How To Stop Influenza In Your Home
Are you wondering how to stop influenza in your home? Our community here in Northern Utah seems to have been hit hard by the bug. Has your city been hit hard this year? Some people have ended up with bronchitis, lung infections, and pneumonia. With flu season hitting neighborhoods across the country right now I thought it would be a good idea to update this post from a few years ago.
Yesterday, I headed to the local InstaCare because I couldn’t kick this cough I had. Well, they tested me for Covid, RSV, and Influenza. I actually thought I had pneumonia, but the chest x-rays were clear, thank goodness.
I basically have a cold. The doctor told me to go home and drink tea with honey and lemon. Yep, that’s what I had been doing! With the holidays coming I wanted to “kick” this so I didn’t have to worry about passing it on, and so I could feel better physically when all the festivities were going on. On the way home, I stopped and picked up some Nyquil daytime and nighttime OTC meds. I just need to sleep and stop coughing.
Matt, one of my loyal readers, had warned me the pharmacies were low on OTC medications. He was so right. The pharmacies are limiting how many you can buy. The limit was TWO today. I get it, and I’m thankful I was able to get that many. I did order some online, Vicks NyQuil
Well, let’s talk about ways to help stop the germs from spreading throughout your home. Please keep in mind, I am not a doctor, nurse, or a person in the medical field. I’m a mom and a grandma. I want to start with the symptoms of Influenza versus a cold.
Let’s compare the difference between the two as I have researched them. Please check with your medical doctor if you have any concerns. When in doubt, call your doctor, or if you think it is serious, go to the emergency room if you are concerned with an illness in your family.
How To Stop Influenza In Your Home
Here are the symptoms listed below.
Influenza
Influenza is fast and abrupt when it hits you.
- A sore throat
- May have a fever
- Chills
- A headache
- Extreme exhaustion or fatigue
- May have body aches
- Sneezing, sometimes
- Stuffy nose, sometimes
- Children may vomit or have diarrhea
- Chest hurts, cough is common
Colds
Gradual onset, you start to feel like you are coming down with something.
- Fever is rare
- Scratchy throat
- Aches very slight
- Chills not common
- Sneezing is common
- Stuffy nose is common
- A headache is rare
- Chest hurts, cough is mild to moderate
I hope this gives you an idea of the possible differences between the two illnesses. The complications would be sinus infections, earaches, bronchitis, pneumonia, and lung infections, to name a few.
Stop Influenza Tips:
- Wash your hands often.
- Cover your mouth when coughing, preferably on your shoulder if a tissue is not available, and throw it in the trash can.
- Use Clorox wipes on cell phones, home phones, light switches, TV remotes, and all other electronics where applicable.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, doing so this will spread the germs big time.
- Keep your house clean.
- Scrub countertops with applicable cleaners every day during flu season (I use Clorox wipes).
- Wash your hands, yes I already mentioned this one, it’s critical.
- Keep your bathrooms clean, don’t forget to use a cleaner on the flush handle Clean Bathrooms by Linda
- Empty waste paper/trash cans daily.
- I use doTerra Breathe to keep my sinuses in check.
- Stay hydrated with water, Gatorade, or other electrolyte drinks. I’d try to get the clear colors of the drinks rather than those with deep reds or blues.
- Stock your favorite over the counter drugs so you don’t have to go to the stores when you REALLY need them.
- Keep chicken stock on hand to make soups.
- Hold off on cow milk products, they may increase mucous (keep breastfeeding your baby).
- Eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Keep your immune system strong, we are we eat, that statement is so true.
- Put humidity in the air with a humidifier, whether warm or cool.
- Keep kids hydrated, the toddlers don’t always know they need water (watch for chapped or shiny lips).
- Change your bed sheets at least weekly, or more often, to stop the germs from spreading.
- Change pillowcases often because germs are hiding in them.
- Replace toothbrushes often or soak them in an antibacterial mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide overnight.
- Using mattress pads and pillow covers will also cut down on bacteria and virus germs from spreading.
- Rosa, another reader, mentioned using oregano essential oil. You’d use it with a carrier, such as coconut oil, and apply topically, diffuse, take 1-2 diluted drops or gargle diluted for sore throats.
- Linda S. mentioned keeping a supply of popsicles in the freezer helps keep kids & toddlers hydrated. You can’t make them drink, but I’ve yet to see a child turn down a treat!
- Viv reminded me of the dirty grocery carts and door knobs. Wipe down the door knobs with Clorox wipes.
- Carol mentioned using elderberry syrup or tablets Sambucol and spraying counters and every handle in the house with hydrogen peroxide.
- Kim mentioned to not forget to keep in mind the gas pump handles! I always grab a paper towel from the window cleaning station and use it to push the buttons on the pump and fuel button too, then use it to hold the gas pump handle before and after filling up. Then use hand sanitizer as soon as I get back into the car. Thanks for helping all of us remember vigilance is the key.
- Kandyce gives her family Vitamin D to help cut the time they are sick. We all know Vitamin D3 is the best, thanks Cheryl!
- Ray reminded me about Zinc, I take it everyday. It’s my understanding it helps with boosting our immunity. Zinc
My Sister’s Garlic Soup
- 1- quart chicken stock
- 1-10.5 ounce can mild Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 5-6 chopped garlic cloves (you can store fresh garlic cloves in the freezer peeled and ready to use)
- 1- chopped onion
- 2- chopped carrots
- 1-2 cooked chicken breasts (optional or two cans of canned chicken)
- Add leftover cooked rice or pasta
-
Bring to boil and simmer until the vegetables are ready to eat.
Several years ago, Mark and I lived in a neighborhood where one particular family seemed to “catch” every bug going around. Well, bossyboots here finally said after cleaning her house with other women almost monthly that she needs to clean her house to cut down on germs.
Her kids were old enough to learn to help keep the house clean.
They could easily stop influenza if they would just clean their house. They had strep throat all the time. I get it, my girls were sick every once in a while, but I was a clean freak, I own it.
Final Word
The best way to stop influenza and other contagious diseases is to prevent the germs from spreading. Do whatever you can to stop influenza in your home by cleaning, washing hands, and staying out of the public as much as possible.
If you really want to stop influenza, stay home if you are sick and keep your sick kids home from daycare centers, preschools, and public schools.
Please let me know how you try to stop influenza in your family. What natural remedies do you prefer?
I would love to hear from you. Keep stocking up on water and cans of food. Thanks again for being prepared for the unexpected. May God Bless this world, Linda
Copyright pictures:
Influenza: AdobeStock_125574879 by Tashatuvango
Coughing: AdobeStock_68907091 by Johan Larson
Garlic Soup: AdobeStock_40354814 by Galina Mikhadishina
Mask and Sanitizer: AdobeStock_330144116 by julia sudnitskaya
Good morning I was just reading your article thank you for sharing it. My name is Rosa here in the Denver area. The way I deal with the flu bug every year is with wild oil of oregano p-73 my family or I have never gotten the flu shot. However we have gotten the flu and I stop it right away with oregano oil. Specially on my little grand kids. Also it has work wonders with food poisoning. .I make sure I remind my kids to wash their hands when they get home from school. And wipe all door knobs every day.. take their shoes off as they come in the house.
Hi Rosa, thank you for reminding me about oregano essential oil. I’m adding it right now. I use that one as well, thank you so much! Is oregano oil p-73 different than the regular oregano essential oil? Great comment! Linda
Hi Linda I don’t know the difference I just been using this organic kind for years. It’s a must have in my home.
Thanks, Rosa, I am going to track it down, I love learning new things. I love natural remedies, I’m all over this one, thank for the great tip! Linda
I live alone with my blind Bengal kitty, in a senior complex. There are a number of elderly suffering from the flu. I do have an IHSS worker, and constantly asking her to wash her hands. I know she gets tired of hearing it, but I keep reminding her.. Several times a week I go thru and use Clorox wipes on the front of the fridge where we may have touched it, the handles on the microwave and toaster oven, stove knobs, etc. Since she works for others before she comes here each day, I know I drive her crazy, but I watch like a hawk. I also go outside with the Clorox wipes and wash down the gate where others touch it, then the door knobs to the screen and door. In flu season I put in 1 cap of bleach in my dish water. It may be overkill, but I have not gotten the flu in many years. If I have to ride in her car to the store I use hand sanitizers during and after I walk in the door I wash my hands again. I even wash down the trash can lid with Clorox wipes. I am 81 and the flu would be very hard on me if I did get it.
Hi Pat, you are my hero today! Wow, you should not have to ask you IHSS worker to wash her hands, she should know better. Thank goodness you are the Clorox queen in your complex! I applaud you! Good work, girlfriend! Stay well and say safe and keep up the Clorox cleaning job! Hugs, Linda
Linda, keeping a supply of popsicles in the freezer helps keep kids & toddlers hydrated. You can’t make them drink but I’ve yet to see a child turn down a treat!
Hi Linda, oh I’m glad you mentioned popsicles. I’m adding those to my list right now. Thank you! Linda
If you go on Pinterest and search for “popsicles for flu” you will find a number of recipes. My favorite to keep on hand (along with a tincture and syrup of the same) is elderberry. It is soothing to the throat if a cold is coming on, is great for immunity and it helps fight the flu if you do get it.
Great idea, Leanne Long – I take elderberry tincture & make juice but never thought about using it for popsicles. As the kids say, “Duh!”
I love this, Leanne! I know we can buy dried elderberries and make our own syrup. I will work on that and then make popsicles, great tip! Linda
I had purchased dried elderberries and was going to make syrup but one of the things I have an issue with is the syrup only lasts so long. The tincture is a much longer lasting product. I simply put the dried berries in a jar with a non-metal lid and covered them with vodka (I put in enough vodka to cover the berries by about an inch.). Then, I stuck the jar in my dish cupboard so that I would see it daily but it would be kept in the dark. I shook it daily for about 6 weeks, then strained it into a dark dropper bottle. Now I make what I call are elderberry mimosas!! I put a dropper full in a glass of juice or water 2-3 times a day when I feel something coming on. Whatever bug I am getting is kicked in the ****!!!
Hi, Leanne, oh my gosh, this sounds easy enough to make. I buy the Sambucol Elderberry but this sounds easy to make. I love learning new things to try and make myself. I LOVE this! Thank you for sharing, Linda
I keep uncut onions in every room and not much sanitizing! If I start with any symptom, I take large doses of vitamin D and use Thieves oil diffusement. My husband and I are 65-68 and have very little problem with colds or flu and we are very active, and refuse flu shots, or do not do drugs of any kind. Everyone around us are getting sick and I try to help them, but what I have is a life style, not advise. That takes time to develop!
Linda,
great article and so helpful to the young. Also, remember to wipe down the carts at the supermarkets, second hand stores, and all others including Walgreens, etc. Try not to open outside doors, bathroom doors out in public with open hands. Use paper towels or even your coat sleeve. You are so right. The hands are where it all begins unless it is just in the air. I have actually thought of wearing clear plastic gloves when grocery shopping. Sounds crazy but maybe not. Thank you again for being there for us. You are the best!!!
love from Cincinnati
vivian
Hi, Viv, oh those dirty grocery carts and door knobs. I forgot to mention the door knobs in my post. Adding it right now, thanks for the reminder!!! If we can just cut down on the bacteria…..thanks again! Linda P.S. the gloves sounds awesome!
Great article Linda! I use a spray bottle of hydrogen peroxide to spray down the surfaces of the kitchen and bathroom and handles everywhere. I store several big bottles of hydrogen peroxide and refil the handy small spray bottle. We also use Sambucol Black Elderberry Syrup and tablets. As soon as I feel something coming on, I begin to use it. Very effective against colds and flu since it deals with virus. The other day, I thought about the exposure with grocery shopping. Not only the carts, but the handles on the cold and freezer sections where everyone touches the handles. Then I remember that the items go in the cart and then they are put in bags and those bags go back in the cart. And when I get home, I put them on the counter. When I finish, I make sure to spray the counter thoroughly and wash my hands also. Each little thing helps, I believe. We also stay out of big crowds.
Hi Carol, I’m adding the hydrogen peroxide spray and the elderberry syrup or tablets to the post. Great comment, Linda
I have a question regarding Sambucol. How old can the Sambucol be and still be safe to use? I use syrup and tablets. Found some put back from 2016. Is it safe and effective to use? what is overall safe shelf life?
Hi Linda, I just discarded some from 2017. When in doubt toss it out. I know people will use stuff way past the expiration date. I know my doctor told me antibiotics will be good 10-15 years after expiring. I discard OTC stuff when it says its expired. Use your own gut feeling on that one. I’m getting ready to write a post on OTC drugs. I rotate them in my house and my car. Linda
This is why I just started making my own elderberry tincture. Since the berries are infusing alcohol, the tincture is good for 3-5 years or so. I just couldn’t get full usage out of the syrup.
That being said, I wonder if we could freeze the syrup? I have an ice cube tray that has pretty small depressions and could see a dosage filling each one. Hmmmm – I may have to get some of the syrup and try this.
To see how I made my tincture, look for my other comments. I just put one in about it.
Leanne, I’m all over this, I’m going to learn to make this ASAP! Thanks again for sharing the recipe. I bet the ice cube idea would work, just pop one out and add to your drink for the day! I love natural remedies, they are so much healthier than BIG PHARMA. We must all learn to make and use natural remedies. Thanks again, Linda
This is why I started learning about herbal medicine and making my own. I have also learned a great deal about the use of essential oils and use them daily.
Big Pharma is useful for some things for sure, but we also need to get back to our roots and start using more natural, preferably handcrafted remedies.
Hi, Leanne, I totally agree, we do need some prescriptions, but we also need to learn to heal ourselves with natural remedies and use essential oils. Yes, indeed we need to go back to our roots. Linda
Linda, I saw a report from an ER Nurse that said after a couple of hours, N95 face masks can become clogged and are no longer effective. Have you ever heard of this? There was a YouTube video this week about the Cambridge Mask Company. Their masks are N99’s with carbon filters and are supposed to keep out 99% of bacteria and viruses. I guess that makes them a bit more protective than the N95’s. They manufacture adult and also CHILD size masks in cool patterns and colors and are available on Amazon. They are pricey – $28 for 1 mask, but are supposed to last 3-6 months. I would probably just stick with the more affordable N95’s. Where do you buy your N95’s? I get ours at Lowe’s hardware but I would think there are cheaper ones out there. Thanks!
Hi Kay, I have heard of the N-99 masks but I don’t like the idea of them being reused day after day. I’m sticking with the N-95’s because I have like 1000 of them. When I took the C.E.R.T. class the teachers told us to stock up on them and use new ones whenever we were involved in a pandemic. I even bought some of the full face ones because of blood splatters. I am not paying $28.00 for a mask. I bought mine on Amazon because at the time they were cheaper about 5 years ago and they are stored in airtight containers. I am ready to hand out as many as possible when a pandemic hits. I have some child size ones as well. I just hope others in my neighborhood purchase some because I need to protect my family and 1000 is not that many. May God bless this world when we need them. In Japan, they wear them if the person is sick as a courtesy to keep others from getting sick. Linda
I’ll stick with the n95’s also. Amazon has tons of styles to choose from. Any particular brand you recommend?
Hi Kay, I only have the brand 3M, several different styles. I know the brand is a good one. I try to buy the ones that say hospital or medical. Linda
And don’t forget to keep in mind the gas pumps handles! I always grab a paper towel from the window cleaning station and use it to push the buttons on the pump and fuel button too, then use it to hold the gas pump handle before and after filling up, and hand sanitizer as soon as I get back into the car. Thanks for helping all of us remember vigilance is the key.
Hi Kim, oh my gosh, that is the best one! Or the worst, LOL!I need to add this to the post! Germs galore! Linda
Great idea. I had not though of that. Thanks.
I keep gas gloves in the car, just old winter gloves that are mismatched, so I don’t use my good gloves. I keep them in the car under my seat. sometimes I just hold up my handicap sign and someone will come pump it for me.
Hi Davette, oh how nice someone would pump your gas! There are good people in the world, yes indeed. Stay safe, Linda
I diffuse On Guard or wild orange,also breathe. Just the other day my 15 month old grand daughter began to run fever.It went as high as 102.6* . I gave her some tylenol per momma. but that did not help much. I then put some peppermint oil ( I believe it’s the peppermint touch in a roll on bottle) on the bottom of her feet and diffused some peppermint oil. The fever finally started to come down. her momma took her to the ER and she has an ear infection. we were really relieved as her older siblings and her aunt had the flu a couple weeks ago. I have not had the flu,neither has her momma. I take the on guard protective gel caps when ever someone in the house has a cold or flu. I have the foaming hand soap and a roll of paper towels at every sink. I don’t use clorox wipes on any surface the baby can reach as I worry the baby will ‘lick’ an area that has been wiped. I prefer to use a vinegar solution. I have masks, gloves and those disposable gowns like the hospital uses.(I made a pandemic kit a couple years ago and resupply as needed) We soak all toothbrushes in Peroxide, as well as combs and brushes. I was a fast food restaurant manager and school cafeteria manager for many years, so hand washing is a natural for me. I tell everyone in the family to wash your hands before , during and after handling food,and after using the toilet. I keep hand sanitizer in my purse and car. (Gas pumps are really germy places). I wonder what people would think if I started wearing disposable gloves when I go shopping ?? LOL Thank you for all the info. God bless and stay well.
Oh, Judy, I love your comment!!! You are rocking with protecting your family from getting sick! I LOVE Onguard and Peppermint oil. I got the giggles when you said, I wonder what people would think if I wore disposable gloves when I go shopping!! I may start doing that! I keep sanitizer in my car as well. Stay well, stay safe, my friend, Linda
Wow, thanks for all the information, and the links are great. My part of Florida is pretty healthy so far, not very populated where i live.
Again thanks for the info, great work you do Linda, hope all is well with you.
Hearl
Hi Hearl, I’m glad to hear your part of Florida is healthy so far. Stay well my friend, and stay safe. Please stock water and food to stay out of the public where the germs are floating. Thanks again, Linda
Linda, I’m looking on Amazon for sambucal and the liquid is hugely expensive!! I wonder if you could post the recipe for making it by scratch. I can’t find it as I read the posts. I would appreciate it so much!!
Hi Deb, let me work on that, I will write a yellow sticky to remind me. I have never made it, but I will now. I have friends that make it. I’m on it! Linda
Thank you so much!! Also I just found the syrup at WalMart today…I bought two of the three that they had. Said they just started to carry it!! It was 10.00 per bottle…no cough drops though…
Deb 🙂
Hi Deb, wow, that’s awesome! I buy it from Amazon and health food stores. Linda
Vitamin D is absolutely the most effective thing to boost the immune system against the flu. Keep your environment clean, and boost your immune system, and you should be good to go this flu season. I know we load up on vitamin D during the winter months and we have only had the flu once and it was super mild; the fevers and aches were gone in a little over a day and a half and the cough only lingered a week.
Hi Kandyce, wow, what a great tip! I LOVE your comment, I’m adding Vitamin D to my post! Thank you so much!! Linda
When my kids were little I asked our pediatrician how germy toys are and how often I should wash them. She told me that most bacteria dies after a few hours or when it dries out, which answered a concern I had about babies chewing and drooling on toys. I don’t know about viruses. She said that if you can see or feel grime, wash the item. That calmed my anxious mind, but I still washed & wiped off toys often. You can put small toys in a covered silverware basket in the dishwasher with no heat dry, and give them an extra rinse under the faucet. I also drove my kids of all ages crazy by insisting they wash their hands before eating and after getting home from school. When my little grandkids visit I pick them up like a football under my arm and wash their grimy little hands. Even babies need their hands washed.
Hi June, oh how I LOVE this comment! I totally agree with your thoughts. Wash your hands, wash your hands!! The football under my arm is what I do too! We all need to wash our hands like you said, even babies! Great comment! Linda
I know that you mentioned to use as many chopped garlic cloves as desired, but a starting quantity would be appreciated. I can adjust from there. Thanks!
Hi Karl, oh I’m so glad you asked about the garlic. I just added 5-6 garlic cloves to the recipe card. Of course, people can add more but 5-6 is a good number. Thank you, my friend! Linda
Linda, you should add a Zinc supplement to your OTC meds. It helps boost your immune system and make you more resistant to colds, flu and Covid. I just wish it also helped with allergies.
Hi Ray, oh yeah, I forgot that one! I take it every day. Thanks, my friend!! Linda
Hello,
One thing I noticed left off the list was getting the flu shot. It is true that the shot’s effectiveness varies year over year depending on the dominant strain, but the quadrivalent version always offers at least moderate protection if not better. Most flu shots have no patient oout of pocket costs. OTC drugs help with symptoms but the shot is safe and can offer some level of immunity and certainly lessoned severity.
Hi M.M. Green, thank you for your comment. Linda
Great post as usual for you, Linda. I found some OSCILLOCOCOCCINUM at my local pharmacy. It’s a homeopathic medicine. It’s made by BOIRON. I haven’t used it as we haven’t gotten the flu, yet. It helps reduce the duration and severity of flu symptoms. I got it in October, I think. I want to be prepared for whatever life brings our way.
Hi Deborah, thank you for the 5 stars, my friend! Oh, I need to get some of that!! Linda
Nebulizers are a great weapon in our attempts to stay healthy. Search for instructions for nebulizing hydrogen peroxide (needs to be mixed with a saline solution!). Also good for nebulizing is colloidal silver as well as vitamin C. The nebulizer gets these products where they need to be – in the sinuses, down the throat, and into the lungs!! I make my own colloidal silver for use in sanitizing everything and I spray daily in my nose and “huff” it to get it into my lungs.
HI Sue, nebulizers work great! Thank you for the reminder!! Linda
I make elderberry Juice and Can it so it is shelf stable for when we need it.
We take 1 tbsp a day or as needed to prevent cold/flu/etc.
When really feeling sick I have taken 1/4 cup of juice mixed with the rest of the glass of water and drank it.
Here is my recipe for Elderberry Juice:
Ingredients:
16 Cups of H2O
16 oz. Dried elderberries (about 4 cups)
Sugar to taste
*(1/2 cup dried elderberries to 2 cups H2O) to make smaller batches
Directions:
Bring 16 cups of H2O to a boil in a stainless steel pot.
Pick through elderberries and remove any stems.
When the H2O has come to a boil add the elderberries and turn down the heat to a simmer (not Boil) for 45 minutes stirring every once in a while.
Wash and sterilize 14-18 Half Pint Canning Jars.
Add 1 tsp. sugar to each jar. ( may omit if you’d like)
When elderberries are done ladle into a mesh strainer over another pot.
I squish elderberries with the ladle against the strainer to get all the juice – out but if you want clearer juice don’t squish.
* Save elderberries and seeds in a bowl to dehydrate for tea.
When all strained reheat on stove to get it warm, not boiling.
Ladle hot strained elderberry juice into jars and waterbath for 10 minutes.
Hi Paradisa, oh my gosh, thank you for sharing how you make your Elderberry Juice!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Linda
I order Oregano Oil at my local Walmart. It comes in tiny capsules and is easy to take. Very inexpensive and good way to protect yourself from getting sick this time of year. My daughter is a nurse and told me about this a couple of years ago.
Hi Cheryl, I have heard about Oregano Oil, that’s a great reminder. I need to get some of that. Linda
Make sure the Vitamin D you take is Vitamin D3. That is the one specifically to help give you when the weather is cold and cloudy. We don’t seem to get outside in the Winter due to cold, snow and rain, so the D3 really helps.
Hi Cheryl, I just changed it to Vitamin D3, we all learned this the last couple of years!! Linda
We use bleach for everything in the house. My husband also use very dilated bleach in the wash (about 1/4 cup for a load or less so it doe not mess up the clothes). My doctor also gives me Bensonate which breaks up the Flem in your lungs and throat. Because I have lung problems they give it to me all the time 1 3 times a day.
Hi Jackie, I love storing bleach to disinfect stuff. I need to ask my doctor about Bensonate, thanks for the tip!! Linda
LOL, this year I actually have elderberry syrup–usually I make jelly, but for some reason it didn’t jell (*never* had a problem with elderberry before!) So, I’ve been adding a bit of it to seltzer–sooooo good! Popsicles may be in the future, too. I’ve been digging up and transplanting every little elderberry plant I found the last year or two.
Along with D3–don’t forget the C, and especially for us older folks, a B complex–and because I used to get bronchitis and laryngitis from every cold, non-synthetic E (haven’t had either in years, since taking E). Sadly, don’t rely on a multivitamin only–they may have enough to keep deficiency disease from showing, but not for optimum health/effectiveness.
To optimize the zinc, might want to include quercitin, which helps the antiviral zinc into the cells.
I’ll also add fire cider. A quick search will turn up numerous recipes (or, get Rosemary Gladstar’s book “Fire Cider!”) but the gist is finely chopped onion, garlic, turmeric, ginger, and your choice of hot pepper, plus the juice and zest of a lemon–all put in a jar, with enough raw apple cider vinegar to cover it all by an inch or two. Cap and set in a dark cupboard for a month (or more), shaking it when you think of it. Strain out the solids (which can make a nifty chutney or be added to stir-fries, stews, etc.) and stir local raw honey into the liquid, to taste. Bottle and store in a cool place. Take a spoonful every day, or as often as you want if you have cold/flu or feel one coming on–knocks it out very quickly!
Also the iodine and salt “inhaler”–an inch or so of real sea salt or Himalayan salt in a small jar, then add a couple drops of iodine and shake. Then put your nose over the jar and breathe/huff deeply (inhaling just air, of course–it will smell like the seaside!)–at least daily, as often as you want. Press one nostril at a time closed, if need be. Clears my sinuses, plus the theory is that the atomized iodine will kill off viral particles in your breathing passages. Same bottle can be used indefinitely–cap it and add another drop of iodine every day or two.
I remember the garlic soup–hadn’t got round to making it, so I’m glad you reminded me!!
Hi Rhonda, oh my gosh, this is the best comment ever! I have everything but the E and the Fire Cider! I have had wonderful readers send me emails on what I should be taking to stay healthy. I’m so grateful!! I have not heard about the E, so thank you! Love it! Linda
Hi! I make something very similar called Garlic Tea – 3 big cloves garlic chopped/smooshed into 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer at least 10 minutes before removing from the heat, pop in 1/2 cup lemon (or to taste) and 1 cup raw honey (or to taste) and let cool with the lid ON. All but my youngest will ask for this if they’re starting to get the sniffles. I did get the recipe online, but don’t remember where… sorry!
I’ve made elderberry tincture for years, made some syrup a couple years ago and plan to make some more – this time mixing the elderberries with some Licorice Spice tea – it has a lot of other natural immuno-modulators in it as well! (An immuno-modulator will ramp up the immune system if needed, and calm it if needed, a good thing for those of us with auto-immune issues!)
Hi Amy, thank you for the 5 stars, you are so nice! Oh, I have to make your Garlic Tea! I have never made elderberry tincture, I’ve heard really good things about Elderberries!! Linda
Timely advice! Here’s an oddity: ear infections often mimic the Common Cold or sinus infection. As in the constantly runny nose but with clear mucus, rather than yellow/greenish. In addition, this mucus travels to the lungs making a person feel like coughing. Not all ear infections Hurt?! I was in cancer care and kept having a runny nose. ‘oh, it’s a cold” is what I kept hearing. They had to have a therapist work on my lungs before I could get my chemo port put in, as I’d need to be ‘under’ for a short time. After more than 6 mos of this, I made an appt with my nurse practitioner to complain. Geez, I knew it wasn’t allergies as those meds didn’t help, I’d had lung x-rays so knew it wasn’t pneumonia, figured it wasn’t sinus infection since the drainage was clear mucus. Never had a fever nor any pain…the Nurse listened to my complaint, then looked in my Ears. Yep, ear infection in one. Ten days of specific antibiotics took care of this but the NP did warn me that because I’d had it so long it was likely to be a chronic problem. Yep, every year since, I have ear infection about 3x/yr. I just schedule with my NP for her to look, sometimes they flush the ear which is quite unpleasant the more times they do this. By the time I start getting a runny nose, I also need these wierd little pills that break up/thin the lung mucus, Prednisone for the inflammation in lungs, as well as antibiotics. I literally have No Pain in my ear. In the midst of the pandemic, I simply called my clinic instead of going in, asked to talk to my NP who would then prescribe what I needed. At this point, I will probably need to see an Ear/Nose/Throat doctor as I have lost quite a bit of hearing in my right ear. It now crackles like I have water in it. Sorry this got long but wanted people to make sure if they go to a clinic for possible flu/cold/sinus infection to ask their provider to look in their dang ears! I was seeing the Best oncologists, surgeons, cardiac and internal medicine docs in my state, complained to all but it was a Nurse Practitioner who really heard me. (Pun intended.)
Hi Wendy, oh my gosh, thank you for sharing your story. My daughter used to get chronic ear infections, no fever, no pain. I have had a “cold” for about a month now, I never get a cold. I went to an Instacare to rule out other infections. I wanted to be well for the holidays, I still have a cough, tea, honey, and lemon all day long. I’m so sick of this cough. It’s good to hear about the crackles in the ear. We know our body, a good thing you asked someone else. Great tips, Linda