The flu, the stomach bug, RSV, hand foot mouth, bronchitis, pneumonia — they have all been making their rounds this season. So much so, school was even cancelled. My household has been hunkering down for over a week and I wish, before my family succumbed to sickness, that I would have had a few more things on-hand.
Here are a few of my must-haves:
- Honey and cinnamon: we normally have plenty on-hand for daily use. When we are sick, we eat a teaspoon of honey and cinnamon, three times a day; I also add the mixture to tea.
- Different varieties of tea to soothe a sore throat.
- Elderberry syrup, which strengthens the immune system.
- Apple cider vinegar: I drink it warmed to help with sinus pain, but my child will not drink any.
- Onions: onions have antiviral properties, so I wrap an onion in a warm cloth and place it on a hurting ear; when needed, I also put it in a bowl of hot water and leave the bowl in my daughter’s bedroom overnight (this has helped her when she has an earache).
- Essential oils: my favorites are tea tree, peppermint and eucalyptus. I put the oils in a diffuser and also rub them on our feet or behind our ears and neck.
- Juice, popsicles, watermelon to stay hydrated.
- Epsom salt: relaxing baths help one get a better night’s sleep and the magnesium strengthens the immune system.
- Cough drops, Tylenol and Motrin.
