Has your family been attacked by the cold or flu virus yet this school year?  Nothing makes me feel more helpless than when my kids are sick.  Here are some of the natural ways I keep my kids comfortable while helping them fight their battle with the cold and flu viruses.

Natural Cold and Flu Treatments for Kids

Apply a menthol rub to help relieve congestion.

In business since 1868, and located in Minnesota J.R. Watkins is one of America's oldest apothecary manufacturers. J.R. Watkins has a line of menthol products including the Original Menthol Camphor Cough Ointment is made with natural ingredients.  This menthol ointment  works wonders when rubbed on the chest and back of my kiddos when congested.  Rubbing some Vapor Rub on the bottom of your kiddos' feet before putting on the wet socks in the “wet sock treatment” listed below will also help with coughing. I have no clue how, but it works!!

Soothe chapped, irritated skin.

My kiddos get sore, irritated patches under their noses and around their mouths practically all winter long. Runny noses from cold and flu make these dry patches even more painful. Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve Company Calendula Salve has worked wonders on their sensitive skin! All of Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve products are organic and Eco-friendly.

Use an eye pillow to help relieve a headache or insomnia and to help your cold and flu patients relax.

Herbal Animals are the neatest little buddies ever! We have recently adopted Abra K Zebra. Abra's lavender scent is known to relieve headaches and aid in relaxation, and he was originally meant to be used as a “sick buddy”, but his cuteness instantly made him my daughters new BFF.

Use the Wet Sock Treatment

Yes, I said wet socks. When anyone in my family shows the first sign of a cough, fever, stuffy nose, it's wet sock treatment for them that night. Just follow these five easy steps:

  1. At bedtime wet white cotton socks with very cold water.
  2. Wring them out.
  3. Put them on your child's feet.
  4. Cover with wool socks.  Darn Tough manufactures wool socks for kids in Vermont.
  5. Put your patient to bed.
  6. In the morning the socks will be dry. Repeat for at least 3 nights.

My daughter cannot stand wet socks on her feet, so I wait until she is already asleep and then I put them on her. Sneaky mommy! The cold socks are said to increase circulation and strengthen the body's immune system. Check with your doctor before trying the wet sock treatment as some existing medical conditions might not be compatible.

Related: American Made Socks: The Ultimate Source List

Are you still looking for ideas? Not sick yet and hoping to save yourself? Check out this article on healthy practices for cold and flu season. It also includes a Ginger Tea recipe you'll want to try.

Are there any natural items or remedies that you use when your kids are sick? Please share your cold and flu remedies!

Disclosure: USA Love List received some products in this post unconditionally for review purposes. Our opinions are always our own, and we aim to write fair and balanced reviews to promote only the very best of American-made.

Natural cold and flu treatments for kids with American made products #cold #flu #remedies #treatments