I love autumn, especially when I see the lovely décor gracing the homes of my neighbors. Unfortunately, I didn’t inherit an eye-for-decorating gene, so the extent of decorating my home consists of seasonally fragranced candles and maybe a pumpkin lined porch.
But as soon as I start feeling that small chill in the air, one task comes to mind—preparing my home for the upcoming cold and flu season. While I haven’t quite learned the art of decorating, I’ve become quite the warden when it comes to turning my home into an illness fighting arsenal!
Here’s a list of ten of my favorite natural ways to keep my home a healthy haven.
I begin gathering my herbs and supplies in late August and early September, but if you haven’t yet started, it’s not too late. We’ll use the items straight through spring. Many herb shops will sell out of specific herbs late fall and it can take up to 6 weeks for a tincture to be ready, so the earlier you can get started, the better.
In the interest of full disclosure, a few affiliate links are present in this post.
1) Elderberry—Whether you make your own elderberry syrup or purchase from the store, elderberry is an immune stimulant and detoxifier, making it perfect for cold and flu season. We take this when we’re going to be in an environment in which viruses are running rampant or when we’re in the thick of flu season. If you buy elderberry syrup at the store, be cautious about sugar content (more on sugar and its effect on the immune system below).
2) Double-E Immune Booster—Made with Nettle Leaf, Peppermint Leaf, Echinacea Root, Echinacea Tops, Elderberries whole, Ginseng Root, and Rosehips, Double-E Immune Booster is a mainstay in my home! I make this into a tincture for the grown-ups and a honey for the older children (not for infants). This blend should only be used at the first sign of symptoms and while ill.
3) Vitamin D—Vitamin D is excellent for keeping the immune system strong. If you’re able to get outside and soak up some gorgeous natural Vit D from the sun, go for it! Fifteen to twenty minutes a day is all it takes.
4) Echinacea/Astragalus—These are great immune boosters that I like to use to complement the Double-E (which already contains Echinacea, so I alternate). If you don’t want to make your own tincture or want something specifically formulated for children, I recommend the brand Herbs for Kids. Dosing is included on the dropper and the correct dosing for children is already figured out for you. Like the Double-E, I only give this at the first sign of illness.
5) Cold/Flu Vinegar—This vinegar has been used as a preventative, although my children dislike it. Honestly, my husband is the only person in our home who uses it now, but I include it because it’s been known to almost immediately kick whatever is trying to creep up on him.
6) Thieves—I diffuse Thieves essential oil 3 times a day during cold and flu season, especially when we’ve been around crowds. I also add a few drops of Thieves to a spray bottle of water and spritz around my home. The fragrance is perfect for fall and winter, allowing your home to be both healthy and inviting. I also add a few drops of Thieves with a few drops of Lavender to my children’s bath water in the evenings.
7) Limit Sugar and Consume Whole Foods—Have you ever noticed that the people around you are the sickest during the last few weeks of December and early weeks of January? And even seem to re-lapse in February? I have. Is it only a coincidence that this is about the time folks are enjoying rich, decadent, sugar-laden foods? Yes we enjoy special holiday treats, but I limit the sugar consumption– not an easy task when my children are bombarded with it while out and about and when our family is invited to friends’ parties. When they’re home, they enjoy plenty of healthy treats. I have some home-baked healthy goodies ready to go in my freezer and always have plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables available for snacking.
8) Probiotic and probiotic-rich foods—Keep those friendly bacteria–my children call them the “good bugs.” If you’re able to consume natural homemade probiotic-rich foods, fantastic, but if you’re in a bind or simply intimidated by the process, you can pick up probiotics at your local health food store (the ones in the refrigerator are more potent than the ones on the shelf).
9) Stay active, rested, and hydrated—Even if you can’t get outside, keep your family active indoors—it helps your circulation, boosts the immune system, and is a natural mood elevator, which is especially helpful if you deal with the winter blues or if the holiday stress gets you anxious. On the flip side, stay rested. Your body is an amazing creation, and if it’s trying to fight an illness, show it some love by getting plenty of rest to help it do what it’s designed to do. And whether you’re at rest or play, stay hydrated–water helps flush toxins and helps your body function at its best.
10) Chiropractic Care—The benefits of chiropractic care and its effects on the immune system fascinate me. I’ve not only heard of others who’ve seen the benefits, we’ve witnessed them ourselves. Linked is an interesting page discussing Upper Cervical Chiropractic, which is a unique and specialized form of chiropractic. This link also has 5 tips for boosting immunity naturally and keeping the immune system strong.
The above list certainly isn’t exhaustive–these are just a few of my favorites. There are many other nutritive herbs and healthy foods given to us by our Creator to help keep our families happy and healthy. I love to learn from other families, so what’s your favorite natural way to promote a healthy home?
Statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have any questions or concerns, please discuss with a knowledgeable herbalist or other health care provider who can review your specific needs.
