Can anyone recommend natural remedies for colds/flus?

[tonyee]

My kids are home again with colds. AArgh. I have tried bee propolis syrup but they hated it. Has anyone tried Sambucol elderberry syrup? Thanks!!

The old ones are good... steeping a slice of fresh lemon in some boiling water and adding a few teaspoons of honey, for example. Straight honey is as good as syrup. Calpol or children's paracetamol to keep the temperature down and any aches and pains at bay. Appropriate cough mixtures (my son likes the children's Benylin) for coughs. Chicken soup and orange juice for nourishment... important to keep fluids up. 'Steam room' inhalation treatment in the bathroom with the shower on hot and the door shut is good for congestion. Humidify their rooms at night and set a vaporiser going with some Karvol or Oblas Oil.

As my lovely doctor once told me.... take vitamins and meds and your cold will last a week. Do nothing and it'll only last seven days...

Thanks so much for the scoop!! Will get my nurses hat on! Guess I am hoping for some miracle preventative for the future! Bee propolis seems to help keep colds at bay for me, just taste bad to a child and they sure aren't swallowing pills! Thnx for your feedback!

Best tactic for future colds is if your children are as strong and well-nourished as possible. A healthy immune system doesn't mean you never fall prey to a virus but the symptoms might be less nasty. Other things I'd offer are turning the thermostat down at home... and also encouraging plenty of outdoor play - well wrapped up in the winter, of course. I have no proof beyond personal experience but I find I get hit more by colds if I've spent too much time in overheated, stuffy atmospheres and not enough time breathing fresh air.

Unfortunately, children tend to be herded together at school (they even keep them indoors these days if it's a bit wet) and, if one has a virus, it'll pass around like wildfire. Best of luck

Echinacea tablets from a health shop for boosting your immune system

Ooh yes! have you tried elderberry syrup or chewables? Hear that's good too...maybe even better than echinacea, haven't tried tho...

I'm a fan of propolis too, tonyee. And actually I've been able to get the tablets down my youngest - crushed up in her porridge. The older one won't touch it though. Why does propolis have to taste so bad?