Sad to say, while I much love the cooler temps and beautiful colors that Autumn provides, it’s also the signal that Cold n’ Flu Season is just around the corner. And while we don’t have an opinion about what you should or shouldn’t do regarding getting the flu shot, we do offer some alternative ideas that we ourselves have found very effective over the years.
The first is Echinacea. Both Extract/Tincture and Tea.
Echinacea is a very powerful herb! Nature’s herbal antibiotic. Just recently, I felt myself trying to come down with a cold (my husband always asks “why would you want to try and get a cold?” haha 😛 ) . Well, I started on Echinacea Extract every couple-three hours and within a day my symptoms had backed off. It works the best if you catch your illness before it gets well-involved, but even if not it will still shorten the illness if you take a dose every 2-3 hrs for a day or two. You can find it in a tincture or, though it’s somewhat less effective, many drug stores carry it in pill form.
Then there’s Echinacea Tea. Not as powerful as the tincture, but tastier, and still effective! 🙂 Works best as an infusion, which is simply a tea that’s allowed to steep for a much longer time. We put 2 ounces or so (1/4-1/3 cup) into a coffee filter and tie it with a twisty, then put it into a quart mason jar and fill it up with almost boiling water, cover it, and allow to steep for a couple hours or more. Then we sweeten it and drink it 3-4 times a day to keep the herb in our system at all times. You can find some here or many grocery stores carry it.
Colloidal Silver is another great alternative to have on hand during Cold n’ Flu season. Read more about it here. It’s a natural antibiotic that’s not resistant to any strain of anything. It can be used for many different health issues, but is particularly effective on the flu or diarrhea. It’s especially good if you catch it before it’s well-involved, but will still help even in you’re farther along in the illness.
Then there’s our Coughs n’ Cold Essential oil and Grave Robber’s Oil. We like to use these topically or in diffuser necklace when we’re out in public. They smell good, but have the benefit of helping to keep germs outside of our personal space.
Some other helps during Cold n’ Flu Season include Germaphobe’s Delight Spray. Which is basically our natural version of Germ-x. Our daughter-in-law likes to have this on hand when her toddlers get a cold or the flu. I like to carry it in my purse to have on hand for use in public during cold n’ flu season.
And last but not least there’s Breathe Vapor-Aide Salve for when stuffed noses are a problem. Another item that works great on the feet. Just apply and put socks on.
Well, here’s to hoping for a smooth Cold n’ Flu season for your family. 🙂
Come visit us at the Bville Farmer’s Market and be sure to stock up. The Market will be open this Saturday (10-3-15) and next Saturday (10-10-15) and then will be closed for the season until next May.
And don’t forget, if you need something through the winter, feel free to order online. If you’re local, you can pick it up or we’ll deliver and save you the shipping!
In the meantime, be sure to enjoy your Autumn! <3
Ttyl,
mary