7 Things I Do to Stop a Cold in it's Tracks

If you're anything like me, I know when I'm about to get sick.

It always starts with a tickle in the back of my throat.

Once I feel that, I know I have just a few hours to do something before it's too late.

If I wait too long, it's got me and I'm officially sick.

Here comes the sore throat, congestion, nose blowing, coughing, sneezing, head ache etc.

Don't you wish you could stop it before it starts?

You can!

I want to share some ways that have helped me and my family stop sickness in its tracks.

Now, this is a time sensitive thing.

As soon as you feel that little tickle in your throat, ACT IMMEDIATELY!

Here are 7 things you can do at the first small sign you feel you're getting sick...

1. STOP eating sugar! I mean any and all sugar. Not even an apple. Sugar feeds the bacteria/virus and helps it grow.

2. Gargle 1-3 drops of pure organic oregano oil in a little water (about 1 teaspoon) and swallow. Warning- this burns! So don't try this if you're sensitive to pain and don't give it to children. This is a beast, but it's THE MOST EFFECTIVE remedy I've ever tried. If I take this early enough when I first feel that tickle, it has worked 100% of the time for me (and Adam too). I honestly hate doing this one, but it really works if you don't want to get sick.

3. Gargle apple cider vinegar in a little water and swallow. If you want something that's not so intense, this one is more tolerable than the oregano oil. It still tastes terrible and burns a bit, but it really helps. Do this every few hours. I sometimes swallow it strait, but you can mix with a little water and gargle it to make it more tolerable.

4. Gargle with warm salt water. This is the easiest option with no burning. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of water and make the water as warm as you can tolerate without scalding your mouth. Gargle for 15 seconds, spit it out, and repeat. Try to get the water as far back in your throat as possible without swallowing. Repeat 2-3 hours or as needed.

5. Take 1 teaspoon of Elderberry syrup 3x daily when you're feeling sick. This is one we do for our kids because they love the taste. Just make sure you check the ingredients to see there are no preservatives or other bad ingredients.

6. Boil Yerba Santa leaves in hot water and drink as tea. Adam and I used to pick these leaves in the mountains of CA when we lived there. It's oil is a great immune booster. You can even stick a leaf in your mouth and suck on it.

7. Lastly, drink bone broth. It's one of the most healing foods for your body. My favorite way to drink it is by making a simple soup. I throw some of our chicken backs (soup bones), thighs and/or legs in the instant pot with some salt and spices. Cook, pull out the bones (add some veggies if desired)... done and delish!

For my kids (who are ages 5, 3, and 1 at the time of this post) it's a little trickier.

I typically don't know they're getting sick until it's too late.

But if we are ever around others who are sick, here are a few things I'll do the following days...

1. Cut sugar out

2. Give 1 teaspoon of elderberry syrup 3x daily

3. Give Vitamin C, D and zinc

4. Make bone broth soup

   
   

I hope these natural remedies are helpful and keep you from getting sick next time you feel it coming on.

They have definitely worked for our family over the years.

Of course remember the obvious things like rest and drink plenty of water.

Stock up on some whole chickens, soup bones, thighs or drums so you're always ready to crush that cold as soon as it appears.

Wishing you and your family the best of health!