School has just begun and already there is a fever virus, strep throat strain and other superbugs floating around the classroom. My daughter and son have missed school due to the fever bug and ear infections. Maybe if we could get a solid 8 hour night of sleep we would be able to fight these off but since that is unlikely, I have to be more pro-active on including foods in our diets to help our immune systems fight off all these viruses.

Most of you know about the benefits of soups with bone broths for healing, mushrooms for the Vitamin D, garlic for immune building properties and coconut water to replenish electrolytes. Here are some easy home remedies to help boost the immune system, clear sinuses and shorten the length of the illness or relieve the symptoms. Parents, these are things you should be doing too to make sure you stay well. It is very hard to take care of your kid if you are sick.

Since some of these viruses are causing very high fevers of 103 and 105, peppermint oil will not be enough. Motrin or another medicine prescribed from your doctor really should be used. I have kept the kids fevers at or below 101 either because of luck or by using the following remedies. Fevers are good at killing the virus so I let them ride it out if possible with lower fevers but high fevers can cause problems with the heart and brain so please take care and talk with your doctor.

Sore Throats due to Allergies and Viruses

Mix 1 tablespoon of LOCAL Honey and 1/4 teaspoon of ORGANIC Cinnamon together and enjoy on a spoon or add it to a warm water or tea. This soothes a sore throat and helps with allergies.

Make a tea with freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey and hot water or slice a lemon in half and heat it with a flame and then pour honey over the top. Squeeze the lemon juice and honey in your mouth and it will coat your sore throat as well as give you immune boosting vitamin C, anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidants.

Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to cold water and drink or just take a shot. The vinegar will warm your throat and stomach. It has the same effects as a sports drink and has probiotics to help you fight off illness. It can kill bacteria in your throat as well. Chase the vinegar with some honey and cinnamon to remove the vinegar in your mouth. Note: Look for an organic, apple cider vinegar with “The Mother” which looks like a brown film on the bottom of the jar.

Gargle with himalayan pink or a mineral rich salt and warm water to soothe a sore throat.

Sore Muscles, Irritated Skin and Flushing Toxins

Add 2 tablespoons of freshly grated Ginger and a cup of Epson salts to your bath to cleanse, detox and replenish your minerals. This will make you sweat and loose water weight so do not do this if you are dehydrated! Drink plenty of water before, during, and after the bath. The ginger will warm you and help flush the toxins from your body. Add a cup of baking soda or vinegar if you like. The baking soda soothes your skin and the vinegar is a natural antiseptic.

Fever Reducer

Reduce a mild fever with two drops of peppermint essential oil mixed with a teaspoon of carrier oil like olive, avocado, coconut, jojoba or unpetroleum jelly. Using only peppermint oil can irritate the skin. Rub on the feet, chest, and along the spine. If you have headache, rub some on your temples.

Congestion

Breathe easier with 1 to 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil mixed with 1 to 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil or unpetroleum jelly to form a natural Vicks vapor rub. Rub on the chest and neck as well as take some deep breathes by cupping your hands around your nose.

Make your own saline spray by adding 1/2 teaspoon to 8 ounces of warm water. Use a mineral rich sea salt like Himalayan or French Grey. It gets your nasal passages flowing so you can breathe again.

Rashes or Irritated Skin

Coconut oil can soothe the skin with its moisturizing abilities and anti-viral properties. Rub it on your irritated skin, eczema, diaper rash, sunburn and blisters. It may help with head lice.

Mix Baking Soda with water to create a paste which can soothe bug bites and bee stings. Soak in a warm bath to soothe blisters and irritated skin as long as there are not open sores. Mix vinegar and baking soda to soothe poison ivy. The alkaline properties neutralizes the acid in poison ivy and bites.

Ear Infections

Add 2 drops of hydrogen peroxide in the ear. It will bubble and feel strange but work.

To soothe the ear ache or infection, add salt or rice to a thick wool or cotton sock (you do not want the salt or rice to fall into the ear) and heat in the microwave for 20 seconds or until warm. Massage the sock to remove any heat pockets that may burn the skin. Place the sock on the ear to relieve the ache. This does work! I did it today for my daughter.