Simple Cold & Flu Home Remedies for the Family

We’ve been hit hard this past week with nasty colds.  First Hudson had a stuffy nose and was sneezing, then I felt under the weather, and now Mark has been fully taken over by a virus that has caused him to just feel rotten! He’s been battling with sleepless nights, a sore throat, and major congestion. The cold/flu season is in full swing this winter and unfortunately it has caught up with us.  We all had the flu shot, but there are so many other bugs going around, even with vitamins and hand washing, it can be hard to avoid.

Here are some things we are doing to feel better quick and get our family back to feeling healthy!

Humidifier and Aromatherapy Diffuser

We run a cold-air humidifier in both Hudson’s and our room during the dry winter months, but it especially helps when sick to DE-congest and breathe easier while sleeping.

We also LOVE our Sage Aromatherapy Diffuser. My favorite blends are…

• “Immune” which is an anti-bacterial blend that includes eucalyptus. It can help to relieve cold and flu symptoms.
• “Mountain High” – this invigorating blend includes pine and spearmint and really lifts your spirits by bringing a clean scent to the air!

Hot lemon water with ginger and honey

Mark also likes to add a dash of brandy (this can help you sleep). This hot drink soothes your throat and just makes you feel better!  There are a lot of great herbal teas out there as well, the main thing to remember is to drink lots of fluids when sick.  Fluids help to flush those nasty bugs out of your system!

Vitamin C, Zinc & Echinacea

These vitamins are immune fighters! We take them on the daily (well, when we remember) and dose up when we feel a cold coming on!  You can also get extra Vitamin C in oranges and grapefruit, lemons, and leafy greens!

The “Neti Pot” / Saline Rinse

This works well once you get the hang of it. A neti pot is a device that cleanses and refreshes the nasal passages. Neti pots are usually plastic or ceramic and they resemble a small teapot.  They help with congested sinuses, colds, infections, allergies, and even snoring.  When we worked on the cruise ship and were constantly in air-conditioning, I used my neti pot quite a bit. It’s a good thing to have!

Homemade Soup

When you’re sick, there is nothing better than a bowl of homemade soup! Although I love a good chicken soup, lately I’ve been making this amazing lentil soup that the whole family loves! Hudson devours it and i feel great giving it to him! It’s seriously SO delicious!

Lentil Tumeric Soup

Makes enough for 4 portions and some leftovers!

• INGREDIENTS
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs of celery, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 large potato, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 tbsp. ground turmeric
• 1 ½ cups dried red lentils
• 1-1 ½ L chicken stock
• ½ tsp ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Using a strainer, rinse the lentils under cold water and pick out any dry lentils or debris. Set to the side.
2. In a medium sauce pan, warm the olive oil on medium heat. Add the onion and allow it to cook until softened about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add in the garlic, celery, carrot, tomato, potato, zucchini, turmeric and lentils. Cook the ingredients together for 3-4 minutes to develop the flavors.
4. Cover the ingredients with the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Allow to cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the ingredients have thickened and the vegetables are cooked.
6. Season with salt, pepper and parsley

What are your favorite home remedies? Any good soup recipes? Comment Below!