My Go-To Cold Season Remedy

I spend a lot of time talking about what we put on our bodies, but today I want to share something equally important: what we put inside them.

When my kids come home with runny noses, scratchy throats, and that tired look that tells me something's brewing, I reach for the same simple remedy that's been passed down through generations, one that I've tweaked and made my own. Now that we've been in Canada for eight months, I'm realizing just how essential this remedy is during these cold winter months.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medical professional. This post shares my personal experience and what works for my family. Always consult with your healthcare provider before trying new remedies, especially for young children or if symptoms are severe or persistent.

Why I Choose Natural Remedies First

Don't get me wrong, I'm not against medicine. There's absolutely a time and place for it. But I've noticed something over the years: the more we rely on over-the-counter medicines for every little sniffle, the more our bodies seem to expect them. It's like our immune systems forget how to do their job.

I grew up between the UK and Canada, and spent a decade working in Tanzania, where I saw people use what nature provided to stay healthy. There's wisdom in that. Our bodies are designed to heal themselves when given the right support.

My approach? Support the body's natural healing process first. Give it the tools it needs: rest, hydration, and ingredients that have actual healing properties. Save the medicine for when we truly need it.

My Natural Cold Syrup Recipe

This syrup has become a staple in our home. My kids actually ask for it now when they feel something coming on. Here's what I use:

Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup of raw organic honey

• 1/2 medium lemon, thinly sliced

• Fresh garlic minced

• 1/4 cup of filtered water (warm)

How I Make It:

1. Layer the sliced onion in a clean jar

2. Add minced garlic

3. Add the sliced lemon

4. Pour honey over the layers

5. Pour the warm water on top

6. Seal the jar and let it sit at room temperature overnight

7. The mixture will create its own syrup as the honey draws out the juices

8. Store in the fridge

The result is a natural syrup that's surprisingly pleasant tasting (the honey does wonders) and actually works.

Why These Ingredients?

Onion

I know, I know. It sounds odd. But onions are packed with compounds that have natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. They've been used for respiratory issues for centuries. The honey draws out the beneficial juices, and you'd be surprised how mild the flavor becomes.

Honey

Raw honey is nature's medicine cabinet. It soothes sore throats, has antibacterial properties, and helps suppress coughs. Plus, it makes the whole mixture palatable for kids. (Never give honey to babies under 12 months.)

Lemon

Vitamin C, immune support, and it cuts through congestion. Lemon also adds a brightness that balances the earthiness of the other ingredients.

Garlic

This is my secret weapon! Garlic is known for its natural immune-boosting properties and has been linked in some studies to helping reduce the severity or duration of colds..

How We Use It

At the first sign of a cold, those telltale throat tickles or a stuffy nose, I give my kids a teaspoon of this syrup three times a day. I also make sure they are:

• Getting extra sleep

• Drinking plenty of water

• Eating nourishing foods

• Taking time to rest

• Sleeping with their head slightly elevated

Usually, within a day or two, they're bouncing back. Their immune systems get stronger each time they fight something off naturally.

When to See a Doctor

Here's the important part: I use this for mild cold symptoms. If my kids have a high fever that won't break, trouble breathing, symptoms that get worse instead of better, or anything that concerns me, we see the doctor. Natural remedies are wonderful, but they're not a replacement for medical care when it's needed.

Trust your instincts. You know your children best.

Your Turn

Do you have natural remedies that work for your family? I'd love to hear what's been passed down in your household or what you've discovered works. We're all learning from each other.

Stay well, everyone. And remember: our bodies are wiser than we often give them credit for.

This post is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. I'm a mum sharing what works for my family, not a healthcare professional. Always consult your doctor, especially for young children, pregnant women, or anyone with underlying health conditions.