How to Win the Fight Against Cold and Flu Season
When I hear the words “cold and flu season” I get jumpy. Now add COVID to the mix, and most people start in on the stress and anxiety.
We homeschool, live in the country, and keep a clean household, but that doesn’t mean our family isn’t ever exposed to germs! Just a quick trip to the store, Sunday morning church service, or a handshake from an acquaintance is enough to pass along a simple cold.
Did you know there are some things you can do to ward off cold and flu germs, or at the very least, shorten the lifespan of the virus?
What do we do to fight?
Supplements to build the immune system, like Vitamin D3, Vitamin C, Zinc, Cinnamon, Turmeric, and Echinacea.
Essential Oils for fighting off infection, like Thieves, Oregano, Lemon, and Purification (Young Living Brand).
We also gargle with a couple of drops of Thieves oil in water.
Elderberries, A Powerful Weapon
And if we do get a cold, one of my best weapons involves elderberries. Elderberry syrup, elderberry tea, and even elderberry throat lozenges.
At the beginning of the season, I make a big batch of elderberry tea mix, which I store in a glass jar. And a few jars of elderberry syrup to have on hand. You don’t have to be sick to take them. In fact, it’s best to keep up a daily dose of everything just keep sickness away.
Want to know my recipes?
Elderbery Tea
2T of dried elderberries
1/4 tsp cinnamon chips or crushed cinnamon stick
2 whole cloves
1/4 tsp dried orange peel
1/2 tsp dried echinacea
Mix all of the above herbs together, put in a tea strainer and pour 8 - 10 ounces of boiling water over the herbs. Let steep 3 - 5 minutes.
You can add raw honey if you want, but elderberries have a naturally sweet flavor. It’s not necessary.
This mix is easy to make in a big batch and stored in a glass jar.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe (adapted from Bulk Herb Store)
Ingredients:
4 cups cold filtered water
2 cups organic dried elderberries
1 organic cinnamon stick
3 organic whole cloves
1 tsp organic dried ginger root
Raw organic honey (or organic agave syrup for a vegan recipe)
Directions:
Combine the berries and herbs with cold water in a pot and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and allow herbs to simmer for 30 to 40 minutes.
Remove from heat and mash the berries in the liquid mixture.
Strain the berries and herbs through cheesecloth and squeeze out the juice.
Measure the liquid and add an equal amount of honey. Gently heat the honey and juice for a few minutes until well combined. Do not boil!
Bottle in sterilized glass bottle.
Note: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. The extra syrup can be stored to have on hand or bottled and given as gifts to friends and family.
What do you do to keep your family healthy during the winter? I would love to hear from you!
Stay healthy, warm, and well this season!
Tabitha