Our Sick Day Routine

As a family with two small kids, we often find ourselves navigating through another virus. While we generally feel we have strong immune systems, it's almost inevitable that someone will catch a bug now and then. The last two weeks have been particularly difficult as we all took turns with the most recent virus. Thankfully, Nick and I managed to keep it short and mild, but it had me reflecting on our sick day routine, which seems to prove itself to be effective in speeding up recoveries.

I want to share the steps we take when illness strikes, to support our immune systems and bounce back quickly. This routine might seem extensive, but it works for us. Since we've adapted these practices, we've found ourselves fending off viruses much more effectively. It's also very important to focus on daily immune support before there is any illness. We take steps in our daily lives to make our immune systems as strong as possible, but here are some extra measures we take when we start to feel under the weather.

1. Black Seed Oil. I hope you've seen my other post about how much I love this stuff. This potent oil is part of our daily routine, but I increase the dosage when we feel sick. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, black seed oil can help give your immune system a nice boost.

2. Zinc, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D. These nutrients should be staples in everyone's medicine cabinet. Zinc is essential for immune function, Vitamin C helps in fighting viruses, and Vitamin D supports overall health.

3. Raw Garlic. It may sound intense, but raw garlic is a powerhouse of anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. If you can't take the thought of chewing raw garlic, just cut it into small pieces and swallow it like a pill. 

4. Oil of Oregano. A few drops of this essential oil can provide additional anti-viral support. Just be mindful of the dosage; a little goes a long way.

5. Feel Better Fast Tincture from Earthley. This herbal blend is our go to for an immune boost when feeling under the weather. 

6. Mullein Leaf. This herb is excellent for clearing mucus and supporting respiratory health. Mullein is moisture moving in general, and actually can be used two ways. If you are congested it can help move the mucus away from the sinuses. On the contrary, if you find yourself extra dry, it can help move moisture into the sinuses to re hydrate them. 

7 Essential Oils. I use rosemary oil in our diffuser to support the respiratory system. While Eucalyptus and Tea Tree oils are fantastic alternatives, I avoid them in a house with pets due to their toxicity to animals.

8 Castor Oil. Rubbing castor oil on the bottoms of our feet and wearing socks is a comforting remedy that can enhance detoxification in the body. 

Managing Symptoms Naturally.

When it comes to fever management, we take a hands-off approach. We don't treat fevers until they hit around 103. A fever is the body's natural response to fighting illness and masking it with medication can prolong recovery. Instead, we let our bodies do their job while providing support through natural measures.

While we generally try to avoid conventional medicines, there are times (like with the kids on this most recent bout) when it is absolutely necessary. During those times we rely on natural foods to support our bodies through recovery. Also, we take magnesium baths to help detox out the extra stuff from the medicine. 

One of our favorite sick day meals is my homemade chicken soup, which is packed with nutrients. You can find this recipe in the Healthy Recipe section of this website. Alongside the soup we drink plenty of cold pressed green juice and immunity shots, also we load up on lots of raw fruits and vegetables.

Of course, the cornerstones of recovery are rest and hydration. We prioritize sleep and encourage each other to drink plenty of fluids like coconut water, or trace minerals in regular water. Be sure to avoid drinks like Pedialyte and Gatorade, which do more harm than good.

I know it may seem like a lot, but this routine has worked exceptionally well for us. As parents, its crucial to our feet quickly so we can keep up with our energetic kids. By supporting our immune systems with natural remedies and nourishing foods, we've managed to kick viruses out of our systems rather efficiently. I hope our sick day routine inspires you to create your own effective strategy for combatting your sick days.

Stay healthy everyone, and thanks for reading!

Below I will provide links for some of the items listed in this post. There are all products and brands that I use regularly.