No matter what virus is going around, it’s important to be prepared with knowledge AND remedies that will help! These are my must-have products in my holistic medicine cabinet for cold & flu season.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. The information on this page is simply what works for my family. It is not intended as medical advice.
My preference is always to turn to natural remedies first. No judgment if you use Western Medicine, but it is always my last resort as it comes with many side effects! Personally, I haven’t had to turn to western medicine in years because of the power of plants!
At the beginning of “cold and flu season” I made sure to have my holistic medicine cabinet stocked up with these items! I know, it may be hard to purchase something that you don’t need right now. But the thing is, by the time you do need it, it will be too late! Many of these items are used proactively in order to avoid getting sick in the first place!
It is always crucial to have a good foundation of health! This comes from eating healthy foods (lots of fruits & veggies), limiting sugar, getting outside, moving your body, and washing your hands regularly!
Not everything in my Holistic medicine cabinet is available online so I’ve linked the MOST similar product I can find!
ELDERBERRY SYRUP
Elderberry Syrup is a staple in my home. I personally take it 1-2 times a week, or daily if I feel any symptoms coming on or know I’ve been exposed to someone who is sick! Elderberry syrup has incredible immune supporting benefits that you can read about here!
My favourite is a locally made brand! Beware of most brands that have added ingredients like corn syrup, fructose, natural flavours, citric acidetc which are unnecessary! Your best bet is to find a locally made syrup without all the added ingredients, or make your own!
Disclaimer: The links in this post may be affiliate links which I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you! Thank you for your support!
HOMEOPATHICS
These are my favourites to have on hand. Homeopathics work based on symptoms so it’s helpful to have a few different options.
If you have children, I would HIGHLY recommend a nighttime cold remedy. Nighttime tends to be when their little body’s fight extra hard, and they are the most uncomfortable. You won’t want to be without something at 3am!
COLLOIDAL SILVER
Colloidal Silver is a must-have in my holistic medicine cabinet for cold & flu season. It was used until the 1940s as an antibiotic! I prefer to turn to natural/ holistic remedies and choose Colloidal Silver over antibiotics because it is much more rare for them to create antibiotic resistance – a huge problem in our society! It can be used on wounds, and for discomfort in the ears. It’s also safe & effective for pets 🙂
ESSENTIAL OILS
I honestly don’t know how I ever lived without Essential Oils, especially for immune support! They are an absolute staple in my holistic medicine cabinet for cold & flu season! I use and love Doterra Essential Oils which you can read about here! Any time I mention Essential Oils in this post, I am strictly referring to Doterra. Essential Oils are NOT created equal. Feel free to reach out to me via Instagram if you have questions about Essential Oils!
On Guard
The “protective” blend. I actually love the entire On Guard line – toothpaste, cleaning concentrate, softgels, laundry detergent, hand soap, sanitizing spray, etc! Tiny exposures to this powerful blend throughout the day really help to boost your immunity!
OREGANO ESSENTIAL OIL
Oregano Oil is long known for it’s immune boosting powers! I’ll take On Guard & Oregano together in a veggie cap because they are strong & spicy oils! I also love several other products from the On Guard line such as the softgels, chewable tablets and throat lozenges.
TEA TREE / MELALEUCA ESSENTIAL OIL
Tea Tree is my go-to for an achy ear that may go along with the common cold!
STRONGER
Doterra’s protective blend for kids is actually one of my favourites just for it’s scent! It has a warm, citrus scent and is much more gentle than On Guard for little bodies. I roll this along the bottoms of our feet and then put on socks.
HERBAL REMEDIES
I’d like to venture more into tinctures, and even making my own! Tinctures are herbal extracts (bark, berries, flowers, leaves, roots) that are soaked in vinegar or alcohol. In my experience tinctures do NOT taste delicious, but can be very effective!
I love this Canadian brand!
I’m excited to finally try Earthley products and so far I’ve been very impressed! I’ve used the drawing salve on an allergic reaction, and the teething blend!
RAW, LOCAL HONEY
I always keep raw, local honey on hand. Raw honey has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory benefits! High quality, local and non-processed (raw) honey is not only delicious, but beneficial to our health! Note: cheap, processed honey does not hold these healing properties!
I also love to make a DIY concoction for coughs with raw honey & Essential Oils.
1/4 cup raw, local honey
3 drops Peppermint EO
3 drops Lavender EO
3 drops Lemon EO
3 drops Frankincense EO
3 drops Wild Orange EO
2 drops Clove EO
2 drops Cinnamon Bark
Take 1 tsp every few hours or as needed!
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. The information on this page is simply what works for my family. It is not intended as medical advice.
PROBIOTICS
Probiotics are another staple in my health regime year round. You might be wondering “what does digestion have to do with preventing illness”. The answer is EVERYTHING. Our digestive system is exposed to germs, toxins, bacteria and pathogens every day. Probiotics introduce millions of GOOD bacteria to our gut, which helps fight off the bad stuff. I attribute so much of my health to regularly taking a probiotic and healing my gut!
The PB Assist probiotic from Doterra is one of my favourites.
MEDICINAL TEAS
I always love to keep several teas on hand for different ailments. I do find they help to ease symptoms, especially when I drink them at the onset of any symptom.
I’d love to find a local brand, or even make my own!
TOOLS
Nose Frida: If you have babies, this is a must-have. It’s pretty disgusting and my son HATES it. But sometimes it’s the difference between him being able to sleep or not!
Humidifier: Studies have shown that higher humidity can actually stop the spreading of airborne bacteria! A humidifier is also helpful if cold-like symptoms are present as it will help prevent nose bleeds or cracked skin from blowing your nose repeatedly.
Thermometer: Every household should have a basic thermometer.
Epsom Salts: Epsom salt baths are one of my go-to’s when I’m feeling under the weather. One of the key ways our body’s detox and release toxins is through our skin and Epsom salts help with this process! I always make sure to purchase Epsom Salts with no ingredients other than Magnesium Sulfate!
FOOD
BONE BROTH
Bone broth is one of the best foods to eat when we’re sick. Most of us associate soup as a beneficial healing meal when we’re sick. And while that is true, a high quality bone broth is much more beneficial than canned soup full of sugar, table salt and preservatives!
ORGANIC, 100% PURE ORANGE JUICE
We don’t drink juice on a regular basis, because it’s so full of sugar! But I do try to keep at least one container of 100% pure orange juice with no added ingredients in case we end up sick! It’s so important to stay hydrated while sick, and sometimes juice is helpful!
COCONUT WATER
I keep coconut water stocked for the same reason as Orange Juice! Many people love Gatorade or Powerade when sick, but I stay clear from sugar or unnatural ingredients as they actually harm our immune system. Coconut water is excellent at replenishing electrolytes!
Brands I’d like to try
There are a handful of really amazing brands that I’m dying to try, but am not able to access them in Canada. If you live in the US, I haven’t personally used these but would 100% add them to my own medicine cabinet!
WELLEMENTS
Earthley
LEEFY : I’ve heard only good things about Leefy for inflammatory issues!
I hope you found it helpful to learn what I keep stocked in my holistic medicine cabinet for cold & flu season! I’d encourage you to not panic or stress! Instead, be prepared for illness, and be proactive with your health EVERY day of the year!
