Home Remedies for Cold and Flu Prevention

Fall season generally rings in allergies, more indoor activities with either forced air heat or, in our case, wood heat. As well, cold and flu are generally quite common for most of us. However, the more we can keep our nutritional status up, our allergy triggers lowered, a good amount of rest for everyone, and lots of liquids, the more likely we can readily recover from whatever symptoms and illness are going around (colds, flu, chicken pox, measles, and various other well know illnesses).

A walk in the fall over freshly fallen leaves with lovely sunshine and crisp fresh air do wonders for our health!

On a regular basis, before anyone gets sick, I try to ensure that everyone is getting a good amount of sleep, relaxation, recreation, and wholesome nutrition. Everyone’s needs in these areas will be different, your family’s needs will be too. What are some ways to determine what your needs might be? Do you have allergies, food sensitivities, nutritional deficiencies? Not everyone is aware of these…..could just be an inkling you have about your dear ones and if you do, go with it. You are probably right! Just listen carefully to your family members comments about “how they feel” sometimes, their energy levels, are they sleeping well, do meals sit well in their tummy? These are some ways to determine some nutritional needs.

Chicken or Turkey Miracle Soup

Our favourite recipe can be found on our family farming website:

Cold and Flu Checklist

Here is a checklist I developed that can be adapted for your families for Cold and Flu Prevention; keep in mind I am not a medical Professional and I am not making any health claims.

Rather, these are suggestions based on what has helped our family to stay as healthy as possible. Use your own judgment and common sense based on your own families needs, allergies, sensitivities and what you think works best for you.

Whole foods are the best sources of vitamins and minerals rather than supplements. That is definitely my first suggestion! Supplements and herbs are there when needed if used wisely. Again, we try to get as much of our nutrient needs from foods sources. For example, raw Sauerkraut provides an excellent source of Vitamin C instead of supplementation. Probiotic rich homemade yogurt or Kefir provides daily requirements for probiotic rather than an expensive supplement, fermented red onions and Green tea as well as Elderberry tea provide Quercetin (which has antihistamine like qualities). The list goes on.

It just goes to show that we don’t necessarily need supplements; Our Heavenly Father has provided all we need in properly prepared holistic food sources! More on that topic another day!