The 3 Best Herbal Remedies for Cold and Flu Season: Kate's Family Wellness Favorites
Cold and flu season doesn’t have to catch your family off guard. Discover Kate’s 3 favorite herbal remedies for supporting immune health, respiratory comfort, and whole-family wellness through sniffles, seasonal changes, travel, and more.
Sniffles, throat tickles, feeling a little “off” after travel--normal parts of life, especially when you have little ones.
As a mom of six, Earthley’s founder and lead herbalist, Kate, gets it.
And that’s why she created these simple go-to remedies, so that those little warning signs don’t have to turn into something serious (and you don’t have to panic every time you hear a sneeze). These three simple formulas are the must-have medicine cabinet staples that keep families prepared for and healthy during cold and flu season, seasonal changes, and holiday travel.
In This Article, We’ll Cover:
- Why herbal remedies beat synthetic options for seasonal wellness.
- Kate’s top 3 herbal remedies for family seasonal preparedness and why they work.
- Seasonal wellness can be simple with healthy habits and the right herbal support.
All the information out there about childhood illnesses is enough to make your head spin. But we invite you to take a load off—our Natural Family Immune Defense Guide was created to simplify common immune challenges and help you make empowered decisions for yourself and your family.
Why Use Natural Remedies Instead of Conventional Cold Medicines?
Most of us have dealt with a pesky cough that lingers or a cold that keeps getting passed around the house. We take the medicine but just can’t seem to kick the bug. Ugh.
Not only do many conventional cold medicines mask symptoms without getting to the root of the problem, but they also often contain synthetic ingredients that come with harmful side effects including but not limited to raising blood pressure, drowsiness, breathing problems, addiction, severe mood changes, and organ damage. (1)
This is where natural remedies come in. Instead of masking symptoms, herbs have been trusted for generations to support our body’s natural healing processes. Herbalists thoughtfully combine complementary medicinal plants into formulas that gently nourish our organs, cells, and blood so they can do their job of protecting us and keeping us healthy.
Kate’s Top 3 Herbal Remedies For Seasonal Wellness
Our bodies know how to be well—they just need the right support. Herbs--along with exercise, hydration, a variety of whole foods, and stress support—are nature’s way of giving our bodies what they need for natural vitality.
Kate carefully chose the immune-supportive plants in these remedies for their time-tested value in herbal medicine. They’re the ones that help keep her own family healthy even during challenging seasons, and they’re the reason Earthley exists: so we can share them with your family, too.
All three have an organic alcohol-free vegetable glycerin option with a naturally sweet flavor kids love.
And without further ado, here are Kate’s top 3 go-to family remedies:
1. Elderberry Elixir
This is the one many kids actually ask for by name--because not only does it help them stay energized enough to play and learn even during cold season, but the alcohol-free version also has a sweet and bright berry flavor the whole family loves.
The organic herbs inside and why Kate chose them:
Elderberries: Rich in antioxidants, these small purple berries are treasured in folk herbalism for helping our immune system stay balanced, even during stressful seasons or when things start going around.
Mullein Leaf: Our lungs, throat, and sinuses love these soft leaves for the ways they soothe and comfort irritation and help our airways stay clear.
Astragalus Root: This herb really does get to the root of our immune health, deeply supporting the body’s stress resilience and adaptability.
Ginger Root: Is there anything that ginger doesn’t do? This herb is our gut’s best friend in times of nausea or morning sickness, bloating, and indigestion. Plus, it supports mental clarity, joint comfort, inflammatory balance, and our body’s natural defenses.
Clove Buds: The gifts of this warming herb expand way beyond baking, from soothing irritated teeth and gums, to comforting upset stomachs and supporting our immune health.
What a community member says about Elderberry Elixir:
"My two year, husband, and I (currently pregnant) take this every single day, we all love the flavor my some even asks for it at night. We have stayed healthy even when being around other sick people, and if symptoms start we add get better quick and are better in a day or two. Love it so much and will be buying a big bottle soon. Michelle C"
2. Feel Better Fast
This is our go-to remedy for times when someone in the family starts to sniffle, have a scratchy throat, or just feel a little low energy, especially during cold and flu season or travel.
Kate carefully chose these organic herbs for this immune support blend:
Astragalus for that deep whole-body stress support.
Echinacea Angustifolia Root: A helping hand we can always count on when our immune system needs extra TLC.
Fennel Seed: Full of immune-supportive nutrients like Vitamin C, and a favorite for soothing gas, bloating, and upset tummies.
Ceylon Cinnamon Bark: A sweet, warming, antioxidant-packed herb has been used for generations to comfort our joints and stomachs.
Elderflower: Full of Vitamin C, our lungs love this flower for helping us feel like we can breathe easier.
What a community member says about Feel Better Fast:
"Best thing ever during “cold & flu” season!! Kicked our daughters fever within 24hrs she was running around like she never was even sick. & it kept the other two from getting as under the weather as she did. Recommend 1000x we always keep some of this on hand!!! - Ashley M"
3. Cough B Gone
No matter what we do, someone in the family gets a cough once in a while. And that’s where Cough B Gone comes in, with just the right organic herbs to soothe our lungs and throat and help us get back to singing, laughing, and story time again.
Here’s what’s inside:
Fenugreek: Soothes irritated mucous membranes and helps support clear, comfortable breathing.
Mullein: Helps calm airway irritation and comforts the throat and bronchial passages.
Dandelion Root: Full of vitamins that support a healthy immune system and respiratory comfort.
What a community member says about Cough B Gone:
"This is one of the many Earthley herbal remedies that is always in our medicine cabinet. Our twin boys recently battled some sinus issues which turned into a wet cough and we were so thankful for Cough B Gone! Between this product and salt therapy sessions, both boys were clear of congestion within a week! We also used Feel Better Fast during this time period for immune support. So thankful for Earthley! - Regina M"
A Simple Breakdown of Kate’s Top 3 Family Wellness Remedies
So, to sum it up, for seasonal wellness, Kate recommends:
- Elderberry Elixir for daily immune support
- Feel Better Fast when someone starts feeling run down
- Cough B Gone for throat and respiratory comfort.
Simplifying Seasonal Wellness with These 3 Herbal Remedies
Most of us have gone through those snotty, sneezy, up-all-night periods at some point and nobody wants to have to deal with that. It can feel daunting to think about what it takes to keep our families healthy during cold and flu season, but with some simple habits and a few trusted herbal remedies, you can feel more prepared to face the challenges that can come up.
And even if someone (or everyone) in the family does catch a bug, do your best not to stress. Remember—our bodies know how to heal, they just need the right support. And these remedies were created to help nourish your body’s natural defenses so you can get back to enjoying life again asap!
Key Takeaways
- Cold season, travel, and seasonal shifts don’t have to catch your family off guard.
- A foundation of healthy habits and trusted herbal remedies can help you feel prepared year-round.
- Unlike many conventional options, herbal remedies are formulated to support the body’s natural healing and defense systems.
- When your body gets the support it needs, it can do what it was designed to do: heal, adapt, and stay well.
Keeping your kiddos healthy at home is one thing. But school brings a whole other set of concerns. Being informed can help us feel more at peace sending our kids out into the world. Our Back to School Survival Guide answers common questions parents have and gives common sense, science-backed support for families, including homeschoolers.
FAQs
What are the best herbal remedies to keep on hand during cold and flu season?
Kate’s top three remedies for seasonal wellness are Elderberry Elixir, Feel Better Fast, and Cough B Gone. Together, they help support the immune system, respiratory comfort, and overall family wellness during cold season, seasonal changes, and travel.
How are herbal remedies different from conventional cold medicines?
Many conventional options focus on masking symptoms, while herbal remedies are traditionally used to support the body’s natural healing processes. The goal is to nourish and support the body so it can respond well to seasonal immune challenges.
Can kids take these herbal remedies?
Yes, all three remedies mentioned in this article have an organic, alcohol-free vegetable glycerin option with a naturally sweet flavor many kids enjoy. As always, it’s best to follow product directions and check with a qualified health care provider if you have specific concerns.
When should I use Elderberry Elixir, Feel Better Fast, or Cough B Gone?
Elderberry Elixir is a great daily immune-support option during seasonal challenges. Feel Better Fast is helpful when someone starts feeling a little “off,” like sniffles, scratchiness, or low energy. Cough B Gone is designed for those times when the lungs and throat need extra comfort and support.
Do herbal remedies replace healthy habits?
No. Herbal remedies work best alongside healthy habits like hydration, nourishing foods, movement, rest, and stress support. Together, these daily foundations can help your family feel more prepared throughout the season.
Disclaimer - This blog post is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services and its statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider regarding a specific medical condition.
Sources:
The common cold: The need for an effective treatment amid the FDA discussion on oral phenylephrine - PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11381861/
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