A look inside our medicine cabinet. This is what my family takes to feel better

Everyone’s medicine cabinet contents will look different. These are our tried and tested remedies over the years.

As a Mum or Dad I’m sure you’ll agree that the most worrying time is then your child gets sick.

During this time, you may feel quite helpless, so having a course of action in place when your child is feeling unwell can be very comforting.

While our medicine cabinet may look different from others, its contents have never failed us.

This is what my family does at the first sign of illness.

Please note; If you make a purchase using the links below, I may earn a small commission. I will only recommend products my family and I have found useful and truly believe in. I promise never to recommend anything I can’t truly stand over.

What we take from the medicine cabinet on the first sign of a cold or scratchy throat

Many consider Vitamin C the go-to supplement for immune-boosting support and a great lift when feeling a dip in energy.

For almost 10 years, at the first sign of a sniffle, we have been reaching for Altrient Liposomal Vitamin C.

Taking this supplement has many advantages. Firstly it survives digestion, it’s gentle on the stomach and has better absorption. Many vitamin C products on the market are dispelled too quickly before your body has a chance to benefit from them.

What’s the connection between vitamin C and the common cold?

Vitamin C plays a role in supporting the proper functioning of the immune system, making it a crucial nutrient for individuals who often experience recurring infections.

Numerous clinical trials employing different amounts of vitamin C have indicated that, while it may not prevent the common cold, it has the potential to lessen the intensity and duration of symptoms in infected individuals.

Studies suggest that the positive effects are more pronounced with increased doses of vitamin C.

Here’s a link for purchasing Altrient Liposomal Vitamin C

Altrient has a registered Irish address in Waterford, so ordering won’t incur duty charges. We order 6 boxes at a time to always have them on hand, benefiting from a better price when purchasing in bulk.

How to treat a sore throat

A scratchy irritated throat is indeed painful for any child or parent. It can interfere with swallowing, talking and sleeping so it’s important to have some remedies ready when the time comes.

I was pleased to spot a recent campaign by the HSE encouraging the avoidance of antibiotics for sore throat. Concerns arise from the overuse of antibiotics.

I know first hand that many GP offices are not seeing patients face to face and many consultations are done over the phone. Understandably this may be convenient for everyone involved but when the GP doesn’t see the child and your child is showing possible signs of strep throat more often than not your child will be offered a course of antibiotics.

Antibiotics not only eliminate strep bacilli but also hinder the development of the antibodies that serve as the body’s natural defence against the disease. This may cause recurrences of the infection all winter long.

It’s also vital to note that overusing penicillin may interfere with its efficiency in dealing with more dangerous bacteria later in your child’s life.

If your child’s sore throat symptoms persist for more than a week, you should of course, take your child to the doctor. Thankfully there’s lots you can do at home for a sore throat.

1. Dryness, resulting from the lack of humidity in the winter air, is the principal offender of a sore throat. If the air in your child’s bedroom is dry it’s well worth investing in a good humidifier like this one.
2. Encourage your child to gargle salt water.
3. Take Vitamin C (link above)

DoTerra Essential Oil Remedy for Sore Throat

We’ve used this great remedy for a sore throat. Add 4 drops OnGuard and 1tsp. (4g) salt to 50ml warm water and stir to dissolve the salt. Gargle with the solution for 30 seconds, then spit out. Repeat up to 2 times a day until sore throat is gone.

(The oils in OnGuard blend have been studied for their strong abilities to kill harmful bacteria, mould and viruses. This blend can also be diffused into the air and be used to clean and purify household surfaces.)

You can also add 3 drops of eucalyptus and 2 drops lemon to 1tsp (5ml) of local honey and dissolve in 2 Tbsp of water. Place in a small spray bottle. Shake well, and mist 3 to 4 sprays into the throat as needed to help soothe.

Our daughter recently overcame strep throat using nature’s natural antibiotic; oregano. Doterra Oregano essential oil is very potent. Gargling one small drop of the oil diluted in water and then spitting it out can relieve strep throat like magic. Due to its strong taste, some people find it challenging to take. I’ve since heard that oil of oregano is easier to consume. (Oil of oregano is different to oregano essential oil). I’m sure oil of oregano can be picked up from your local health shop.

Remember, not all essential oils are created equal. We have relied on the support of DoTERRA essential oils for almost 10 years, and we highly recommend them.

Is it better to treat a fever or let it burn out naturally?

I get asked this a lot, and in my opinion, the best thing for a fever is to let it naturally run its course. I’ll explain why;

Foreign bacteria invading the body cannot survive in elevated temperature, so the fever is the body’s way of fighting and protecting.

Taking something to lower the body’s temperature gives bacteria an edge to hang around longer.

You can’t trick the body; it will only work harder to raise the temperature and fight the infection, increasing the demands on the body. For a low-grade fever under 40 degrees Celsius, let the body do its job. For anything over 40 degrees Celsius, please seek medical advice.

What can you do?

It may seem obvious, but the most important thing you can do is watch the child. You know your child better than anyone.

Resting, hydration, patience, loving attention, and tender reassurance will do more to make a sick child feel better than all the medicine on the pharmacy shelf. Of course, additional symptoms may suggest a more serious illness. Medical advice is required if your child is showing signs of extreme listlessness, abnormal behaviour or respiratory difficulty.

For hydration, a good rule of thumb is to drink 250ml every hour.

For prolonged fever (under 40 degrees Celsius and for more than 2 days), run a bath. Not too hot and definitely not too cold. Lukewarm to tepid water. Or try sponging the child if you don’t have a bath in the house.

Adding epson salt and essential oils like lavender and peppermint to the water to help soothe muscles and relax an aching body.

(Lavender is a wonderful oil to aid a relaxing sleep, and we use peppermint for nausea as well.)

What else?

Other useful items we keep in our medicine cabinet include DoTerra Air a calming and soothing blend that can be applied directly to feet and chest to help clear airway and help breath easier at night.

Deep Blue Rub for sore and aching muscles.

Homeopathy in our medicine cabinet

On our midwife’s recommendation, we purchased the Helios Kit of 36 remedies almost 10 years ago and have refilled it as we’ve used them over the years.

It’s our go to for bites, falls, tummy aches, headaches, coughs. Each kit comes with a little book explaining which remedy suits the symptoms you have. The kit has travelled with us all over the world. 

Chiropractic

I can’t conclude this blog without mentioning the power of Chiropractic care.

As a family, we receive regular adjustments. My wife Siobhan and our daughter Aisling come to Optimal Chiropractic every week for adjustments. Research in chiropractic care has shown that adjustments improve vagus nerve function and dramatically enhance the overall health and function of all organs connected to the nervous system. The vagus nerve directly influences the body’s ability to prevent sickness and recover from afflictions.

I’m curious, what natural remedies do you take to feel better? Let us know in the comments.

If you have any questions about chiropractic care or any enquiries regarding what we have recommended above, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling our office in Ballincollig, Cork at 021 487 8465.