Cold & Flu Season is Upon Us

There's a nasty cold making its way around town.  And I do mean nasty.  Hannah & Samuel had it about three weeks ago and now my dear Mr. Clark has it.  Thanks to natural remedies my sweet babies started feeling better within two days of their first symptoms and Bobby is slowly recovering.

I thought I would share a few of my favorite remedies that not only work but are totally safe for children.

Colds

This is so easy to do!
You just peel a clove of garlic and crush it into a paper towel.  Fold the paper towel, with the garlic inside, and run it under hot water.  Squeeze all of the excess water out of the p. towel and then apply to the soles of the foot for 60 seconds.  I do each foot for 60 seconds each.
Whatever my reason for using the garlic press I do it two to three times a day.

If you've been exposed to some one who has a cold you can use the garlic press to boost your immune system.

Sore Throats

Do the garlic press on your feet and then on your neck for 90 seconds.
Adults can take garlic capsules (found at your local GNC or Wal Mart.)
A teaspoon of honey two to three times a day.

Chest Congestion
Do the garlic press on your feet and then on your chest for 90 seconds.

  

Ear Infections

Crush a clove of fresh peeled garlic into a tablespoon of olive oil.  Heat the oil in the microwave until it is warm but not too hot.  Strain the garlic out of the oil.
You can rub this oil around your ear and lymph nodes.  Also put a small drop in your ear two to three times a day.

Fevers

There's not really a natural remedy for fevers.  I use Motrin and give luke-warm bathes.  I don't bundle my kids up but dress them lightly and cover them with a blanket if they're cold.  I will do the garlic press on their feet just as a precautionary measure. 

Also try or keep on hand:

• Echinacea/Goldenseal – A great combination to boost your immunity. Take in tablet form. Most do not recommend for pregnant mothers.

• Hyland's  Homeopathic Cold 'N Cough 4 Kids can be purchased at Wal Mart.  It alleviates the symptoms of colds and can be given to kids 2 yrs and older.

• Eucalyptus Oil – Eucalyptus in it’s essential oil form is wonderful to have on hand as it is highly beneficial. Add a few drops to the humidifier for easier breathing and rub it on the chest to help relieve congestion. Use this especially for children.

•  Ester C or Emergen-C

•  Raw Honey - There are so many health benefits of raw honey that we actually use it for everything!  We eat it on as many foods as we can, I put honey on burns and cuts and we use it as a vitamin when we're sick. 

•  With everything get plenty of rest and fluids.

For additional information on..
honey go here
garlic go here
*Many thanks to the Bulk Herb Store for all of their useful articles on herbs and remedies!*

What are some of your natural remedies?