Preparing for Cold and Flu Season

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We all know it's coming and for some of us it seemed to come much to early. Cold and flu season are differently upon us and here in Northern California we are getting hit with some nasties just on the tail end of a summer flu season that was unusually yucky.

There are many things we can do to prevent colds and flues and while nothing is 100% effective these remidies have taken a girl (me) from about 10 colds and flues per yer (yes, I averaged nearly one per month at age 20) to about 2 per year.

Here are my top picks for preventing colds and flues:

1. Eat healthy. 

So simple yet we all forget to do it or some are confused on how. For those who read my blog you know that we follow a traditional foods diet. To translate that in a nutshell I will say this; shop the outside of the store. Fresh fruits, veggies, meats and dairy. Buy organic, local, raw - as unmessed with as possible. Eat real food, real butter, real fat, not hydrogenated oils, no boxed, sugared grains. Eat real meats and real, whole fat, dairy.


2. Get lot's of rest. 

Reduce your stress by simplifying your life. Be sure you have one full day per week where you are relaxing 99% of the day.


3. Drink lots of pure water. 

At least 8, 8 oz glasses per day and more if you can. If you hate the taste of water try adding a little lemon juice to it, or drink lot's of watered down, caffeine free herbal teas.


4. Drink Super Hero Juice. 

What's Super Hero Juice, you ask? Here's the receipe:

2 Tsp dried Elderberries
2 Tsp Ginger
2 Tsp Slippery Elm Bark


Add to two quarts of water, simmer for an hour, add 1/2 cup of raw honey, stir. Let sit overnight. In the morning strain the tea, add to the tea 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar. Store in the fridge, drink liberally, everyday.


5. Make chicken soup at least once per week. 

Here's my favorite recipe from my sister's blog



6. Take your Vitamin D3!

In the summer time we make Vitamin D 3 from the sunlight. But during winter we cannot make any Vitamin D 3. This vitamin is CRUCIAL in immune system function and a whole host of other body functions including keeping us from getting depressed and helping us with the absorption of calcium.

Back in the day we use to get a lot of Vitamin D 3 from wholesome animal products. Be sure to eat full fat meat and dairy from naturally raised, grass fed animals. Eat organ meats like liver too. I cannot stress this enough. Vitamin D 3 is the most important kind of Vitamin D and is only found in sunlight (from March 21st to September 21st) and quality animal products.

Be sure to take a Vitamin D 3 supplement, I like Source Naturals. Take it everyday.



7. Wash your hands often.

We have all heard this again and again but really it's the simplest, easiest way to keep from getting sick. Remind your children to wash their hands and check up on them, make sure they are doing a good job at it. Warm water, scrub while you sing the ABCs, rinse thoroughly. 

Okay, so you've done all that and you're still sick, now what? Really the only thing you can once are sick is to rest, drinks lots of water and wait to get better. Some things, like taking Zinc and garlic, can help speed up your recovery time but for the most part, you're in it 'til it's over.

By why suffer more then you have to? Before you get sick put together a Wellness Kit!

Items for your Wellness Kit include;

Self directing activities for the kids such as crayons, coloring books, movies, books on tape, etc.

Natural remedies you like to have on hand. I like to be well stocked on yarrow, oregon grape root, coliodal silver, oregano, vitamin C, vitamin D, garlic, zinc, ginger, nux vomica (for stomach flues), Herb's for Kids Temp Assure (my FAVORITE kids tinctures because my little guys run hot) etc. If you are new to herbs you can always buy cold and flu season, pre-packaged blends in teas and tinctures.

Extra household items you may not be able to get to the store to pick up such as toilet paper, paper towels, pads or tampons, diapers, wipes, shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, etc.

Tylenol (use sparingly), thermometer, and hot water bottle.

In your freezer - pre-made chicken soup, several loaves of sprouted bread, grass fed butter.

In your cupboard - peanut butter (so the kids can make their own sandwiches), oral rehydration drink like Recharge.

A chart describing who has what chore responsibility while mom is sick plus treats to motivate the kids to do extra picking up around the house.

I  urge you to get you kit together today if you don't already have one.

Be healthy, be prepared and beat cold and flu season!