Sometimes, despite your best efforts and intentions, colds and flu sneak up on you.  In my last article, I talked about things you can do to prevent colds and flu.  Today I’m going to give you some tips for what to do if you do get sick.

Here’ s the first trick: don’t wait until you are sick to read this article.  Make yourself a cold a flu kit to keep on hand should you, or someone in your family, fall ill.  I can promise you that when you do have a head full of snot, the last thing you want to do is research remedies and go to the store to pick them up.

1. Broths

When you are sick with a cold or a flu, make broths your main food.  Bone broths are incredibly nourishing (click here for a recipe), as are vegetable broths.  You can prepare the broth and store it in the freezer to have on hand.  Making broths a regular part of your diet is also a wonderful way to support your immune system.

2.  Tea

Make a tea with a combination of elderflower, yarrow, boneset, linden, peppermint and ginger; drink it hot and often for combating a cold or flu. It causes you to sweat, which is helpful for eradicating a virus from your system.  Women who are pregnant or nursing should consult their practitioner before using any herbal medicine.

3. Elderberry

I mentioned elderberry in my article on prevention.  It is a great thing to take when you do get sick as well.  Take the maximum dose recommended on the bottle.

4.  Rest 

The best way to help a cold or flu move quickly and not turn into something more serious or lingering is to rest.  Stay home if you can, and allow your body to heal.

These simple home remedies can help you move through a cold or a flu relatively quickly and easily.  However, if you have a chronic medical condition, you may need a more customized treatment approach.  If you are a current patient, please ask me about herbs and vitamins to keep on hand at your next visit.  And of course, if you or a family member does become very ill with a flu, please visit your doctor ASAP.