Natural Cold and Flu Remedies

We’re not saying they’re going to get sick anytime soon, but just in case they do (we’ve come to realize that holidays really have a way of spreading the germs around), this month’s SavvyFive brings you natural yet effective ways to prevent those colds in the first place, as well as to make your crew (and you) feel better if they do. Achoo!

hydraSense Easydose Hydrating Nasal Care
Good for: Gently cleaning, emptying and moisturizing baby’s nasal cavities
Why It Made the List: We’ve all heard the stories about those heroic moms who suck the mucous out of their newborn’s nose to help them breathe more easily when they catch their first cold. And it is hard to watch your tiny baby suffer with a plugged-up nose he doesn’t know how to blow (age two is the magic age this happens). But wouldn’t you rather stock up on these vials of sterile, salinated sea water that can be used to gently clear nasal cavities and moisturize crusty noses? ($15 for 30 doses, other formats available for children and adults. Widely available.)

A. Vogel Echinaforce Junior
Good for: A natural way to prevent and fight off the common cold
Why It Made the List: Chock-full of Echinacea, which is known to stimulate the immune system, these yummy-tasting, chewable, orange-flavoured tablets not only work to help children flight off colds, but also assist in relieving cold symptoms. It’s also available in an adult, non-chewable format in case you need some, too. ($15.29, available at avogel.ca and most Shoppers Drug Mart stores)

Benylin Vapour Plug
Good for: Unstuffing noses without the grease factor
Why It Made the List: If you grew up with a mom who slathered your chest with menthol vapourizing rub at the first sign of a cold, you’ll love the Vapour Plug from Benylin for a less messy version of that same soothing smell. Just plug the waterless vapourizer into an electrical socket and within 20 minutes, the room is filled with an aromatic blend of menthol and eucalyptus vapours to soothe the patient and open up nasal passages. As an added plus, it operates silently, unlike many humidifiers. ($13, widely available, seen at benylin.ca)

Waterpik SinuSense
Good for: Preventing colds in the first place
Why It Made the List: Nasal washing is all the rage (apparently it’s been used for hundreds of years in India) as a way to prevent colds and sinus infections. Running salt water through the nasal passage flushes dirt, airborne allergens such as dust, pollutants and bacteria away. The self-sealing nozzle, one-way valve and easy-to-squeeze features of the SinuSense bottle brings nasal washing into the 21 century. Add a little nasal washing to the kids’ nightly tooth brushing routine and you might find your family cold-free this winter. ($17.99, available at Zellers, safe for children age 4 and up)

Boiron Coryzalia Cold
Good for: Safely helping infants and toddlers get through a cold
Why It Made the List: With few safe cold medications available for young children, this all-natural, homeopathic remedy especially formulated for children between 6 and 36 months is a medicine-chest essential. Testers report children with frequent recurring colds suffering from fewer and less severe colds when they use it. The easy-to-swallow liquid (it looks like water) comprised of ingredients derived from plants helps with runny noses, sneezing, nasal congestion and eye irritation. It’s best administered at the first sign of a cold and is free of common allergens such as gluten and dairy. ($9.95, available at Well.ca)

Here’s to a healthy winter, and to being prepared in case it’s not always that way.

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