that can help support our immune system. Additionally, did you know sugar actually suppresses your immune system? When you eat lots of foods that are high in sugar or refined carbs (which the body treats as sugar), you may be reducing your body's ability to fight illness! So when we’re getting sick, I make sure to focus on consuming whole, nutritious foods!
For me, I find it is helpful to know what different vitamins and minerals do in order to properly treat my family and myself, and where to find them in foods. According to Cleveland Clinic, there are 3 vitamins that are essential for fighting colds and flu: vitamin C, vitamin B6, and zinc.
There are also many other immune supporting minerals, vitamins, herbs, and plants that I like: vitamin D, elderberry, medicinal mushrooms (cordyceps, lion’s mane, maitake, shitake, reishi, and turkey tail), manganese, folate, selenium, garlic, propolis, lavender, chamomile, thyme, and so many more.
An easy way to get some of these vitamins and minerals in a toddler: smoothies! Here’s one of our go-to concoctions:
Immune Boosting Smoothies
- Wild blueberries
- Pineapple
- Banana
- Breastmilk (if you have it!)
- Kefir
- Manuka honey
Measure to your heart’s desire, throw it in a blender, and serve! Remember to not give honey to children under 12 months!
Why these ingredients?
- Wild blueberries - packed with antioxidants and a good source of vitamin c, vitamin k, and manganese (helps immune response)
- Pineapple - good source of vitamin c and manganese
- Banana - good source of vitamin b6 (supports immune function) and vitamin c
- Breastmilk - contains antibodies from whatever we’re all currently sick with
- Kefir - relatively high in zinc and b6, contains probiotics (research shows consuming probiotics can lower risk of upper respiratory infection)
- Manuka honey - has antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits
I have substituted peach for pineapple, thrown in some dark leafy greens (great source of vitamin C, K, A, and folate) if I have them, or left out breastmilk if I didn’t feel like putting it in. You really can’t mess this up! Mila loves these smoothies and especially enjoys them because she gets to drink them out of her special smoothie cups.
