School-Year Cold Kit: Preparing for the return to Germland

Last spring, I shared my favorite end-of-the-year adrenal fatigue rescue remedies, and I can hardly believe it; it is already time to prepare a cold kit for the return back to school. I am a speech therapist and choose not to wear a mask because the mouth is a pretty important part of my job. Yes, kids with cute little lisps occasionally spit onto my face. Sometimes, I can see the little droplets floating towards me in slow motion and feel them land. It’s part of the job. Saliva. Sneezes. Snot. Spit. The 4 S’s of being an SLP.  Communication difficulties can make you self-conscious, and these young ones need good support and deserve respect and dignity, making the spit and inevitable seasonal flu an acceptable part of the job for me. 

Last year was my first school year returning to full-time in-person work since the pandemic.  I was one of those lucky ones who had avoided any type of illness for the better part of three years. Within weeks of starting work last fall, I was hit with everything and its mother all at once. I have never been sicker. I was so sick and so out of it that I couldn’t even think to ask for what I might need, and I still didn’t know too many people in town either.  My dear housemate bought me popsicles and Gatorade, and I found some old Nyquil. That got me through until I could start ordering Door Dash deliveries of TV dinners, the only thing I could stomach for about two weeks. I did consider going to urgent care, which, for me, meant it was pretty scary. My past experiences, which I go into depth about in my book, are what informs my discerning relationship with conventional/western medicine. Last fall, I didn’t go to urgent care - not because I reject conventional medicine, which would be irresponsible, but because I was too tired to get in the car. Yikes! I know. The inability to swallow, move, or think was intense. It wasn’t until I was nearly recovered that I could even begin to think about what I would have done differently. This year, I am preparing!

I lean on what I call ‘natural’ or ‘complimentary’ supports and lifestyle to manage various afflictions, such as colds and adrenal fatigue. These include frequent walks or hikes, rest, self-reflection, fresh food, honest communication, yoga, tea, hot baths, etc. However, there are times when conventional and over-the-counter medicine is needed, and I would never count out any treatment, drug, or therapy. Everything is always on the table.  This year, my cold kit includes a mix of natural and over-the-counter helpers. Remember, I am not a doctor or expert, and this is not advice, it is simply my experience.  Always consult your physician on health and medical matters. There are loads and loads of beautiful blogs, books, and resources written by experts on these topics and I'm not trying to re-invent the wheel, but rather share bits about what helps and inspires me. 

Here is what is going on in my cold kit. I’d love to hear what is going in yours!

A note about over the counter (OTC) medicines: I don’t use OTC medicine to feel well enough to go to work, instead I have it handy to reduce severe symptoms and suffering. If I am so sick that I have to take OTC drugs, then there is no way I am well enough to work. 

My dear friend shared that she prepares a similar travel care kit for when she flies, and I think I will do some version of this for traveling from now on as well.  

Over-the-counter helpers

NyQuil

DayQuil 

Throat numbing spray

Cough drops

Advil

Ibuprofen 

CBD Camphor/Menthol cream (for rubbing on the neck and chest)

CBD chews or pills for pain and sleep (THC-free) * I would try this before NyQuil

Gatorade 

7up 

TV dinners 

Plain crackers 

Natural Helpers

• I have plenty of tea on hand (when I was sick last year, I couldn’t drink it; it sounded disgusting). This is more for daily support—Nettle, holy basil, peppermint, chamomile, echinacea, green tea, etc.

• Echinacea tincture to take at the very slightest first sign of catching something. This is my first time trying it, so we will see if I notice any benefits.  The concentrated tincture I have is made by the owner of the Gypsy’s Whimsey’s Apothecary in downtown Astoria. She is an experienced herbalist, and speaking with her reminded me how valuable it is to consult with an experienced, passionate herbalist.  Our conversation inspired me to keep building up my natural remedies. Creating an in-home apothecary is an investment, so I’m just doing it a little at a time. If I was to give advice, I would recommend talking to your local herbalist about building your personalized cold kit. Maybe start with one or two things this year if you are new to natural supports. 

• Herbal sinus face steam (basically boiling herbs and other ingredients, putting a towel over your head, and letting the steam clear your sinuses) - This felt amazing last year when I was suffering, so I pre-mixed some herbs in a mason jar (see photo) with a note to add Eucalyptus oil or Eucalyptus leaves and fresh citrus & citrus peels.  I just googled recipes and used what I had on hand (peppermint, oregano, chamomile). Here is a link to one recipe, but you would want to find one that suits you. https://theherbalacademy.com/blog/breathe-easier-with-a-decongesting-herbal-salt-steam/

• Warming detox bath - I mentioned this in my last blog, but I swear by hot baths. This is one of the DIY recipes I love for warmth and detox, so I premixed a batch, so it is ready to go.  My recipe included Epsom salt, baking soda, mustard powder (from natural grocer's spice section) and sea salt. You can add eucalyptus oil or drop your tea canister with leaves or herbs to make it a vapor bath. I have a friend who has skin reactions to any kind of bath salts, so again it's one of those things that might not work for you. I also had a friend ask me how to test if your skin is sensitive to mustard powder. These questions I can't answer, and one must do their own research. I personally wouldn't use most of the bath products you can buy at the store.    https://wellgal.com/detoxifying-diy-mustard-bath-relieve-stress-soothe-muscles-fight-colds-flu/

• Fire Cider: This is an infused vinegar that does who-knows-what, but it seems like a good thing to have on hand. I’ve never tried it, but it was fun to make, and we will see if I notice anything helpful from it. You can read about the benefits, but I can’t speak to them yet. I suspect that any pesky 'bugs' hanging out in your throat will not appreciate it very much. 

Traditional Fire Cider Recipe (and 2 Tangy Twists) (mountainroseherbs.com)

• I like to keep my feet toasty warm. Warming up my body takes energy, and when my immune system needs energy to fight things off, I want to help it out and conserve every bit of energy I can. I have a pair of fuzzy sloth socks that do just the trick :)

• Thieves hand sanitizer: My friend Nina introduced me to this, and I love it so much because it not only softens my skin, but I can also inhale the scent to give myself a boost of respiratory support. I also have a somewhat strange instinct to spray it on the soles of my feet when I feel like I’m getting sick. I don’t know why, but I listen to these intuitions.  During an intense time of healing trauma, I felt the need to spray rose water on my feet. In times when there hasn't been anyone or anything helping me, I just listen to these intuitive hits and go with what feels like it is helping and by trial and error. I can usually afford to do this with natural remedies because there are often no or few side effects, even if I don’t like it (there are many essential oils and herbs that do not agree with me).  In my experience, beyond the medicinal benefits, most of these natural supports feel like they nourish, comfort, or provide some type of sensory support that I appreciate very much.  For example, the 'heat' and 'texture' of the water, the 'scent' of the oil, the 'taste' of the tea, and the ritual of caring for oneself. These are all benefits that in and of themselves are powerful medicine, in my humble experience.

https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/diy-hand-sanitizer-spray-with-four-thieves-blend?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_O8HLIA-vz62wfX3OAlrDXIcDVmuiGGL8xAqPb3f3WBAt8l-MiEg74gxC31SYDVQbjegPQEev6f9Nf_I-C_VAXJQkF4g&_hsmi=321481858&utm_content=321481858&utm_source=hs_email

So that is it for now! 

What do you have in your cold kit? Wouldn’t this be a lovely gift to give someone? Making these natural remedies would be a super sweet tradition to do as a family. Kids love being mixologists! Kids are more sensitive to essential oils and herbs, so consult an herbalist if you involve the kiddos. 

Happy cold kit making!