Cold & Flu Season Staples Every Mom Should Stock

I may get a little worked up about illnesses, but with good reason! Getting exposure to viruses helps build a healthy immune response, but getting constantly bombarded by illnesses suppresses it. We are constantly coming into contact with small amounts of viruses that our bodies often fight off easily. It’s when we come into contact with large amounts or particulates or exposed to new or more nasty viruses that we get full blown sick, and the positive effects of virus exposure start to dwindle when your immune system can’t handle the onslaught quickly. Rest and recovery is essential to help your immune system bounce back from these difficult illnesses so we take proactive measures like stocking up. Stocking up can help ease the cold and flu season tension and allow your family to breathe a little easier!

Remember the most effective options are the ones you’ll actually use! Be choosy about what practices and products will work best for your family. I am linking to the products I actually use regularly from Thrive Market, I do not get paid for promotion or earn a commission but I will get points if you sign up using the hyperlink in this text. I find their products to be the best quality and price especially in my small town without a lot of local options.

I go in depth on immune boosting habits here if you want more info!

Hydration & Nutrition

• Raw honey
• Citrus
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Bone Broth- I have a habit of making this recipe weekly and keeping a few jars stocked in the freezer, but you can purchase it here as well.
• Herbal teas– We love too many to list! My personal go to is a homemade blend of thyme, ginger, turmeric, jujubes, goji berry, lemon, and honey. I keep all of those prepped in the freezer.
• Electrolytes– these are essential for cellular function and we use up a lot more while fighting of illnesses.
• Unsweetened applesauce- Trust me on this one!
• Crackers- Especially when you have a stomach bug!
• Amys Soups– These soups are easy on the stomach so your body doesn’t have to spend too much energy digesting or cooking while you are recovering.

Natural Remedies & Extras

• Essential oils- I use this breathe easy in my humidifier, diffuser, or in my shower, essential oils are not safe to put directly into bathwater, and some may negatively impact animals so use with discretion.
• Humidifier- Warm or cool mist are both beneficial, warm mist humidifiers boil the water first and kill any bacteria in the tank so its generallt considered the healthier option. Make sure to keep it out of reach, but don’t place it too close to things that may be damaged by mist (i.e. electronics, drywall, ceiling, wooden furniture).
• Vapor Rub
• Tummy Pops
• Fermented garlic honey
• Fire cider- Generally more for the adults in the home but can be diluted in juice/water and honey. You can buy it or make it yourself.

Medicine Cabinet Basics

• Thermometer/ Pulse Ox- Should you need to give vitals to a teledoc or need to decide when to bring your little ones in to the doctor.
• Tissues
• Cough drops/ throat soothing lollipops
• Genexa- Dye free homepathic medicine (also carries acetaminophen)
• Genexa Arnica Pain Reliever
• Genexa Cold Crush– I am very cautious with taking medicine and this one is a shot in the dark at all symptoms, but it is much gentler than other options. I try to treat the exact symptoms more often, and never give a cough suppresant for a productive cough, only a dry scratchy one.
• Netti pot/ Saline Spray/ snot sucker for infants
• Heating pad/heatable stuffed animal- This is great for sches and pains and to help keep off the chills when spiking a fever.
• Weighted blanket- I use this to help with the restless legs I get when spiking a fever.

No one can avoid every cold, but when you’ve stocked up on simple healing basics you can handle sick days with much less stress. Your future self (and little ones) will thank you!