How I Naturally Support my Family (During Sickness)

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How I Can Still Prioritize Our Gut Health & Healing Journey While Battling Sickness

We’ve been hit.

You know that moment when one kid starts having a runny nose and you just instantly know it’s going to sweep through the whole house? That’s been us the past couple days. It started when my youngest had a runny nose… we thought maybe it was allergies (we have been spending lots of time outdoors).

But then one morning it hit me… Sore throat. Congestion. And I knew we were doomed.

In the days that followed, mine and my kids’ symptoms got worse (cough, sneezing, mild fevers).

But here’s the thing I remind myself every time sickness hits the house: The gut health journey doesn’t stop just because we’re not feeling well.

When we’re not feeling well, its tempting to reach immediately for symptom relief.

Read this blog post here for a quicker read on natural immunity support tips!

Why I Became More Intentional When Reaching for Cold Meds

Over time, I began to pause and ask different questions. Not because medications are inherently bad, but because I wanted to be more intentional about when and how often we use them.

I also couldn’t help but notice that during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and early childhood, many conventional cold and flu medicines aren’t recommended. That made me reflect on how symptom management is often approached during vulnerable life stages — and how much emphasis is placed on comfort, rest, fluids, and letting the body recover naturally.

These are my thoughts only and are not to be confused with medical advice. Please read my full disclaimer.

This did not lead me to abandon conventional medications altogether (more on that below!), but it simply made me more aware of how we can take that philosophy and apply it to a broader picture of wellness, and how conventional vs “natural” medicines are all designed to work and how we can balance both.

Managing Symptoms Instead of Illness

It’s what most of us were raised with, right? Symptom = medication.

But I’ve learned that focusing only on symptoms of sickness doesn’t always feel supportive for our overall wellness, especially when it comes to immunity and gut health.

Every medication involves weighing the benefits and risks, and I’m not saying I never use these tools… I’ll share more on that below… but now I pause and ask:

What’s this symptom trying to do?

Because mild coughs, fevers, and congestion can be a part of how the body responds during ilness. Not just symptoms.

The Natural Tools That Help Us Heal (and Keep Our Guts Happy)

Let’s talk about the things that can support recovery from sickness in our house, and give me peace of mind that I’m helping our bodies work with the sickness, not against it. I have found these tools helpful for supporting our recovery.

Arbonne’s Immunity Fizz & Vitamin D Spray (for adults)

When I feel like I’m running on empty or notice that throat tickle, I go straight for these two:

• Immunity Fizz: Packed with vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and even European Elder, which is an ingredient traditionally used in herbal wellness practices during illness.
  
• Vitamin D3 Spray: This is non-negotiable for me during cold and flu season. It’s fast-absorbing and easy to take… no pills, just a few quick sprays each morning or when you feel sickness coming on. Vitamin D3 plays an important role in supporting immune function and overall health and wellness.

Don’t forget to use discount code ARBONNE10 for 10% off or join my VIP mailing list for monthly discount codes up to 35% off! (Preferred clients also get 20% off every purchase – ask me how!)

Elderberry + Echinacea: Our Herbal Heroes

I keep elderberry and echinacea stocked year-round now. This is my favourite one here, from any health food store or Amazon.

• Elderberry is commonly added to wellness and immune supporting routines, especially during cold and flu season.
• Echinacea is often used as part of overall immune support habits, especially at the first sign of illness.
  

For the Kids: Organika Kids Elderberry Cough Syrup, Propolis Spray & Zinc + C Spray

These are staples, all from our trusted Canadian brand Organika.

• Elderberry Cough Syrup: Something I personally like to keep on hand to help soothe and support comfort. Some studies explore the effects of supplementation alongside standard treatment. Plus, it tastes great, which is key for toddlers and preschoolers.
• Propolis Spray: A favourite product with unique compounds that we use when throats feel irritated. There are some studies discussing results as a complementary method of support for throat comfort.
• Zinc + C Spray: A gentle combo of two key nutrients that kids actually take without a fuss.

Use discount code BRYANA25 for 25% off your order!

My kids LOVE them. Absolutely zero issues getting them to take them — in fact they hang around with their mouths open like baby birds when it is time to take their supplements.

Don’t forget to use discount code BRYANA25 for 25% off your order!

Essential Oils: Eucalyptus + Spearmint

When congestion takes over the house, I like to reach for:

• Eucalyptus: Although mostly used for its refreshing and clarifying scent to soothe the environment when there is congestion.
• Spearmint: A gentle, refreshing aroma, that feels calming for coughs and nervous tension.

I use them to diffuse in main areas and bedrooms and create soothing rubs (never put essential oils directly on the skin). Check out my favourite oils at the Olfactory Shop.

Oil of Oregano: Up the Anti (Literally)

This one isn’t for the faint of heart, but it ups the anti — LITERALLY. Although more research is needed into the health benefits of oregano oil, some studies suggest it has very unique compounds.

I personally take liquid oil of oregano at the first sign of sickness, and I have personally found it to be very supportive when I’m experiencing symptoms of illness. This is the best one from New Roots, I’ll link it here on Amazon. I usually dilute it in some water and gargle it, making sure it contacts all area of my mouth and throat, and swallow. My husband is a psychopath and drops it directly under his tongue (then he smells like pizza sauce for hours after). This is what we personally choose to do and is not guidance or a recommendation to others. Always follow the instructions on the label. It’s important to use in a way that is right for you.

Cold Water Humidifiers: Helpful for Cough and Congestion

We have a few cold mist humidifiers around the house especially in bedrooms for when we’re sick, and it has been very helpful. We just get them at Walmart for pretty cheap, but here is one with great reviews on Amazon that is also a nightlight and essential oil diffuser — so perfect! The cold mist can help to create a calm, healing sleep environment.

The Best Thing You Can Do? Prevention.

Honestly, the most powerful wellness support happens before illness ever shows up. Daily lifestyle choices matter more than any supplement or remedy.

The best prevention tools are often the simplest:

• A balanced, whole-food diet rich in color and nutrients
• Hydration (clean water all day long or with electrolytes)
• Movement and fresh air every day
• Plenty of sleep and rest
• Gut health support
• Time outside in the sun for natural vitamin D
• Reducing stress—in your kids and in yourself

The body thrives with consistency. These rhythms are what build true resilience.

Trusting the Body’s Design (Even When It’s Hard)

I get it… especially as a mom, it’s scary when a fever lingers or the cough doesn’t go away. Even just a few weeks ago I rushed my 23 month old to the ER after he came down with an acute high fever and suffered from febrile seizures.

We were taught to treat those symptoms right away… Get rid of the fever. Stop the cough. Clear the congestion.

But here’s what I’ve learned: many common symptoms can be a part of how the body naturally responds while healing.

I have found that immediately trying to eliminate every symptom doesn’t always feel helpful for our recovery. That doesn’t mean we don’t want relief, but it means we also want to support the body.

…But Sometimes, You Just Need to Survive

All that said?

If I’m truly suffering, running on no sleep, and am still expected to show up as a functioning mom, I will absolutely reach for the painkiller or decongestant when I need to.

Because even one night of no sleep can take a toll on your immune system. High stress and burnout can take a toll on overall wellbeing and recovery. You’re allowed to support yourself however you need in the moment.

What matters is being informed, not rigid.

Medications may not always feel supportive with prolonged use. Knowing the tradeoff helps me make more informed decisions, not fearful ones.

Because Healing from Sickness Doesn’t Have To Be All or Nothing

This season reminded me that just like anything in life, natural wellness isn’t about perfection, it’s about intention. I want to nurture our gut health, even when things get messy with illness. And I want to model a more thoughtful way to navigate sickness, for myself and my family.

So no, I’m not running to the pharmacy every time someone gets a cough. But I’m also not afraid to lean on that support when I need it.

And that, I think, is what balance really looks like.

This is not medical advice. Please read my full disclaimer here.