Winter immune defence for kids!
We all dread those incoming sniffles as the temperature drops off, so here are some of our immunity go-to’s that I always have on hand/are nourishing our bodies with so we feel prepared if that time comes. I grew up thinking Calpol was the holy grail, not because my mum had told me so, but because what was better than receiving a gooey pink sugary substance through a syringe at 6 years old? After ALOT of reading, I decided I wanted calpol (and equally paracetamol/conventional pain relief for myself) to be an absolute last resort rather than a first one and so onion poultices, and garlic in socks have become the norm. I am no doctor, but I have found this stuff REALLY works (please do your own research) and most of it is right in front of us!
Onions
Wow! Onions are POWERFUL! If the kids have a cough we half/quarter and onion and put it in the corner of their room or near to where they are sleeping. This may be a total myth but it has so far worked for us. We also make an onion poultice for chestier coughs, which requires lightly sauteeing an onion in a pan with a bit of water for 5 mins. Then when finished, cool the liquid enough so it can be applied to the chest and cover a rag, cloth or towel in the juice of the onions and apply to the chest area for around 20 minutes. You can also sleep with onion in your socks!
2. Fire Cider
This can easily be made at home but i’m always slightly too late in making it in time for the winter months I buy mine pre-prepared from Alice over here in her online shop. Fire cider is a mix of powerhouse ingredients such as apple cider vinegar, onions, garlic and horseradish, sometimes with citrus, ginger and hot peppers, and is thought to boost your immunity and help you prevent/get over colds. I actually enjoy taking this one from the bottle but for kids you can mix into something or give it a whirl and see if they like it?
3. colloidal silver
Colloidal silver is used as an alternative medicine, it’s made up of tiny silver particles usually combined with water. Colloidal silver has a range of uses, and we’ve used it on cuts and grazes but primarily for sore throats, throat infections and ear infections. We use this particular spray and if spraying into the mouth I do a few sprays and get them to hold/swish around their mouth before swallowing. Do the research yourself as the product is not intended for continuous use, but we have found this to be SO useful.
4.Garlic/ Mullein Garlic oil
I really cannot stand the smell of garlic but if I sense a cold coming on it’s the first thing I will grab. I crush up a garlic clove and swallow with a glug of water but for the kids who really are anti-trying anything garlic related, I make a simple garlic salve for their feet made up of crushed up garlic and coconut oil and smother it over their feet or chest and put on socks for the night. I’ve also done garlic necklaces before and garlic tea, ANYTHING garlic! For sore ears over winter, you can make your own but Mullein Garlic oil is so incredible and REALLY works. Heppy had an ear infection in Cyprus from the swimming pool, I put oil in her ears 3 times a day for two days and she was fine/happy to swim again on the third day!
5.Ginger
Ginger can also be chewed on for sore throats, or we love making ginger and lemon tea with some honey for everyone to sip on. It’s a powerful antioxidant and I also like to make lots of gingery-based dishes/add to whatever we’re baking around cold season!
6.Dark Greens
Dark green vegetables are high in vitamin A! Loads of other foods that help boost the immune system too- which are easily found in books/online. We like to put dark leafy greens in smoothies or blend into sauces for the kids!
7.Basic Homeopathy Kit
I’m fairly new to the homeopathy game and received this basic kit from Helios for Christmas a few years ago which is perfect for begginners. It has an easy-to-follow guide inside and I am part of a few groups on FB which help me navigate this new world a little. As with EVERYTHING I delve into, I researched it alot before purchasing and have really seen the remedies work for us. Homeopathy is a medical system based on the belief that the body can heal itself. Those who practice it use tiny amounts of natural substances, like plants and minerals to stimulate the healing process matching the remedy to the symptoms. We use the kit and other remedies for anything from headaches, to croup, back pain toothache etc. Arnica is a well known homeopathic remedy which I have used post-birth, and have used since for any swelling or inflammation. Another favourite is Aconite which we use if there are any signs of a cold coming on to nip it in the bud.
8.Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is thought to be more antibacterial and anti-inflammatory than regular honey. Generally, higher grade UMF 15+ or UMF 20+ manuka honeys are more effective at killing active bacterial infections. We take a spoon of it out of the jar if the kids have a sore throat, and mix with lemon and ginger for a comforting and soothing tea. This Steens honey I recently got on clearance!
9.Lemons
A very simple one but drinking hot lemon water is really soothing for a sore throat. Lemons also contain vitamin C!
10.Bone broth/Stock
We roast a high quality whole chicken about once a month and when we have finished with the meat we throw the bones into a pot with anything to hand like onions, celery, carrots, garlic, onion some herbs, salt and 2 x tbsps of apple cider vinegar and water. We leave as long as possible as the longer it goes the more good stuff is extracted from the bones. All day or shorter if I’m strapped for time and you can boil pasta in it, add to soups and pies etc. it is highly nourishing because it’s packed full of minerals and amino acids. It was one of the first foods Moses had when he was weaning!
11.Liposamal vitamin c/magnesium
The world of vitamins and supplements is WILD. Marketing makes us want to buy everything (makes us think we need everything) so it’s hard to know what to focus on. I was so thankful to recently discover these two supplements from Mighty Kids, these are the only supplements we currently give to the kids and both are perfect for the weather changes. Liposomal vitamin C is meant to be the best-absorbed form of vitamin c. We give this daily and if a cold comes on you can give every half an hour. The testimonials are really cool! Vitamin C is key to the body and immune system helping generate more white blood cells! Magnesium is thought to support sleep, muscle and nerve function, and energy production.
12.Prayer/declarations!
In our house we pray over our bodies/bless our bodies and believe Jesus makes us well! There is power in the words we speak over ourselves, and we believe our words have the power to bring change! It’s easy to throw a pity party when we’re feeling poorly, or over-focus on how awful us or the kids are feeling. Why not try blessing your/or their body everytime you want to do this instead!
What’s your favourite natural remedy? Have you tried any of these?