Super Eco

Photo credit: Bed Bath Beyond

It's cold season. Still. If you're a parent, chances are you already know this: kids bring home every illness known to man, especially colds. But now that over-the-counter cold and cough medicines are no longer indicated for kids under 6, what can parents do?

Turn the pages of history and go back to what works: natural, simple remedies.

Honey is great for anyone over 2 (kids under 2 shouldn't have honey because of the risk of botulism). It's antibacterial and antiviral, and it soothes sore throats. Half a teaspoon several times a day for kids age 2-6, and a teaspoon for kids 6 and above, also helps keep coughs at bay. A drink made from warm water, a little lemon juice, and some honey helps ward off colds.

Chicken soup was more than Grandma's cure-all: it really works! Make a nourishing broth from organic chicken, lots of root veggies, and a few noodles, and you've got something that 1.) kids will eat and 2.) helps with congestion and sore throat. Win-win.

Keeping warm helps keep kids from getting sick in the first place. Wearing lots of layers in natural fibers (wool!) helps kids hold in the heat better, letting them use their energy for keeping well rather than keeping warm.

Washing hands is the other simplest thing you can do to help everyone in the family stay well. Wash early and often! If anyone in the family is already sick, help keep it from spreading by stepping up the washing.

Keeping everyone healthy this winter isn't as much of a challenge if you just go back in time to what worked for your grandparents!