Tis the the season for fevers, runny noses and lingering coughs that won't go away!
You heard me on IG stories this week talking about how well the onion trick worked for my boys while they were fighting off a nasty cough, cold and fever! it was so simple and powerful! I simply cut an onion into quarters, placed it in a bowl and sat it near where my boys were sleeping. Within 10 minutes or so.....they stopped coughing and slept sound! It was pure magic! When they woke up and came to the living room, their cough returned, so I placed another bowl of onions out and like plant magic....cough subsided again! Each and every child and human being is different and this is in no way giving you any medical advice, simply a mama-to-a-mama...what has been working for us!
Depending on your upbringing, it can be so hard to unlearn and unprogram from the ways we were taught to care for ourselves growing up. Reaching for tylenol or advil at the first sign of any discomfort... but over these last few years as I've delved into my herbalism training, its been so important to me continue learning and trusting my mamas intuition when it comes to becoming self-sustainable and taking care of my family!
I believe there is a time and place for western medicine, but it's not the first direction I turn to anymore when the signs and symptoms of illness show up in my family.
My passion for plant medicine and Ayurvedic healing remedies has empowered me with the tools and knowledge to support myself and family when cold and flu symptoms arise, which is A LOT...since Easton is in school now!
When symptoms arise, we always start with getting lots of antimicrobial spices into our system: cinnamon, oregano, nutmeg, basil, pepper, thyme, clove, rosemary, ginger, cumin - are all amazing choices! I make soups, cinnamon toast, teas, etc!
One of my favorite herbal remedies is immune stimulating elderberry syrup! It is SO easy to make and SO powerful! I love this recipe from the Herbal Academy!
I love making this with my sons as a fun activity and a way to teach them about plant medicine!
MAMA-PRO-TIP....they're more likely to take it when they help make it :)
You can find all of the ingredients at your local health food store! One of my favorites in our area is Amaranth Foods, at the Enjoy Centre in St. Albert! They have a huge selection of dried herbs and all of the ingredients to make this!
Quick and Simple Elderberry Cold Syrup
- 1 cup dried elderberries
- 6 cups water
- 1/4 ounce ginger
- Handful of cloves
- 1 1/2 cups raw honey
(While simmering, I also add in extra immune supporting plants, herbs and spices like cinnamon sticks, echinacea, calendula, chaga mushroom and lemon balm)
- Bring berries and water to a boil and then simmer for 30 minutes.
- Strain berries and return liquid to the heat.
- Add 1/4 ounce grated ginger and a handful of cloves.
- Simmer gently for another 45-60 minutes, or until 2-3 cups of liquid remains.
- Remove liquid from the heat, allow to cool to room temp.
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups of raw honey.
- Bottle, label, and refrigerate.
Suggested Use:
Take 2 teaspoons every 3 hours at the first sign of a virus invasion.
Shelflife:
Store in a glass jar or container. Even better if it's amber! Refrigerate and use within 1-2 months.
Tag me in IG and let me know how these remedies have helped you and your families!
Love + light,
Chantelle