Well, school is officially IN session and you know what that means, right?  Cold and flu season is about to begin.  Our family suffered through our first cold virus of the season last weekend and thankfully I had my natural remedies for the common cold on hand to help us.  Both my kids recovered in 24-48 hours. I, on the other hand, was hit harder than the rest of the family which tells me my immune system needs some fine tuning this fall. I’ll start adding some immune boosters into my routine on a daily basis and see how I do when we are faced with the next round of viruses.

Now, back to the FLU.

I always think it’s important to have a holistic medicine kit on hand when cold and flu season comes around–it’s always good to be prepared if and when the flu virus strikes. Influenza, or the “flu” is a virus that affects the upper respiratory system (nose, throat, lungs). Accompanied by a fever, the “flu” is no fun. The flu does not usually present complications like a secondary bacterial infection in a healthy individual however the flu is never a walk in the park. The flu generally lasts 3-5 days in a healthy individual. The duration and intensity of the virus often depends on the strength (or weakness) of an individual’s immune function.

What causes the FLU?

The “flu” is caused by a virus called influenza. The influenza virus is very contagious and can pass from person to person through the air via coughs and sneezes, and through hand to hand contact or through objects like door handles, towels or phones.

What is conventional treatment for the FLU?

A healthy child may not see a doctor for the flu unless extreme symptoms present. The flu is a virus and cannot be treated by antibiotics. Unless a secondary bacterial infection presents, the best course of action is rest and natural remedies to support the immune system.

Natural Remedies for the FLU

Nutrition

Light meals to support immune function are best for optimal nourishment during the flu. Vegetable soup made with mineral broth is best. In fact, if your child comes down with the flu I recommend keeping a pot of mineral broth on the stove for a week.  Add lots of garlic and ginger to soup for added immune boosting properties. Other nourishing food and drink options include steamed vegetables topped with a teaspoon of coconut oil, fresh orange slices, water with lemon or lime, fresh green juices or smoothies. Try serving your child hot ginger tea made with real ginger. Grate or slice a teaspoon of ginger in a cup and fill with boiling water. Let tea steep for 10 minutes and then add a small amount of raw manuka honey and a squeeze of lemon. Additionally avoid immune system BUSTERS that compromise the immune system and tax digestive function like; refined sugar, damaged fats, pasteurized dairy, food sensitivities/allergies, pesticides and insecticides, processed foods, and stress.

Herbs and Supplements

Liquid Zinc: Zinc is my go-to supplement if I feel even the hint of that scratchy sore throat that indicates the start of a virus. I do something I learned from Anthony William, called zinc shock therapy. Anthony says this will stop a virus in its tracks. To do this I take 4 droppers of liquid zinc every few hours at the first onset of symptoms. For my kids I usually give them one dropper a few times a day if I can talk them into it. This is the only zinc we use (it’s easy on the tummy).

Elderberry Syrup: Elderberry syrup is best to take when symptoms first come on. The elderberry herb is a powerful herb that supports immune function.

Goldenseal: Goldenseal is a powerful herb that should only be taken for short periods of time. I use this herb when my children have a particularly strong virus or bacteria. Goldenseal is ALWAYS in my holistic medicine kit and I don’t leave home without it, just in case. Goldenseal is tough on the flu virus. We use an alcohol-free version found here.

Vitamin C: I love using Ester-c because it’s great for the immune system and easy on the tummy. For children you can open a capsule and add it to smoothies and fresh green juices.

Probiotics: It is supremely important to increase your child’s probiotic intake during the flu to help support healthy digestive and immune function. Make sure to choose a high quality supplement that has a high adherence rate.

Lemon, honey and ginger tea: We make this tea to help support us during the healing process. It contains needed minerals and tastes great too.

Keeping your child comfortable

Our children’s bodies are capable of amazing healing if we give them good food, rest and immune boosters.  The above list will give you a good start on generally supporting your child through the flu virus.  Below I’ve listed a few individual symptoms with specific natural remedies for your reference.

Fever: A fever is no fun, but it’s a GREAT sign that the immune system is working.  An ideal range for a fever is between 102-103 degrees so if your child has a fever in this range, let the fever do the work and rejoice for the gift of a functioning immune system!  If your child is unusually uncomfortable please read my post that covers natural remedies for fever.

Body aches:  Run a bath for a child with body aches (keep it on the cool side if the child has a fever, you DO NOT want to overheat the child) and add magnesium flakes or epsom salts with a few drops of relaxing lavender essential oil.  For the proper and safe way to do this read my post about detox baths for kids.  The magnesium will help to soothe soft muscle tissue and will also help your child sleep.

Sore Throat:  There are many natural soothers for a sore throat, check out these natural remedies for a sore throat to learn more.

Lifestyle

Rest: The immune system is working very hard during a flu virus so help your child conserve energy and get lot of rest and sleep. Sleep is the way our bodies heal so don’t discount the importance of sleeping as much as possible while you or your child recover from the flu!

 Have you used any of these natural remedies with your child?  What would you add to this list?