How to Support Your Family's Health During Flu Season with Simple Remedies

Megan Bateman
4 days ago
3 min read

Flu season can hit hard, especially when you have kiddos at home. When my oldest caught the flu this week, our household shifted into full care and comfort mode. It reminded me how much the basics matter: nourishing food, plenty of water, and gentle remedies that support the immune system. Along the way, my kids learned about how sugar affects their bodies and why whole foods help with healing. If your family is facing similar challenges, I want to share some simple, natural remedies that have made a difference for us.

Why Focus on Basics During Flu Season

When illness strikes, it’s tempting to look for quick fixes or complicated treatments.

This doesn't mean we don't use tylenol or ibuprofen; we absolutely do! But flu season highlights how important it is to focus on the fundamentals. Rest, hydration, and nutrition provide the foundation for your body to fight infection.

Kids especially benefit from understanding these basics. When my children asked repeatedly for their gingerbread houses, it opened a chance to explain how sugar can weaken the immune system. We talked about how whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and herbs help the body heal faster. This real-life lesson made the science behind health tangible for them.

Nourishing Flu Tea to Support Immune Health

A remedy we are trying out this year is a simple elderberry, ginger, and lemon tea. Elderberries have been known for their antiviral properties and ability to reduce flu symptoms. Ginger adds warmth and helps soothe congestion, while lemon provides vitamin C and a fresh taste.

Ingredients for 1–2 servings:

1 tablespoon dried elderberries
4–6 fresh ginger slices (or ½ teaspoon dried ginger)
12–16 ounces water
1–2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (added after brewing)
Honey to taste

How to make it:

Simmer elderberries and ginger in water for 15 minutes.
Strain the mixture into cups.
Stir in lemon juice and honey as desired.

This tea is gentle enough for children and adults alike. I am aiming to drink a cup a day stay support my immune systems. My youngest likes the taste of it, my oldest wants nothing to do with it.

Using Essential Oils Safely for Comfort

Essential oils can help manage or provide some comfort with flu symptoms when used carefully. We use a diffuser blend to help with congestion and promote restful sleep. It’s important to keep these oils away from pets, as some can be toxic to animals.

Diffuser blend for fever and congestion:

2 drops Eucalyptus radiata
1 drop Lavender
1 drop Tea tree

Diffuse for 20–30 minutes, then turn off. Repeat a few times daily for best results.

Chest and back rub for comfort (safe for ages 8+):

In a 1-ounce bottle with 2 tablespoons carrier oil (I used jojoba oil), add:

4 drops Eucalyptus radiata
3 drops Lavender
3 drops Tea tree

Apply this blend to the chest, upper back, and even the soles of the feet 2–3 times a day, especially before bedtime. The soothing aroma and gentle massage help ease congestion and promote relaxation.

Teaching Kids About Immune Health

Flu season offers a natural opportunity to teach children about their bodies. When my kids kept asking for sugary treats, I explained how sugar can slow impact the immune system’s ability to fight infection. We talked about how whole foods provide vitamins and minerals that help the body heal.

This hands-on learning helped them make better food choices during illness. It also sparked curiosity about how their bodies work, which is a valuable lesson beyond flu season

When to Seek Medical Advice

While natural remedies can ease symptoms and support healing, it’s important to watch for signs that require medical attention. If fever lasts more than a few days, breathing becomes difficult, or symptoms worsen, contact a healthcare provider.

These remedies are meant to complement professional care, not replace it. Always check with your doctor before using essential oils or herbal supplements, especially for young children or those with health conditions.