Sometimes it feels as though winter is war. We may as well string caution tape across our front doors shouting, “We got hit!” During that long nighttime vomit sesh with your preschooler, you know it’ll take down more. It’s only a matter of time.
But the only thing worse than your children getting sick is if you get sick, too. Who’s going to make all the things? Clean all the things? Take care of all the people? If Mom goes down, call for reinforcements. Thankfully, our bodies have an innate ability to heal. When you first observe symptoms of a cold or flu, addressing them within the first 24 hours gives less time for the bacteria or virus to replicate. Though we have limited control over our exposure to germs, we can combat them by supporting our immune system and making every ache and sniffle a little easier.
Here are the ten best natural cold and flu remedies at Cary Apothecary to carry in your medicine cabinet to support every member of your family through this winter sick season.
Beekeepers Naturals Propolis Immune Support | $14.99
Beekeepers Naturals Throat Spray supports your immune system, soothes scratchy throats, and combats free radical damage in the body. The key ingredient, propolis, is the “bodyguard” of the beehive. Like resin, bees use it to line the walls of their hives to keep them free of germs as it naturally contains Vitamins B, C, & D, zinc, iron, antioxidants, and polyphenols.
Key Features:
● Immune Support: Used daily, both morning and night and before events with high germ exposure.
● Nutrient Dense: Naturally contains 85mg of highly concentrated bee propolis extract, purified water, non-GMO vegetable glycerin and wildflower honey.
● Safe for Kids: Both the adult spray and kid spray are safe for kids ages 2 and older (kids’ spray contains sweet buckwheat honey for throat soothing and sweeter taste).
Xlear Nasal Spray | Kids $7.99 | Adults $14.99
Xlear Sinus Nasal Spray acts like soap for your nose. It uses the power of xylitol, a natural ingredient that alleviates congestion and prevents bacteria and other pollutants from sticking to nasal tissues. Pure xylitol is a white, crystalline substance found in many fruits and vegetables. The Xlear solution not only cleanses but also hydrates dry, irritated tissues.
Key Features:
● Safe for Kids: All-natural drug-free formula safe for kids.
● More Effective Than Saline: Hypertonic xylitol solution is more effective than saline alone at rinsing, cleansing, and moisturizing.
● Cost-Effective: Easy-to-use 1.5oz bottles delivers approximately 240 fine-mist sprays.
Mullein Garlic Oil | $15
Kids Mullein Garlic Oil is a blend of the extracts of Calendula flower, St. John’s Wort, Mullein flower, and Garlic bulb. It can be used for ear irritation and infections. Simply use the dropper, lay on one side and administer one to two drops, two or three times daily. Consult a physician if there is pain or infection.
Key Features:
● Anti-inflammatory Properties: Mullein flowers have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that can help fight bacteria, viruses and fungi.
● Safe for Kids: All-natural plant-based formula is a safe solution to ear aches and pain.
● Alcohol Free: Formula uses an olive oil base instead of alcohol to avoid irritation.
Babo Botanicals Chest Rub | $12.99
Looking for an alternative to camphor and petroleum-based decongestant rubs? Babo Botanicals Chest Rub provides calming relief with natural vapors of eucalyptus, known to decongest and relieve cough. Made with nine plant-based and USDA organic ingredients like lavender, rosemary oil, and shea butter, it can also be used as a relaxing massage balm for your neck, back and feet.
Key Features:
● Infused with Essential Oils: Naturally scented with eucalyptus, rosemary and lavender essential oils.
● Free from Harsh Chemicals: Carefully formulated without camphor or petroleum.
● Safe for Kids: Dermatologist tested and suitable for ages 3 years and up.
Sinus Bomb Shower Steamers | $4.50
Whether you’re battling a runny nose, headaches, or nasal congestion, our shower sinus bombs’ therapeutic properties help clear your airways. Infused with an aromatherapy blend of menthol crystals and essential oils, this steamer is a must-have for anyone seeking a natural remedy to alleviate sinusitis symptoms.
Key Features:
● Infused with Essential Oils: Crafted with a blend of natural essential oils in orange, lemon or lavender scents.
● Free from Harsh Chemicals: No parabens, no phthalates, ensuring a gentle and eco-friendly product.
● Easy to Use: Place steamer in a shower away from direct flow, where it can dissolve and release therapeutic aromas (one sinus bomb lasts for two showers).
Boiron Oscillococcinum | $16.99
Clinical studies show that Oscillococcinum reduces the duration and severity of flu-like symptoms such as body aches, headache, fever, chills, and fatigue.
Oscillococcinum is easy to take. The pellets quickly dissolve under the tongue — no water, chewing, or swallowing required. Individually packaged doses are convenient to take anywhere so that you can be ready at the first sign of symptoms.
Key Features:
● No Side Effects: Unlike other flu medicines, Oscillococcinum is non-drowsy and has no known interactions with other medications or supplements.
● Treats Flu Symptoms: All-natural alternative for fevers, body aches, and fatigue associated with viral flu symptoms.
● Safe for Kids: Product is safe for kids ages 2 and up.
Boiron Pulsatilla, Belladonna, Allium Cepa Homeopathy | $7.99
Boiron single medicines are used for highly targeted and convenient relief. Pulsatilla relieves colds with thick, yellow discharge. Belladonna relieves high fever (up to 102 degrees) of sudden onset with perspiration. Allium Cepa is a homeopathic dilution that relieves runny nose with clear discharge.
Key Features:
● Convenient Use: Pellets melt in your mouth without food or water needed. They come in an easy dispensing tube of approximately 80 pellets (16 doses).
● Targeted Treatment: Single active ingredient medicine for targeted relief of specific symptoms like fever or congestion.
● Free of Chemicals: Safe for adults and children with no artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or preservatives.
On-the-go Nasal Inhalers | $4.99
Inhaler Nasal Sticks are a minimalist, simple solution to open your sinuses, encourage nasal breathing and alleviate nausea or anxiety. Simply open the cap and inhale a variety of essential oils saturated on a solid wick.
Key Features:
● Simple Use: Convenient and easy-to-use for both adults and kids.
● Safe Aromatherapy: Essential oils like eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, menthol and other tropical scents work as natural decongestants.
● No Harsh Chemicals: Pure essential oil ingredients, no chemical fragrances.
Chapter One Vitamin D3 | $12.99
Nordic Naturals Vitamin C | $14.99
Children need to have sufficient nutrients to sustain necessary growth. Adequate intake of Vitamin D3 promotes healthy bones, teeth, muscles, and supports a healthy immune system without the risk of unprotected exposure to UVB rays. Similarly, Vitamin C aids the formation of collagen and supports healthy immunity and antioxidant protection.
Key Features:
● Effective Prevention: Long-term supplement use of Vitamin D3 and Vitamin C have been shown to support immunity.
● Free of Allergens: Vitamin D3 gummies are free of peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, gluten, soy and eggs. Vitamin C supplements are free of gluten, milk derivatives, or synthetic dyes.
● Safe for Kids: 2,500 to 3,000 IU of Vitamin D3 recommended daily for children 1 to 8 years old.
Young Living Thieves Essential Oil | 5mL $27
Antibacterial and antiviral Thieves oil is a combination of several essential oils, including cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, lemon, and rosemary. Commonly used for its antimicrobial properties, Thieves oil is often used for wound care, pain relief, respiratory conditions, and immune system boosting.
Key Features:
● Cleansing Properties: The Thieves line offers plant-based replacements for chemical household cleaning products while the essential oil can be used for antimicrobial diffusing.
● Topical Uses: Can be used topically with a rollerball (also available in store), foaming hand soap, hard lozenges, hand sanitizer, and toothpaste.
● Massage: Dilute with carrier oil and apply to bottoms of feet during the winter season.
Cary Apothecary opened in June 2024 with a vision to offer natural and homeopathic health solutions, non-toxic alternatives to home and self-care products, and unique products for people to explore for their daily beauty regiments. Nearly 90% of items are bought from independent brands and small women-owned businesses in the United States. The shop is located at 395 Cary Algonquin Rd Ste G.