As I get back to the real world after being smacked down by the flu, I can't help but be grateful that no one else in my house got very sick. As soon as I came down so suddenly with those telltale symptoms of fever, sore throat, swollen glands and more -- I knew I needed to break out my home remedy arsenal of flu fighters to keep the kids from getting what I had.
Here's what worked to keep my family's symptoms mild or non-existent:
Homeopathic remedies -- There are plenty of basic homeopathic remedies that work great for fighting cold and flu symptoms. These are most effective right at the beginning of an illness, the moment you see any symptoms. They can be found at health food shops, or even online if you're building up your home remedy kit now. The key to understanding homeopathic remedies is to understand that the emotional state of the sick person is just as important as their symptoms. A great resource for understanding which remedies to use can be found here, and more instructions on use can be found here.
Vitamin D -- Keeping the kids out in the sun as much as possible, and giving them a Vit D supplement on cloudy days can do wonders in boosting the immune system. This vital vitamin helps repair and maintain a healthy body, and equips the body to fight disease. All this from sitting in the sun! Just make sure to come indoors or cover up once the skin pinks up.
Elderberry -- I first heard about this supplement years ago, and have had it on hand ever since. It works great to reduce the length of any sickness, and can be found at most health food stores.
Probiotics -- Building up the good flora in our bodies is essential to making sure we have a strong line of defense when the flu bugs come knockin'. Make sure it's a potent source that requires refrigeration.
Colloidal silver -- This supplement is great for fighting viruses and more, check online for the best source (I like this one).
