Winter Flu Remedies Part 1

Staying healthy during the winter months is important to me.  I love it when everyone in my family is happy and healthy.   However, mom's with little children know how quick germs can be caught and passed around the family.  Sickness is no fun.  I remember passing the flu around when my siblings and I were little.  I love learning and researching.  I have found that there ARE things to do.  There ARE ways to prevent sickness and boost immunity...EVEN with little "germ collectors" (aka: children) running around.  There are good, better, best, and bad ways to eat.  And, there ARE things to do (home remedies) without having to run to the Dr. for everything. 

So, from my reading and from my limited experience:
 KEY #1:  Catch it early and treat aggressively
For example: when I start to get a hint of a sore throat, I immediately start my Apple Cider Vinegar remedy. (salt water works too)  I've found that usually knocks it out within 12 hours.  If you let symptoms progress till they are unbearable, it makes it way harder to treat yourself. 

So, here are two of our favorite recipes for winter time flu and colds.  You can easily buy it at a Health Food Store, but it's a lot cheaper to buy the ingredients in bulk and make it when you need it.

Elderberry Syrup:
1/2 c. dried Elderberries
1 cinnamon stick
5 cloves
1 T. fresh grated ginger root (dried works too) (I add more)
2 cups water
**Simmer above ingredients together in a saucepan over medium heat till reduced by half.  (about 20 minutes)  Remove from heat and strain into a glass jar.  Add 1 cup of honey and 2 T. of Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar and stir well.  Store in fridge for 2-3 weeks, or freeze. 
Children: 1 T. every couple hours
Adults: 2-3 T. as needed
(Start as soon as sniffles begin and continue until symptoms disappear.  I give it to all of us, even if only 1 or 2 have symptoms.)

(Do NOT give raw honey to babies under 12 months)


Ginger Tea:
Grate fresh ginger root (1/2 cup), 5 cloves, and 1-2 cinnamon sticks and place in half-gallon mason jar.  Add 1/2 gallon of boiling water.  Let steep overnight.  Strain, reheat and add raw honey to taste. 

 This is my go-to tea for colds and flu.  Delicious!  I put it in a tall thermos and wa-lah!  My tea stays hot, even if I forget about it.  ha,ha!
Drink for good health, it's so yummy. 
For colds and flu, drink hot throughout the day...and continue till symptoms subside.  (I make my extra spicy, especially when we're sick)











"Be Your Own Doctor" is THE best book I have on my shelf, in the way of practical, easy information for home health care.  I'm am in no way against Dr's, but there are so many things to do that will help, relieve, or heal symptoms before you even need to run to Convenient Care. :)  I highly recommend this book for ALL moms.  I bought it used off of Amazon.  I'll say it was the BEST book I bought this past year.  I love that it's written by a mom of 9, who has time tested remedies, herbs, advice and information.  I especially appreciated her information on babies, children, and pregnancy.  There is not much over-the-counter medicine that is safe for babies, children, and pregnant moms...but, there are plenty of home remedies that ARE safe AND work.  Check it out...it's worth $12. :)