Cold and flu season is particularly vicious this year. At least one viral strain seems to attack and conquer the body more than once, leaving victims bedridden and miserable for double the usual time. Yikes! Have you caught that one yet? We wouldn’t wish it on anyone, but you’ll know when and if it strikes your house. As a breastfeeding (or expectant) mother, you’ll be especially sensitive to viral intruders --- not because you’ll be hit harder, but because your options for treatment are limited. Most over-the-counter remedies are riddled with Consult your doctor warnings, and frankly, who wants to spend twenty bucks on pills if they don’t have to?

The good news is that there are some natural alternatives out there that are safe for nursing moms, have no effects on babies, and may already be on hand. Ready to start feeling better? Save your money and cure your cold from home.

Water

Bo-ring! Totally, we agree, but water works. It helps flush out the toxins, and it keeps you hydrated. And besides, it’s a multi-tasker: drink it warm with honey and lemon for a sore throat, boil it for a soothing hot water bottle, or immerse yourself in it for a bath. Steam your sinuses by adding a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a pot, mix it with a little salt for a saline rinse or throat gargle, or steep a (decaffeinated) green tea bag in it and reap the immune-boosting benefits. If you want to get really boring, just drink your water straight from the tap. The point is, water is a healer.

Honey

Babies under one cannot have honey, but you can! A single indulgent teaspoon (or more, if you want) will soothe your irritated throat and calm your cough.

Garlic

Not just for vampires anymore. Taken every 2-3 hours, in whatever form you can manage, garlic acts as an antibiotic and flu fighter. It’s pretty easy (and arguably delicious) to add garlic to your diet: mince it for your toast and eggs in the morning, dip your veggies in hummus at lunch, and add it to your pasta sauce for dinner. Garlic tablets are cheap and readily available if you can’t stand the taste.

Onions

This is a weird one: halve an onion, but don’t eat it (yet). Instead, put it beside your bed before going to sleep. Oddly, a freshly cut onion relieves congestion, stuffy noses, and sore throats. It might make your eyes water at first, but those same tear-inducing properties help draw out your sickness. In the morning, mince the onion and simmer it on the stove with a half cup of honey for twenty minutes. Strain out the onions, and refrigerate what’s left; voila, you’ve just made cough syrup.

Humidifier

If you have one lying around, haul it into your bedroom at night to keep the air moist. Some models let you add essential oils in, too, but check the manual first.

Open the windows

Sounds counterintuitive in the winter, but we’ve all heard that air quality is worse indoors than out. Open the windows, even briefly, to encourage air flow and purify your surroundings. If and when you’re feeling up to it, get outside for a walk in the fresh air.

Make this Cold Kicker recipe

This recipe is not ours, but we’ve tried it and loved it. Let us know what you think!