Simple Comforting Natural Remedies And Tools To Have On Hand When Sick, To Get You Through.
Getting sick is never fun, but having the right supplies can make a huge difference. Over time, I’ve found a handful of items that I like to always keep on hand for those tough days. These simple remedies to have on hand when sick can provide comfort, get you back on your feet sooner, and make tough sick days a bit easier to manage.
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Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, and this isn’t medical advice. This list is meant to be helpful and share my personal opinions. As always use your best judgment and ask a doctor if you’re unsure about your situation.
Comforting Home Remedies To Get You Through
Feeling under the weather is never fun, but you can make it easier with the right supplies. Comforting remedies to have on hand when sick, like elderberry syrup or thieves chest rub can make a difference in soothing symptoms. Toss in magnesium salts for a relaxing bath and ginger chews to calm your stomach, and you’ll feel more prepared. Keeping these essentials on hand can turn a rough day into something a little more manageable.
This page contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
1. Thieves Chest Salve for Congestion & Lymph Support
This natural salve is a staple in my medicine cabinet. It’s comforting when you’re battling a cough or chest congestion. The mix of essential oils like clove, and eucalyptus helps open the airways and soothe irritated lungs. I rub it on my chest and near my lymph nodes on the sides of my neck, before bed to ease breathing while I sleep. It smells amazing, too—an added bonus when everything else feels miserable.
If you want my favourite brand of this thieves’ salve, rather than make it yourself, I love this small company from Canada (not sponsored, just truly my favourite). It smells heavenly, gives you that hot cold feeling when applied, is made from organic ingredients, and it’s available on Amazon here. If you’d like to make your own from home, here is a easy recipe to fill a small pint jar.
Get My Homemade Thieves Chest Rub Recipe Here:
2. Diffuser or Simmer Pot with Essential Oils
Dry air can make colds and congestion feel worse, which is where a diffuser shines. It adds moisture back to the air, keeping your nose, throat, and skin hydrated. When I don’t have a diffuser handy, I simmer a pot of water with an essential oil on low. Essential oils aren’t for everyone, but I love oregano oil or eucalyptus oil blends for their antibacterial and nice-smelling properties. It makes the house smell great while giving similar relief. Breathing feels so much better after just a few minutes.
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3. Magnesium Salts for Soothing Baths
Magnesium salts, also known as Epsom salt, is one of those comforting remedies to have on hand when sick. They are so helpful when you’re achy or feel run-down. A warm soak can ease muscle pain, reduce inflammation, and help you relax. Plus, the magnesium absorbed through your skin may help with stress and sleep. I keep a big bag in the bathroom just in case—it’s simple, effective, and feels like instant relief when your body’s hurting.
4. Elderberry Syrup for Immune Support
Elderberry syrup works wonders for boosting immunity. It’s my go-to remedy at the first sign of a sick days coming. Studies suggest it helps reduce the duration and severity of symptoms. Whether you make your own or buy a pre-made bottle, it’s a must-have. I usually take it daily during flu season to stay ahead of germs. Kids love the sweet taste, and it’s easy to sneak into their routine.
I like to mix my elderberry syrup in some cranberry tea or juice for my kids. It helps eliminate yet another spoonful of something coming towards them while sick. Children can have 1-2 TSP per day, and more as they get older. Adults can have 1-2 TBSP of elderberry syrup up to 3 times per day. Another idea is to make them some yummy elderberry gummies or popsicles! Anything to make it more fun to get all that goodness down!
Ingredients For Elderberry Syrup
- 1 Cup Elderberries
- 1 Cup Raw Honey
- 3 Cups Water
Optional Additional Ingredients For Elderberry Syrup
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Echinacea
- Rosehip
Simple Elderberry Syrup Instructions
To make elderberry syrup, combine 1 cup of dried elderberries with 3 cups of water in a pot. Simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh or cheesecloth into a clean bowl, discarding the solids. Let it cool slightly, then stir in 1 cup of raw honey until fully mixed. Pour the syrup into a glass jar and store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
5. Ginger Chews, Remedy For Nausea and Sore Throats
Ginger chews are a small but mighty remedy to have on hand when sick. They’re excellent for calming nausea, settling an upset stomach, or soothing a scratchy throat. Their spicy-sweet flavor makes them more enjoyable than typical medicine. I keep a stash in the pantry or my bag during cold months. It’s a simple fix that makes a big difference when you’re feeling queasy.
Why Ginger Chews Work
Ginger chews help ease coughing and sore throats by reducing throat irritation and loosening mucus. Ginger’s natural compounds fight inflammation and soothe airways. These chews also stimulate saliva, keeping your throat moist and reducing the urge to cough. Plus, their spicy kick can trigger better airflow, making breathing feel easier.
What you’ll need for this recipe:
- 2 Whole Ginger Roots (peeled & minced)
- 1 Cup of Raw Honey
- 1 Stick of Butter (1/2 cup)
- Sprinkle of Arrowroot Powder
Ginger Chew Remedy Instructions
You can make your own peeled and minced ginger, heated and reduced (half), on medium, in a saucepan. Strain ginger and pour ginger juice back into a saucepan with honey and butter on low. When you get a nice thicker (still pourable) consistency, pour out the honey-ginger mixture on some wax paper on a sheet pan and cool in the fridge or counter. You can powder the surface with arrowroot powder, then cut the ginger chews into small squares or rectangles. Wrap each ginger chew in wax paper and store them in a jar. This is one of those remedies you’ll be so grateful to have on hand when sick, soothing sore throats, coughs, and easing stomach aches and nausea.
6. Toilet Sprayer for Messy Situations
This might not sound like a remedy, but it will remedy that uncomfortable job of cleaning out dirty buckets. If a stomach bug hits, having a toilet sprayer is truly a game-changer. With a controlled pressurised sprayer, it quickly cleans out bowls to garbage bins. It makes it so much easier to hose everything down, sanitise (with a spray cleaner), and dump everything straight into the toilet. I’ll admit this isn’t the most glamorous item on the list, but it’s one of the most practical. Cleanup is faster, easier, and far less gross, which is exactly what you want when you’re down with a stomach virus.
Bonus: With a toilet sprayer you can use it for its intended purpose, as a bidet. Or at least, as a backup plan in case you run out of toilet paper! I invested in one because we cloth-diapered our babies, and it’s saved so much money on diapers.
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This page contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
7. Hot and Cold Pads for Pain Relief
Having reusable hot and cold packs nearby is a comforting sick day remedy. The rule is pain needs heat, but inflammation needs ice. So if heat is making it worse then try a cold compress. Heat pads help with sore muscles, while cold packs can reduce swelling or cool a fever. I use heat on stiff necks or back pain and cold compresses for pounding headaches. I like this cow print electric heat pad for the times I do not want to get out of my chair or bed, and I find the remote so handy. Having a hot water bottle is the safer option if you are going to sleep with a heat pad.
8. Pantry Staples for Homemade Soups and Remedies
When illness hits, I’m grateful to have comforting simple remedies on hand when sick. Pantry staples like chicken broth, dried herbs, lentils, and rice are perfect for quick soups. Honey, lemon, and garlic are also lifesavers for tea or throat-soothing drinks. Having these basics on hand means I can focus on recovery instead of running out to restock. Prepping a few meals in advance also makes life a lot easier.
My Basic Go-To Staples To Keep On Hand
Finding quality ingredients is important to building stronger health. As always, I aim to find organic foods, without artificial additives. However, if you are in a pinch, it’s better to give your body something rather than deprive it to help it bounce back. When the budget is tight I’ve relied on canned fruit and vegetables (packed in water or its own juice), which still made a difference. Learning how to make things from scratch is going to have more benefits than store-bought, but that all does take time!
- Onions
- Carrots
- Celery
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Broths (Or bones for broth making)
- Salts & Spices (Oregano, Rosemary, Ect)
- Raw Honey
- Juice & Fruit
- Popsicles (w/out artificial sweeteners & dyes)
What remedies would you add to this list to have on hand when sick? I didn’t even mention dairy or carb ingredients! What are your favourite soup and comfort food recipes? Please share them in the comments! I’d love to hear about it!
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Conclusion
Being sick is tough, but it doesn’t have to be miserable. Stocking up on these essentials can bring comfort and convenience when you need it most. From soothing magnesium soaks to pantry staples for nourishing meals, each item plays a role in helping you bounce back. When you’re prepared, sick days feel a little less daunting, and recovery can happen faster. What’s your go-to must-have remedies for sick days?
