When cold and flu season hits, having natural remedies on hand can help you recover faster and ease symptoms without relying on over-the-counter medications. As a firm believer in holistic wellness, I always keep a few key herbal remedies stocked in my home. These have been game-changers for boosting immunity, soothing coughs, and relieving congestion.

1. Elderberry Syrup – A Natural Immune Booster
Elderberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, making them one of the best natural remedies for preventing and shortening colds and flu. Studies have shown that elderberry syrup can help reduce the duration and severity of symptoms.
How to Use:

• Take 1 teaspoon daily as a preventative measure.
• Increase to 1 tablespoon 3–4 times a day when feeling under the weather.

Check out my favorite organic elderberry syrup here!

2. Echinacea – The Immune System’s Best Friend
Echinacea is known for its ability to stimulate the immune system, helping your body fight off infections more effectively. It works best when taken at the first sign of illness.
How to Use:

• Take echinacea tincture or capsules at the first sign of a cold.
• Drink echinacea tea for immune support.

Find high-quality echinacea tincture here!

3. Peppermint Tea – Soothes Coughs and Congestion
Peppermint is a natural decongestant and can help break up mucus, relieve sinus pressure, and soothe a sore throat.
How to Use:

• Brew a hot cup of peppermint tea and inhale the steam before sipping.
• Add honey and lemon for extra soothing benefits.

This organic peppermint tea is my go-to!

4. Raw Honey – Nature’s Cough Suppressant
Raw honey is antibacterial, antiviral, and incredibly soothing for a sore throat and cough. It can also help with sleep when taken before bed.
How to Use:

• Take a spoonful of raw honey to calm nighttime coughing.
• Mix into warm water with lemon for a natural throat soother.

I always keep this raw honey in my pantry!

5. Ginger – Warming and Anti-Inflammatory
Ginger helps reduce inflammation, ease nausea, and fight infections. It’s excellent for warming the body and relieving congestion.
How to Use:

• Drink ginger tea to soothe a sore throat and ease digestion.
• Make a homemade ginger syrup for added immune support.

This organic dried ginger is perfect for teas!

Final Thoughts
Having these herbal remedies on hand can make a huge difference in how quickly you recover from a cold or flu. The key is to use them as soon as symptoms appear for the best results.
What are your go-to natural remedies for cold and flu season? Let me know in the comments!

INGREDIENTS
1 cup sourdough discard
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350° F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper* or a silicone baking mats.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, all-purpose flour, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
3. Use your hands (or a food processor) to mix the ingredients together until a dough forms.
4. If using silicone baking mats, turn half of the dough out onto mat and roll out to thin layer. Making sure there are limited high and low spots so it all bakes evenly. Using a pizza cutter cut dough into desired shapes and slide the mat onto the baking sheet.
   
5. If using parchment paper, turn dough out onto a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough as thin as you can make it - no more the 1/8" thick. Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into your desired cracker shapes. Transfer the pieces onto a prepared baking sheet.
   
6. Bake the crackers for 20 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown.
   
7. Allow crackers to cool on the baking sheet. Once completely cool, serve or store your crackers.

*I use silicone baking mats when it comes to crackers. It is so much easier to spread the dough out. I found that parchment paper is harder to use - especially when trying to roll out the dough. The parchment paper starts to curl with the dough on it. Never seen anything like it.

BASE INGREDIENTS
1 cup of sourdough discard
1 cup of all-purpose flour
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt

Pick out your flavor(s) - this recipe makes two sheets of crackers. You have the option of dividing your dough in half and making two different flavors. The amounts for flavors is for half of the dough, you will need to double if making one whole batch. 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of your flavor powder. Depending on how strong or mild you want the crackers. (I usually use 1 1/2 tablespoons since I like my crackers full of flavor)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, all-purpose flour, salt, and the flavor of your choice.
3. Use a food processor or your hands to mix the ingredients together until a dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and roll out the dough until it's approximately 1/8 inch thick. I use oven safe silicone mats to roll out my dough on. Then I just slide the whole thing onto the cookie sheet, and using a pizza cutter or a butter knife, cut the dough into your desired cracker shapes.
   
5. Bake the crackers in the preheated oven for about 15 - 20 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown. If your crackers are thick then add more time (but keep an eye on the edges)
   
6. Allow the crackers to cool on the baking sheet. Once completely cooled, place in air tight container or serve with your favorite cheeses or spreads. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS
1 cup distilled water
1 tbsp dried lavender flowers
1 tbsp dried chamomile flowers
10 drops lavender essential oil
Spray bottle

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Boil the distilled water and steep the lavender and chamomile flowers for 20 minutes.
2. Strain the herbs and allow the liquid to cool completely.
3. Add the lavender essential oil to the cooled tea.
4. Pour into a spray bottle and shake well.
5. Mist onto pillows or around your bedroom to promote relaxation and better sleep.