It’s great getting the kids back in school. We as parents have more time for ourselves, and because the kids are filling their minds with all sorts of new ideas and information, they’re exhausted at the end of the day and getting them to bed is that much easier. BUT… one thing you can almost count on is that they are going to catch and spread colds back and forth.

Here are some tips we got from our Pediatrician (who also happens to be well-versed in naturopathic medicine) for increasing immune resistance and maybe avoiding some of those colds. To begin with, immune cells live primarily in the digestive tract so what you eat directly controls how often you get sick.

Sugary foods upset the mineral balance leaving children more susceptible to infection so the number one thing you can do is eliminate sugary foods such as juice boxes, candied cereals, cookies and soda. We will admit, this is very difficult to do as it seems like EVERYTHING has high fructose corn syrup in it.  Complex sugars are better, that is to say real fruit, honey, and maple syrup are better than processed white sugar and high fructose corn syrup.

Marshmallow Root: which is sold at health food stores; it relieves sore throats and chest colds. Buy the tea and serve it three times daily.

Licorice Root: Also available at health food stores, this root has antibacterial properties and is very soothing when you drink the
tea three times daily. Not for people with high blood pressure.

Slippery Elm lozenges: A native American herb used for centuries to soothe sore throats, also great for people with GERD, irritable bowel, Crohn’s, IBS, ulcerative colitis or diarrhea. Sold at all health food stores.

Herbal rub: Mix two tablespoons olive oil with 1 or 2 drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil. Rub it on your child’s chest.

Mullein Tea: This herbal tea acts as an expectorant and is very helpful for coughs and bronchitis.

Garlic: Garlic is Mother Nature’s antibiotic. Eat it (it kind of burns, so have a glass of water handy) or buy odorless supplements.

Zinc lozenges or Vitamin C: These antioxidants are known for their ability to shorten the duration and severity of the common cold.