It’s cold and flu season here in California, and I’m ready. We actually haven’t been that sick in the few years since we’ve been gluten-free. My daughter made that assessment herself the other day. She was remembering, before she was gluten-free and dairy-free, when she’d be the first to get sick in school with each and every little bug. And now, she said she hardly ever gets sick and says she probably has the strongest immune system in her entire grade. That’s got to make you smile!
It's not fun being sick and having to nurture the rest of the family at the same time. Living gluten-free and dairy-free has taught me that life goes more smoothly if I'm prepared. The freezer is a super tool, as it holds many of our healing elixirs.
Here’s what we have in our family’s wellness kit this year:
Homemade Chicken Broth - I roasted two chickens, and we ate one for dinner and then I made broth and soup from the leftovers. I put kale in my broth, which is then strained out, so my daughter gets the vitamins but doesn't fuss. Freeze in small portion sizes.
Homemade Chicken Soup - Freeze in small portion sizes.
Fresh Ginger Root - Break up ginger into small pieces and throw in the food processor with the skin on and whiz until finely grated. Then freeze the ginger in ice cube trays, and when it's frozen transfer cubes to a zip bag and store in the freezer. I use this grated ginger to make tea. The ginger has natural antibacterial qualities, helps inflammation and congestion, boosts the immune system, and soothes the tummy.
EO brand Eucalyptus & Arnica Bubble Bath - I like this brand because it's certified gluten-free. Heat up the bathroom and soak in the warm tub filled with the scented bubbles. The eucalyptus is an anti-inflammatory, relieves body aches and fevers, and aids with congestion.
Medicine - fever reducer if needed. As of the date of this post, CVS brand Children's Pain & Fever Acetaminophen and CVS brand Children's Ibuprofen Oral Suspension are both gluten-free. I use these because CVS is the only brand I've seen that actually says gluten-free on the box. If the medicine you use isn't labeled gluten-free, call the number of the container to be sure.
Favorite Juice - stashed in pantry.
Honey & Lemon - Honey has antibacterial properties and is an immune system booster. Lemon has vitamin C. Plus, it makes me think of my mom who used to serve this to me when I was sick...that's healing in itself! Heat equal parts fresh lemon juice and water. Pour into small cup and add a spoonful of honey that melts into a syrup and coats your throat as it goes down.
My Grandmother's Bell (shown in photo) - Mom used to place this small bell next to my bed. I would ring it when I needed something so I wouldn't have to call for her and aggravate my sore throat.
Cozy blanket to curl up with.
That's our wellness kit. What does your family do to feel better?