Back To School Means Germs: Be Prepared, At Home, With A Well Stocked Cold and Flu Kit.

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​With school starting, germs are inevitable.  During the summer, our family takes a break from most vitamins and supplements.  Tons of research is available about the importance of taking breaks from supplements, not only to prevent overuse, but also to maximize efficacy when taking them.  I have found, no matter how busy our summer, we stay healthier, as is the case with most people.


As soon as we start school shopping, I check our arsenal of remedies and restock.  A small inventory of natural and home health items typically make our family’s transition to indoors and crowded spaces smoother.  I am not a healthcare expert, but I have shared my remedies with many who have found them successful.  So, I thought I would put them out here, as they may help others.  Please check with your own healthcare provider for advice on using any remedies, natural or otherwise.  These are not a recommendation, simply sharing what works for myself and my family.  That said, let’s get into the list of things that I do to keep our family as healthy as possible.  



First, one of the easiest items that I keep on hand is lemon water.  This is an easy part of my food-prep on Sundays.  I take a few lemons, not set number.  I typically use 1-3, whatever I have on hand and I soak them in baking soda and water for at least 15 minutes.  Scrub them well and rinse.  Next, squeeze the juice into a pitcher and place the peels in remaining pulp in a small pan on the stove.  Top the lemon rinds with water (enough to fill the pitcher).  Bring to a boil for 5 minutes.  It’s important to boil the peels because the peel actually contains more concentrated lemon oil than the fruit and offers even more antioxidant power than the fruit.  Let the mixture cool, strain, and pour the liquid over the lemon juice in pitcher.  That’s it, so simple, and a powerful immune boosting drink for any time of day.  


Ways to use this: 
-Pour over ice, mixed with honey in a thermos for school or work lunch.  
-Mix half and half with green tea for even more antioxidant effects.
-Drink as is, first thing in the morning for a replenishing detox to start the day.
-Heat in a teacup, at night, with a slice of ginger, tsp of cayenne pepper and dash of cinnamon,      along with honey to taste, for a metabolic boosting, stomach soothing bedtime drink.


Lemons are full of vitamin C and flavonoids that help with: improved skin, inflammation, digestion, breath, overall health. They also contain potassium.  This is an inexpensive, delicious, healthy drink.

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Next, I prep a few items to store for the entire season.  I slice and remove seeds from fresh, cleaned, lemons and cover the slices in an airtight glass jar with raw, unfiltered honey.  These stay in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.  Eating a lemon slice is a favorite treat for my girls and it often wipes out a sore throat or congestion.  (This is a secret remedy I learned from my mother-in-law.). The slices can also be placed in the bottom of a teacup with hot water poured over for a delightful tea.


A recent find that I am loving is honey-cured garlic cloves.  Use fresh organic garlic that you prep and peel yourself.  I fill a mason jar with the peeled cloves and cover completely with honey.  Turn and flip the jar, daily, to help with fermenting.  This needs to be stored in a cool dry place.  I prefer in the refrigerator to feel safe.  This mixture stay good for up to three months.  Why and how to eat this?  At the onset of any symptoms take one clove and one half teaspoon of the honey to fight off illness.  Garlic and honey are known to boost the immune system and fight virus and bacteria.  Additionally, this mixture can help with cholesterol levels and blood pressure as well as digestion.  Eat ONLY 1 garlic clove per day with 1/2 teaspoon of the honey; and take a break every couple of weeks to keep this effective.    Do Not overeat garlic, it can have adverse effects.  


I prefer to use Raw, Natural, Unfiltered Manuka Honey as it is know for it’s healing qualities.  According to Web MD, Manuka honey comes from Australia and New Zealand.  It’s made by bees that pollenate the tea tree.  It is touted to heal wounds and help with bacterial issues.  It’s a strong anti-inflammatory as well.  You can find a few that I have tried here. Look for a higher MGO number, more methylglyoxal (antibacterial and antioxidant) for healing properties.

Shop Manuka Honey & My Cold/Flu Kit

Another easy, pantry staple is herbal tea.  I like Traditional Medicinals, but there are lots of herbal brands.  This variety pack has solutions for digestion, bloating, constipation, sore throat, colds, female issues, and so much more

Shop Tea

A few other items that I try to keep stocked in our home include: electrolytes, bone broth packets, and coconut water.  These help with any illness as well as daily hydration and nourishment.  Each of these are beneficial for fitness as well as illness.  

​You can find all of my favorite Cold and Flu items at the link here, in my Amazon Storefront

Shop My Cold/Flu Kit on Amazon

(I have included the hot water pot I’ve had for years on my Amazon Storefont.  It’s a lifesaver when I am under-the-weather.  Having a constant supply of heated water makes every hot food or drink, ready in an instant and so simple for anyone in the family.). We use it for tea, instant coffee, grits, oatmeal, instant soups, and so much more. 
My final recommendation is Boiron Oscillococcinum.  As soon as my family runs out I order a new pack.  I always have these homeopathic tubes on hand.  They help if taken at the onset of symptoms and are recommended for boosting the immune system and fighting off symptoms of the flu.  Take as directed on the package.  These amazing tubes also, minimize the duration of the flu.  I have found that if we feel any sort of cold coming on and take them immediately we tend to fight it off or get better much faster.  You can read more about this homeopathic remedy, and shop the item at the link below.  With 25,000 - 5 star reviews they must do something well!

Photo credit Amazon 

Shop on Amazon

I have learned over the years that it’s always better to be prepared.  So many times, I have been the one who is sick and in need of remedies and the last thing I feel up to doing is heading to the store or waiting for delivery.  On countless occasions my children have woken me, in the middle of night, needing a remedy and it’s wonderful to have it waiting in our pantry.  It never fails - we use all of these items during the school year.  This is my go-to list and maybe you will find it useful too.  Please leave me a comment and let me know if you use any of these or if you try them.  I would love to hear some feedback.  

I’m Sheryl of SheDo50Too, a lifestyle blog about being over 50 and staying fit, healthy and fashionable.  My motto is a healthy, beautiful and vibrant life at any age.  Please Subscribe, like, and follow me if you want all of my inspiration and tips for life over 50.  I am an Amazon Associate.  The fitness apparel, equipment, supplements and more, that I use - are available in my Amazon Storefront.   As an Amazon Associate I do earn commissions off of purchases through my links.  This has no effect on the cost to you.   I only share items that I use regularly and truly love.  You may experience different results from me.  I recommend that you speak with your own healthcare provider prior to incorporating my routines into your own.  Use garlic with care, only eat one clove per day.  Keep in mind honey adds sugar to your diet, so monitor the amount of sugar you ingest.  Please read all of the package directions and refer to manufacturers for specific usage guidelines.  I am not recommending this cold & flu regimen in lieu of traditional medicine, simply as a natural, boosting, addition that may help.  Always see your doctor for advice on remedies and your health.  

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