Winter is officially upon us and the little colds and sickness are beginning to pop up with the season changing! I like to have a set plan throughout the winter months to focus on taking our supplements, eating immune-boosting foods, getting as much natural vitamin D as possible, drinking filtered water and prioritizing rest.

It’s important that we’re prepared for the occasional sickness to come our way and that we have the proper tools on hand to boost immunity and help fight common colds. These are a few of my favorite things to keep on hand for our family:

Vitamin D Drops (safe for mama + baby (pregnancy and breastfeeding safe)

Vitamin D plays several important roles in the metabolism and absorption of other minerals in the body. It’s also helpful with boosting overall immunity and helping combat common colds. My favorite brand is linked here. This dropper form can be used for both mama + baby! I generally don’t recommend long-term vitamin D supplementation without having your levels checked through labs.

Probiotics (safe for mama + baby (pregnancy and breastfeeding safe)

Probiotics may be beneficial in reducing the severity and incidence of gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, and colic in babies. They can also benefit children’s health by supporting the developing immune system but should not be seen as a panacea or as an alternative to a healthy lifestyle or diet. In adults, they support the immune system, gastrointestinal health, the microbiome and more. My favorite baby/child brand is here and this is my favorite option for adults (code livewild saves you 15%)

Garlic Mullein Ear Oil (safe for mama and baby – don’t use in pregnancy but OK with breastfeeding)

Garlic’s health benefits include antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It also has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. When eaten, garlic can boost the immune system and help fight infection.

Applying garlic topically may help ease the pain of an earache. One source with 103 children who had ear pain from middle ear infections, found that naturopathic ear drops containing garlic (Allium sativum) and other herbal ingredients was just as effective in managing ear pain as over-the-counter (OTC) ear drops. Herb Pharm is my favorite brand and go-to!

Boiron ColdCalm Baby (to be used in babies 6 months+)

ColdCalm Liquid Doses relieve common cold symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. ColdCalm Liquid Doses relieve common cold symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion.

Organic Chest Rub (safe for mama + baby)

This Honest chest rub is a blend of soothing essential oil scents to clear stuffy noses and support clear breathing and a good night’s sleep. Our Honest aromatic vapor baby rub is perfectly safe and effective for babies, big kids, and parents, too. Organic lavender and rosemary oils soothe and calm, while eucalyptus and tea tree oils offer relaxing comfort to support a good night’s sleep. It’s important to source a chest rub like this that is free of menthol, lanolin, parabens, petrolatum, mineral oil, or synthetic fragrances.

Quercetin (safe for mama – not in pregnancy, but safe for breastfeeding)

Quercetin is a plant pigment found in red wine, onions, apples, berries and green tea. Quercetin is one of the most abundant anti-oxidants found in our diet and itself has strong anti-viral properties. The major benefit of taking quercetin with zinc is that the quercetin will push the zinc into the center of the cell where the zinc can stop the virus from reproducing. Pure Encapsulations is my favorite brand to source!

Zinc (safe for mama in pregnancy + breastfeeding)

Zinc is likely safe when used in the recommended amounts while pregnant. But it is likely unsafe when used in high doses. Those over 18 should not take more than 40 mg of zinc daily, and those 14-18 years old should not take more than 34 mg daily while pregnant. The center of the cell is where zinc needs to be to have the immune system effect. Viruses reproduce in the center of the cells. Zinc needs to be in the center of the cell to stop viral reproduction. Mary Ruth’s is my go-brand for mama and kids over the age of 12. If you’re looking for a food based supplement – I love this Oyster supplement too which is FULL of Zinc.

Whole Food Vitamin C (safe for mama – not in pregnancy, but safe for breastfeeding)

Whole Food Vitamin C is the best form of Vitamin C and is most easily absorbed into the body. Purely-C provides the unique powers of natural-source vitamin C, plus flavonoids and buffered minerals, as found in nature. This is the only 100% food-source vitamin C plus flavonoid formula available! It’s best to source vitamin C without Ascorbic acid.

Vitamin A (focus on adding in through foods – safe for mama + baby)

Vitamin A is another vitamin that can boost your immune health. In a 2015 animal study, researchers found that this vitamin played a specific role by protecting respiratory health. Vitamin A rich foods include beef liver, eggs, organ meats, cod liver oil, etc.

Homeopathic Remedies from Uncommonly Good Health:

Recommended Remedies:

TO BOOST OVERALL IMMUNITY:

Calc Carb 200c every 3 days – 1 – 5 pellets – this can also help with teething

IF PRONE TO FLUS:

Hepar Sulph 200c, every other day

IF THERE IS SUSPECTED OR CONFIRMED FOOD INTOLERANCES THAT CAN LEAD TO IMPAIRED GUT HEALTH (ALSO CONTRIBUTES TO IMMUNE STATUS):

Bovista 200 every other day

RESPIRATORY CONGESTION:

Kali mur 3x twice a day

FEVER:

Ferrum Phos 6c 4 times a day until temp is normal

COUGH:

Bryonia 30c, if severe every 3 hours, not as severe twice a day.  Stop when seeing improvement

NAUSEA, VOMITING AND/OR GAGGING:

Ipecac 30c twice a day + Merc sol 30c twice a day (take one, let dissolve, take the second)

CROUP:

At onset, take Aconitum 200c twice a day for one day, then

Hepar Sulph 30c twice a day

EAR INFECTIONS:

Pulsatilla 30c twice a day if mainly in the right ear with flushed face or

Hepar Sulph 30c 3 or 4 times a day (especially if aggravated by cold or wind) or

Chamomilla 200 every 6 hours if accompanied by teething

SOME HELP FOR MOMS…WHEN OVERWHELMED OR STRESSED AS THIS CAN LOWER YOUR IMMUNITY

Ignatia 200 twice a day or as needed to help with stressful situations

Sepia 200 SOS as needed for feeling overwhelmed 

Coffea 200 taken at night can help with improving sleep

HOMEOPATHIC OVER-THE-COUNTER REMEDIES:

Boiron:

1. ColdCalm for sneezing, runny nose and congestion

Hyland’s

1. Mucus and Cold Relief

2. Baby Mucus and Cold Relief Nighttime

If you’re looking for specific advice or have questions and want to schedule a 1-on-1 consult, reach out to schedule that here!

This is not medical advice, always consult your doctor or practitioner before adding in new supplements to your routine!