The Best At Home Cold Kicker Pack
Fall is undoubtedly my favorite season and we have a lot of fun doing Ahria’s birthdays in October. This year, she was sick with a fever and congestion so we had to postpone her Spongebob Squarepants Birthday Party. She was totally cool with it and even bragged to everyone that she “canceled her birthday.” I try and steer clear of antibiotics and cold medicines whenever possible, so when the kids get sick, I always whip out the homeopathics to kick it FAST. Here is my go-to At Home Cold Kicker Pack and tips!
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– I am not a medical professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Oregano Oil is absolutely my number one go-to for illnesses. I haven’t actually given this to my kids yet. ONLY because, capsule form is really the only way to take it (unless you really like the taste of oregano on your lips!). If you can get your kiddos to take oregano capsules then you have a HUGE advantage! Oregano oil is a great natural antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, etc… Basically, anti-BAD! There have been many studies done to prove Oregano oil’s effectiveness. See what Dr. Axe has to say about it here. I make sure to take it if I’m around anyone sick, start to feel groggy or have any kind of infection. I use this on my animals as well. I’ll have to write about that sometime!
Okay, so which one?
Hedd Wyn Wild Oil of Oregano was recommended to me by my midwife and by my kinesiologist. It’s very high quality. It only comes in a bottle with a dropper so we use Vegetable Capsules and fill them by hand.
If you’re looking for something already in a capsule, you can try Pure Mountain Botanicals Oregano Oil.
Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry is a powerful antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory. There are many studies that confirm that elderberry increases cytokines. Cytokines are like chemical messengers. They stimulate the immune system and encourage healing of infection and inflammation. But the greatest benefit of Elderberry syrup is the TASTE! My babes totally can’t get enough of it. My 1 year old sucks it right out of a glass dropper. My 3 year old… a shot glass!
Okay, so which one?
Homemade Elderberry is totally the way to go. I like this recipe from Happy Healthy Mama.
Looking for ready-to-go? We use Maine Medicinals Organic Elderberry Syrup.
Young Living Essential Oils, Kidscents, Diffusers & Cleaner
So, kiddo’s been sick with a cold and everyone is stuck inside. You probably have a “sick room.” You know that one room the sickies are in sneezing, coughing, puking etc. The air in the room totally gets this blah, staleness to it. Never mind all the germs! You’ve been sick, you know what I mean! Diffusing oils clears the air of all the grossness, using certain oils topically relieves symptoms and cleaning with Thieves cleaner kills MORE germ.
Okay, so which oils?
There are so many but please understand that not all essential oil companies are the same. Cheap oils from a supermarket, for example, usually have additives and are very diluted. Young living produces therapeutic grade essential oils on an organic farm. Be cautious when applying topically. You can see more about their standards here. Here are a few that I personally used for Ahria’s October cold.
If you’d like to become a member and get 24% off of retail pricing click here.
Congestion & Chesty Cough:
Kidscents SniffleEase
Diffuse – I add a ton of this to the diffuser when the kids are sick. The diffuser helps but a really congested babe is going to need some extra help. For best results, put the diffuser as close to your babe as possible.
Topically – I apply this topically to Ahria. It’s pre-diluted and safe for kids! I rub SniffleEase on Ahria’s chest and a tiny bit on the bridge of her nose. I don’t apply this to the baby’s skin, even though I think it would be totally fine. I rub it on his onesie. I also sprinkle it all over their pillows. It absolutely helps break up that congestion and get them breathing again. When the baby is stuffy and trying to breastfeed, it gets stressful fast. I rub some on my chest around where his nose will be so he really breathes it in.
*Using a combination of diffusing and topically, I have yet to have this fail to provide congestion relief!
Peppermint
Diffuse – Part of my congestion diffuser recipe.
Topically – I don’t generally use peppermint on children’s skin. If need be, I use a carrier oil (like coconut oil) to dilute it. Peppermint oil is AMAZING for headaches. Apply to the temples for instant relief. I also rub peppermint oil on my chest to clear nasal congestion.
Eucalyptus
Diffuse – Part of my congestion diffuser recipe.
Topically – Use the same way as Peppermint. I like to mix them to make the ultimate vapor rub. Eucalyptus is great for relieving sinus pressure.
Healing & Calming:
Lavender
I use Lavender for EVERYTHING! It’s definitely my favorite oil for healing properties. I will forever be reminded of both my home births when I smell Lavender.
Diffuse – Part of my congestion diffuser recipe. Being congested is very stressful for little ones. They don’t understand what is happening and why they can’t breathe. Lavender oil helps calm the nerves, encourage relaxation and relieve sinus congestion. I also add Lavender to my babe’s bath water.
Topically – Everywhere. Literally! It’s a calming, healing, amazing oil! I add a few drops to the bath each night.
Kidscents SleepyIze
Diffuse – I use SleepyIze every single night. My daughter wakes up with night terrors. It makes a huge difference if I diffuse this for her. For colds, it helps calm AND decongest.
Topically – I add this to coconut oil and rub down their entire body with it. The massage relieves tension and pain and stimulates motor development and growth. I think it’s easy to forget that children and babies can get stressed and tense because they can’t convey the message easily. This is a wonderful way to release and relax. I only do the massage when they are sick or had a stressful day.
Frankincense
Wonderful for almost everything, but very expensive. So, I use it sparingly.
Topically – I add this to my SleepyIze massage routine. I only do the massage when they are sick or had a stressful day.
Thieves
Thieves reduces free-radicals, fevers and inflammation. It’s an antibacterial and wonderful for warding off colds.
Diffuse – Part of my congestion diffuser recipe. Clear the air of germs and ward off any spreading infection. Breathe in the vapors to relieve congestion. Reduce fevers and promote healing. The list goes on with this spicy oil. It is a must-have for kicking a cold (or prevention) at home.
Topically – Rub on your babe’s big toes for cold prevention. Gargle and swallow a drop with a mouthful of water to relieve sore throat and tight chest. Rub on your chest for congestion.
Thieves Cleaner
This stuff makes the house smell SO amazing. It cuts through and kills everything in it’s path. Think I’m kidding? Check out these experiments done by thehappypreneur! I clean the whole house with it when anyone is sick and I even spray a few sprays over the carpet. It’s made with 100% plant and mineral based ingredients. Without a doubt, this is my favorite cleaner in the house. I use it for everything: windows, tables, shelves, pans, ovens, high chairs, the carpet and the couch (test a small area first, just in case). I even use it to clean and disinfect our rabbit hutches. It’s amazing!
Congestion Diffuser Recipe
5 drops Kidscents SniffleEase
2 drops Eucalyptus
2 drops Thieves
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Peppermint
SniffleEase does have Eucalyptus, Peppermint & Lavender in it. It’s diluted for children’s skin so I like to add a little kick when diffusing to really break up that congestion. You could bypass the SniffleEase and add extra drops of the others.
Diffusers
My first diffuser was Young Living’s Rose Diffuser. It lasted about 5 years. I bought a second one that only lasted about a year. I think they have since discontinued it.
Now, I use Young Living’s Dewdrop Diffuser. It’s nice for around the house and lasts around 5 hours.
My newest diffuser is an Asakuki 500ml Diffuser. I’ve only had it about a week, but so far I’m really enjoying it! It lasts forever. I put it on before bed and it’s still going in the morning. I really like the light. You can change the colors or have it continuously changing. It helps brighten the room so I can see the babes on the monitor better. I am interested to see how long it lasts compared to Young Living diffusers.
Colloidal Silver
Antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and more.. What’s more to say?! This stuff works AND it tastes like water. Only take it when feeling sick and fighting infection. How does it work? It basically suffocates the bad cells and leaves the good.
Okay, so which one?
My midwife and kinesiologist recommend ACS Silver.
I have used Sovereign Silver as well.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Save the best for last! RAW Apple Cider Vinegar has so many uses and benefits. Simply mix a tablespoon (or 3) with a full glass of water. I have honestly grown to enjoy the tea-like taste. It’s important to note that this is not regular, pasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar. Raw Apple Cider Vinegar contains “the mother” which is healthy, live bacteria. AMAZING for gut health. Apple Cider Vinegar is rich in nutrients, cuts through phlegm and it’s probiotics boost the immune system. A quick google search and you will see just how many uses there really are for Apple Cider Vinegar!
Okay, so which one?
Hopefully, this helps you get a pack together so you can conquer the next cold season like a pro!
What are your go-to home cold kickers? Comment below! ↓
