It's that time of year, right? Kids are coughing and sneezing left and right and you feel like there's no way to escape the nasty germs. You've worked hard all year to boost your immune system and fight it off but inevitably the classroom cold has finally caught up to you. We all know that prepping for a sub is more work than just taking a sick day, so how can you kick your cold quickly with natural remedies? Here are some all-natural essentials that I keep in my pantry throughout the school year!
Warm honey and lemon juice
This is one of my favorite quick and natural remedies for a sore throat! Just mix some honey (I recommend local honey if possible) and lemon juice and heat up for about one minute in the microwave. Sip on it and you'll immediately notice a soothing relief! This is great first-thing in the morning and right before bed. You can also try boiled ginger and honey for some awesome benefits.
This is my go-to for cold season. I take it as soon as I feel a cold coming on, and it usually clears things up quickly. If I do end up getting sick, I take these capsules daily with breakfast and dinner for an extra immune boost. There are many ways to get echinacea in your system--including capsules, teas, and cough drops. It's a little pricey, but definitely worth the investment.
Black Elderberry Syrup
This all-natural cough remedy is like liquid gold. For me, it's worked so much better than any drug store cough syrup and it actually tastes good too. Elder flowers and elder berries have chemicals that reduce swelling in mucous membranes and restore sinuses. It also helps with nasal congestion! I take a teaspoon before bed and it keeps my chest, throat, and nose clear for the night.
Green Juice
Have you ever heard people say that green juice is more powerful than a flu shot? Why green? Because it doesn't have as much natural sugar as fruitier juices with apples and berries. An immune-boosting juice contains magical healing properties that will make you feel refreshed and energized. My favorite green juice includes: cucumber, kale, celery, parsley, lemon, lime, and ginger. Try one at home or head to your local juicer for a fresh, much-needed boost. (And yes, this juice is in a wine glass...) 
Sinus Blend
I love these sinus blend capsules from Garden of Life. They're packed with butterbur extract, herbs, probiotics, an enzyme blend, Vitamin C and Vitamin D3. Like echinacea, I take these as soon as I feel something coming on. They're worked better for me than drug store meds like Sudafed and Mucinex.
Zinc Elderberry Lozenges
I've already shared the powerful benefits of Elderberry. Zinc and Elderberry are a cold-fighting dynamic duo. Zinc is an essential trace element that helps the body fight bacteria and viruses. I love these lozenges by Quantum Health!
Herbal Tea
It's no secret that herbal tea is the real MVP when it comes to fighting a cold. My pantry is stocked FULL of a variety of tea blends. It's important to find the blend that works for you, but some of my favorites are Throat Coat and Echinacea Plus by Traditional Medicinals. Add some local honey and a little lemon and you'll definitely feel a bit better!
Ricola
Last but not least is a cold-season fav, Ricola. This has been a go-to since I was a kid and they've never failed. I throw a few in my purse to soothe my throat throughout the day and I always keep a few on my nightstand in case I need them. I love the original herbal blend but there are tons of yummy lozenges to choose from!
Last but not least is a cold-season fav, Ricola. This has been a go-to since I was a kid and they've never failed. I throw a few in my purse to soothe my throat throughout the day and I always keep a few on my nightstand in case I need them. I love the original herbal blend but there are tons of yummy lozenges to choose from!
Not pictured are sleep, water, rest, and puppy snuggles! I'd love to know what your favorite cold-season remedies are. Let me know in the comments below. Stay healthy, teacher-friends! (And take a sick day if you need one).
