Tips for Winter Colds

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My boys usually end up with a few winter colds each year.  These are a few tips I have found useful for our family.

Please know that I am not a doctor,  just an everyday mom who has had a ton of experience treating colds!  Unfortunately, my boys struggle with getting respiratory infections. A simple cold can quickly turn to wheezing or RSV. It can be very scary no matter how long you’ve been a Mom!  When in doubt, call your physician and ask what warning signs to look for.  A quick phone call or appointment is worth the peace of mind.

Here are a few different home remedies we like to use to help keep colds from turning into something more:

Garlic Salve

photo by qnsagetyrtle

I use my micro-planer (garlic press will work too) and grate a couple cloves of garlic.  Then, I drizzle some olive oil on top enough to make a paste.  You could also make a bigger batch if you want to use a blender.  If you don’t have fresh garlic you can also use an onion.

At the first sign my boys are stuffed up and a cold is coming on, we slather this on their back, chest and bottoms of feet.  I love the smell of garlic so I don’t mind my kiddos smelling yummy.

 Homemade “Vicks” Rub

I make my own home made rub with essential oils to help congestion.  I take a few tablespoons of olive or coconut oil and add a couple drops of peppermint oil and eucalyptus.  Make sure you use a good, quality essential oil.  Locally, you can buy them at Campbell’s, online, or from any local Young Living Oil Distributor (which several of our team members happen to be!).  Essential oils can be expensive but they are worth the price and last forever!  Peppermint and eucalyptus are the most reasonably priced.  I rub the mixture on the chest, back, and bottom of feet.

NoseFrida                    Nosefrida The Snotsucker Nasal Aspirator

Forget the suction bulbs from the hospital.  This the ultimate snot sucker and you can buy it locally at Little Padded Seats in Valley Junction.  You will be amazed at how much snot you will get out.  This is especially helpful for babies and younger toddlers who cannot express it independently.

Breastmilk

I have friends who swear by using this in their babes noses to help unplug them. Works great in the ears too. Nursing mamas swear by this miracle milk for all kinds of ailments!

Throat Coat Tea with honey

 My boys enjoy tea when they don’t feel good.  We like Throat Coat with Lemon and Echinacea; we typically buy it at Hy-vee.  When I make it for the boys, I only steep it a couple minutes so it isn’t as strong.  Then, I add an ice cube and stir in a little honey.

Cool Mist Vaporizer

We love the adjustable humidifiers.  We have a whole house humidifier.  However, at times the boys need some extra in their rooms, so I typically set it on low.  You can add essential oils like Eucalyptus, Peppermint, or Oregano for those humidifiers that come with a small reservoir.

A Warm Bath

A warm bath is soothing at any time.  I often add a few drops of peppermint, eucalyptus, or lavender essential oil.  It will help clear sinuses, congestion, provide relaxation and soothe restless kiddos.

Garlic Ear Oil drops

We love these (and so does fellow Des Moines Moms Blogger Rachel).  We have fended off several ear infections with these drops.  Any time the boys have a fever, I use this in the ears as well. We love to treat minor illnesses at home; however, when it comes to ears, I like to have a professional check the boys ears when I suspect ear problems and re-check to make sure they are healed.  There are so many issues kiddos can have with the ears.

Do you have favorite home remedies?  I would love to hear what your family favorites are, so leave us a comment below.

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