Wow – it seems like summer just began a couple of weeks ago and now we’re going into flu season. Already? North Carolina usually sees the first cases of flu in October so I thought I’d share some flu season natural remedies along with some preventative measures – all natural of course!

Avoiding The Flu

The flu is nothing to sneeze at (groan – sorry for the bad pun!) and since we’re already dealing with a pandemic, it’s even more important than ever to be on your guard. As with many viruses, there are things you can do to lessen your chances of contracting the flu (and COVID-19):

• Get a flu shot. I’m not a huge proponent of flu shots, but I’m not messing around this season. I got my flu shot already and the earlier you get it, the better off you are. NO, THE FLU SHOT DOES NOT CAUSE THE FLU. This bit of BS just will not go away. If you get a sniffle or two, it simply means your body is positively responding to the antigens and preparing to fight off the flu.
• Wash your hands. Wash your hands. Wash your hands. I believe we’ve heard more about proper handwashing in the last 6 months than we have in 100 years! But washing your hands with plain soap and hot water helps you fight off many germs that can cause illness.
• Don’t touch your face. I think this is the hardest thing to do and once you bring that habit to my attention, it’s even harder for me to not touch my face. The reason you shouldn’t touch your face is because germs tend to gravitate toward soft mucous membranes: your eyes, nose and mouth. Once the germs have an entry point, it’s off to the races!!
• Keep your immune system healthy. We talked about this a few weeks ago. A healthy immune system is better able to fight off germs, bacteria and viruses. And yes, aromatherapy is ideal for this.
• Get enough sleep. This is another issue that’s been pounded into our heads. I don’t believe we appreciate sleep enough. I love my sleep and I get about 8 hours nearly every night. A well rested body supports a healthy immune system.
• Diet and exercise. Here’s another issue (or two) that we tend to ignore but is really important. While binge watching and junk food are comforting, it’s the worst thing you can do. Aim to eat less processed foods and more made-from-scratch foods. If you’re already exercising, good for you. If you’re not, try starting out with stretches (yoga is perfect) for just a few minutes when you get up – or when the commercials play on TV.

Help With Colds and The Flu

With all that said, yes, sometimes you will still get a cold or the flu. The stuff from the drug store may make you feel a bit better in the short term, but is full of chemicals that do long term damage to your organs. Here’s some natural remedies to help yourself safely feel better and get well:

• Elderberry Extract or Elderberry Wellness Syrup. I’m a huge proponent of Elderberry as it is so incredibly good for your immune system. I take a tablespoon once a day. If you feel symptoms of a cold or the flu coming on, take a tablespoon every two hours.
• Zinc and Vitamin C. Both of these are excellent for your immune system. If you eat a lot of processed foods, you’re not getting enough of either one. The old wives’ tale says to load up on both when you have a cold or the flu. Believe them! This is how they treated colds and flu before we had toxic drugs – it worked then, it works now.
• Aromatherapy. Here’s products that I personally handcraft specifically for the cold and flu season: SniffleKick Personal Nasal Inhaler for congestion and that achy feeling, ChestEZ Vapor Rub for Adults and Kids for congestion and Congesties Shower Steamers for Adults.
• Flu Stuff. Okay, I don’t know what to call this, so I just call it the Flu Stuff. Are you feeling puny? Here’s a recipe complements of Patti Manuel at Ramey Dawn Wellness Spa:

I hope you stay well this flu season – for more information, you can call or email me or fill out this simple contact form. 

Be well and many blessings!

Melissa