Lauren Feder, M.D.
The winter holidays are known as a time for family and fun, but also for the flu. The added stress and tire of holiday shopping, preparing, and traveling leaves the immune systems of adults and children alike weakened during the winter and thus, much more susceptible to colds and flu. As a physician, I receive many inquiries regarding natural approaches to prevent sickness over the holidays. Here is a list of my top natural remedies for staying healthy in winter. I’ve found these remedies are just as effective and often more effective than their over-the-counter alternatives.
- First and foremost, use your common sense. You have it, you know you should use it – stop ignoring it!
- Wash your hands frequently: after using the restroom, eating, sneezing, or otherwise getting them dirty.
- Avoid swimming during autumn and winter.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Wear an extra layer of clothing that you can take off if need be.
- If your child becomes ill, keep him or her at home.
- Minimize junk food and over-indulgences. This will help keep your immune system strong.
If you begin to feel ill this winter, try one or more of these home remedies to get back on your feet:
- Hydrogen peroxide. In addition to having a multitude of household uses, hydrogen peroxide has been proven effective in aiding the prevention and treatment of colds, flu, and ear infections. At the onset of a cold or flu, place four drops of hydrogen peroxide (3%) into both ears. The solution will bubble and there may be a little stinging. Within a couple minutes, the liquid will drain out. This treatment is considered safe for infants. Avoid the eyes and do not use this treatment if there is fluid coming out of the ear as this could indicate a ruptured eardrum. It is best to use hydrogen peroxide within the first 12-24 hours of illness.
- Hot Water Bottle. Warmth is key to effective healing for many conditions, though most of us do not make full use of its soothing, therapeutic qualities. We all have hot water bottles buried somewhere in a cabinet. Now is the time to pull them out, dust them off, and if you don’t have one, buy one! This part of my family’s medicine chest gets used for most of our illnesses. To prepare, fill the water bottle midway with hot water. Fold the hot water bottle in half over a sink to expel any excess air then securely fasten. Expelling the air helps the bottle retain its heat. Never place a hot water bottle directly on the skin – wrap it in a towel. The hot water bottle can be used anywhere for comfort, though its most common applications are next to a painful ear or on the chest, tummy, back, or feet. To warm feet, secure the water bottle around the feet with towels for five to ten minutes until they are warm. Hot water bottles can also be used to warm a cold bed before going to sleep. An electric heating pad is not a replacement for a hot water bottle. Avoid using an electric heating pad, as studies have linked exposure to low level electromagnetic radiation from these devices to cancer and other health conditions.
- Onion. Onion improves circulation and breaks up thick mucus and congestion, making it a great remedy for colds. It helps soften the lymph nodes, soothing painful swollen glands in the neck. Onions can be placed into a round pouch or a flat envelope, tied in a sock, or placed in slices on a plate. Place your onion pouch or slices next to your bed, over your baby’s crib, or directly onto your chest wrapped in a scarf. Onion can even be placed in a pouch then put in socks. Wear the onion-packed socks overnight to help treat earaches and bladder infections.
- Probiotics. The digestive tract makes up 70% of the immune system. Probiotics contain a healthy, concentrated form of good bacteria that lines the gut. Take a probiotic daily to help prevent illness and to help fight colds and flu.
- Oscillococcinum. Many of my patients claim that Oscillo greatly shortened the duration of their flu. It can be used for both children and adults. Oscillococcinum is useful for all types of flu, especially in the earlier stages.
About Dr. Feder: Lauren Feder, MD, is a nationally recognized physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Affiliated with the National Center for Homeopathy, Holistic Pediatric Association, and La Leche League, she is a frequent lecturer for parents and professionals and has been seen nationally on various health-oriented television programs including most recently Oprah and Friends interviewed by Dr. Mehmet Oz. In addition to her books, Natural Baby and Childcare and The Parents’ Concise Guide to Childhood Vaccinations, she has written for Homeopathy Today and Mothering Magazine and has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Alternative Medicine Digest, DiscoveryHealth.com, Parenting Magazine, and many other publications and websites.
