Fall is here, winter is approaching, and already I’m hearing lots of people sniffling and coughing. We’re all spending more time indoors, and heaters are coming on more frequently. The season of colds and flu seems to be settling in.

While I firmly believe that a healthy diet and plenty of sleep are the best ways to keep our bodies healthy, I also keep some other natural immune system supports and remedies around our house in order to help our bodies if we’re exposed to a virus or if we feel ourselves coming down with something.

Here are some of the things I’m stocking up on or doing as we head into Cold and Flu Season:

I’m making a batch of Homemade Elderberry Syrup (recipe HERE) so I’ll have it on hand if we’re exposed to someone who has a cold or if we feel our bodies beginning to fight something off.

I’m making sure I always have our chemical-free Homemade Hand Sanitizer (recipe HERE) in my bag, so we can quickly and effectively clean up hands that may have touched less-than-sanitary surfaces.

I’m stocking our pantry with apple cider vinegar and raw honey in order to have the ingredients for Immune-Boosting Apple Cider Vinegar Drinks (recipe HERE) and our favorite Soothing, Natural Sore Throat Remedy (recipe HERE).

I’m also stocking up on the essential oils we use or want to have on hand for this time of year: Thieves for keeping cold germs at bay (see HERE), RC (Respiratory Care) for soothing coughs, Breathe Again and SniffleEase for easing congestion and sniffling noses, and Immupower for overall immune system support. [I purchase all of my Essential Oils HERE; you can read about the oils I use HERE].

Are you doing anything to prepare for Cold and Flu Season? What are your favorite remedies to have on hand? Are there any types of remedies in particular that you would like me to explore and write about?