Natural Medicine Cabinet Essentials for Cold & Flu Season

As the weather gets colder, cold & flu season is approaching! It is always helpful to have natural remedies already on hand when you get sick. Here are some essentials to keep in stock for your natural medicine cabinet:

Vitamin C  

Vitamin C may be overlooked, but it is an essential vitamin that plays a role in many processes in the body. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-enhancing properties. Stress, infections, and chronic disease quickly depletes the body’s levels of vitamin C, and supplementing with it can help decrease the duration and reduce the severity of the cold.

Vitamin D3 (+K2)

Not only is vitamin D essential for bone & muscle health, it is important for a healthy immune system. Those with low vitamin D levels are more prone to catching colds/flu. Ensuring adequate vitamin D levels and potentially supplementing with vitamin D if low may help prevent sickness. Make sure to use a vitamin D3 supplement that contains K2 to ensure proper calcium absorption.

Zinc

Zinc is an important mineral that takes part in almost every aspect of immunity. Taking zinc has been shown to both reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms, help fight infections, and aid in healing wounds.

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)

NAC is a form of the amino acid, cysteine, NAC has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. NAC is a mucolytic and expectorant, meaning it has the ability to thin out mucus and is good for breaking up congestion or mucus in the lungs.

Reishi Mushroom

This medicinal mushroom is rich in beta-glucans, which helps promote the body’s production of white blood cells and enhance a strong immune response.

Warming Socks

Not a supplement, but warming socks are an easy and effective hydrotherapy technique to support the immune system when sick. See my blog post here for an explanation of why it works and a how-to.

As cold and flu season approaches, it's wise to stock up on natural remedies to help support your immune system and ease symptoms. While these remedies can be a great addition to your health and wellness, always consult your healthcare provider before trying new supplements to ensure they’re right for you. Stay prepared and prioritize your health this season!