Whether you are pro or anti vaccination, you should know that flu season is already upon us. Our pediatrician, as well as a trauma nurse friend, have both confirmed flu cases have come into doctors offices and ERs. Personally, I vaccinate my children. I don’t want to get into a debate on vaccinations…at all!
Here’s what you should know:
Flu is already here (flu season typically starts later in October)
If you get a flu shot, consider getting one now – our pediatrician’s office had a flu clinic this past Sunday, and our pediatrician urged us not to wait until one of my child’s well visits in early October (including for myself)
Whether you get a flu shot or not, consider having a stash of herbal and alternative remedies on hand NOW as they work best at the first sign of the flu. As I always say, I am not a doctor. These are things that work for me and my family – please consult with your own medical professional for guidance. Below are listed a few of the things I have on hand all year long specifically to address colds and flu (and I started buying more a few weeks ago):
Oil of Oregano – the capsule form of this is FOR ADULTS ONLY. Should you wish to give this to a baby or young child, you must get appropriate dosing information from a medical professional (DO NOT USE CAPSULES FOR CHILDREN). Oil of oregano has been used for centuries and now is many times used as a substitute for antibiotics. In addition to killing many forms of bacteria, oil of oregano can also kill viruses and fungus. Here is a good description of oil of oregano as well as its uses and benefits, from the noted Dr. Axe
Colloidal Silver – this is a controversial one, so do your research and figure out if it’s for you. Yes, this is silver like the metal. But, it is in a very small form, suspended in water. The claim is that silver is antibacterial, antimicrobial, stimulates healing (for wounds – it is known to be very beneficial for burns and skin wounds), etc. I have used this personally for when I feel a cold coming on, pink eye, sinus infection, cuts, etc. The product can be dosed for children 4 years of age and older. I will only use the Sovereign Silver brand – its particles are nano sized, so the parts per million of silver is quite low. Again, this is a controversial one – there is concern that the nanoparticle size would allow the silver to penetrate into the brain. So, do your research and speak with a professional about this. Again, another link to information on colloidal silver from Dr. Axe
Oscillococcinum – don’t make me pronounce this, but it works. They are small tubes of white granules (which taste sweet), which you dissolve in your mouth every 6 hours at the onset of flu symptoms. This can be used by both adults and children 2 years and older. All I know is that every time I feel flu like symptoms coming on, if I take this immediately (you must take this at the first signs, or it doesn’t work as well), my symptoms go away in a day or so. And, it’s become mainstream enough that I’ve seen it sold at Safeway, Target, Walmart, etc. I always buy the 30 count package to ensure I don’t run out
ColdCalm – this is specifically for children 6 months and up. It’s more geared towards cold symptoms like stuffy & runny nose and congestion. I have given it to both my almost 5 year old and 1 year old with success. It looks like those disposable eye saline tubes – small, plastic tubes which you twist the tops off of and then squirt the liquid in your / your children’s mouths. It is homeopathic and is made by the same company which makes Oscillococcinum. Oh, and ColdCalm also comes in a tablet form, but the tablets are not meant for babies – so I say go with the liquid ones because it works for all ages over 6 months.
WishGarden Cold Seasons – this is a brown liquid tincture FOR CHILDREN. It doesn’t really taste good, but I think it works. This formulation is made specifically for children. In addition to the Cold Seasons formulation, the company also makes children’s tinctures for general immune strength, coughs, sleep and many other things. While Amazon stocks this, you can also go straight to the company’s website; or better yet, go to Pharmaca, Whole Foods or Natural Grocers – all stock this (note that Sprouts is now phasing out many of the Wish Garden herbs and replacing them with its own branded version which I find is not as effective)
Other than this, I swear by garlic – I dice a few cloves every morning (let it sit for at least 10 minutes to activate the compound which is antibacterial / antiviral), put in on a spoon with a little honey and down the hatch (no way I’m chewing on garlic).
Here’s to a healthy fall and winter for everyone – I always say be prepared as colds and flus can come on suddenly. Best to have a stash on hand.
Love & Peace,
The Almost Green Mom
, , , ,
Amy Smith is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
