Through the years, I've learned what works and doesn't work, plus what my paternal grandmother taught me. So, I am here to share what works for me and for my family, based on what I use, what I have researched and on some good- ol' fashion Cuban grandma-style witchy wisdom. #iykyk
My recommendation is to create a simple daily wellness routine plus a travel and cold-season kit, rather than buying an expensive supplement containing 15 different ingredients.
These are my top recommendations we use in our family
First of all, let's start with how we are treating our bodies. We are meant to be finely tuned machines, so what we out into to it matters. The NIH confirms that adequate nutrition is important for immunity, but extra supplementation generally offers little infection-prevention benefit when nutrient levels are already sufficient.
1. Best everyday supplement: Vitamin D3
For adults with inadequate vitamin D intake or low blood levels, this would be the first priority. A simple, quality-tested D3 supplement is preferable to a complicated immunity blend.
Amazon brand to investigate: Nature Made Vitamin D3 (with added K2).
Did you know that a healthy gut plays an important role in a healthy immune system? The beneficial bacteria in our gut help regulate immune responses, and certain probiotics may even help reduce our risk of respiratory infections. That's why taking care of your gut is about so much more than digestion, it's about supporting your overall health from the inside out!
2. Best gut-health option: Probiotics
Certain probiotic strains have demonstrated modest benefits in studies involving respiratory infections. Two strains worth researching are Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM. A 2025 review found that multi-strain probiotics were associated with approximately a 10% reduction in respiratory infection incidence, compared with placebo. Certain Bifidobacterium animalis formulations performed even better in a smaller group of studies.
Amazon brand to investigate: Culturelle.
The important thing is selecting a product with an identified, studied strain, not simply the highest number of billions of bacteria.
3. Best cold-season supplement: Zinc lozenges
Zinc is more useful as an early intervention than as a daily preventive supplement. Research suggests certain zinc lozenges can shorten cold symptoms, although the results are inconsistent.
I would keep an appropriate zinc lozenge available for adults rather than having everyone take high-dose zinc daily. Avoid zinc nasal sprays, and don’t use adult zinc regimens for preschool-aged children.
(Note: For someone working around preschoolers, or a teacher in general, I would put hand hygiene, ventilation, and avoiding touching the face ahead of any supplement.)
4. Vitamin C: Simple and inexpensive
Vitamin C is important for immune function, but the research doesn't support taking megadoses to prevent colds. A modest supplement may be useful for someone who doesn't regularly eat vitamin-C-rich foods.
Product worth comparing: Nature Made Vitamin C 500 mg.
Personally, I would also prioritize citrus, kiwi, strawberries, and bell peppers. And keep some packets of Emergen-C in your bag just in case.
For family members who frequently travel
I would prioritize:
- A well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask during flights and crowded indoor situations, especially when respiratory illnesses are circulating.
- Handwashing and sanitizer, particularly before eating.
- Adequate sleep, including during travel.
- Good nutrition and hydration, rather than megadoses of vitamins.
- Recommended vaccinations, which offer disease-specific protection supplements cannot provide.
The CDC specifically recommends cleaner air, hygiene, immunizations, and additional protection such as masks to reduce respiratory infection risks.
A natural option worth adding: Green tea
This was another interesting finding. A 2025 review found that catechins were associated with a reduction in respiratory infections across five trials. Unsweetened green tea is a reasonable everyday beverage for adults who can handle the caffeine. I would choose brewed tea over concentrated green tea extract supplements, which can carry liver risks.
MY ABSOLUTE MUST-HAVES:
Personally, besides all the supplements and vitamins I take, there are certain things I always like to keep on hand at home, especially during cold and flu season and one of the main ones is Vick's VapoRub. If you grew up in a Cuban household like me, you already know that Vicks was practically considered a household necessity! Congestion? Vicks. Cough? Vicks. Feeling under the weather? Somebody was reaching for the Vicks! You can easily buy it online (as seen on this link,) but as someone who grew up in South Forida, I highly recommend you try to get it from someone who can go get it for you at a local pharmacy or grocery store in South Florida. There is nothing like the original Vick's! Once again, #iykyk
As for the old wives' tales' (myths) about Vicks, anytime, my kids had a fever, mainly when they were older, I would rub Vick's on the bottom of their feet and put socks on, and for myself, I use foot pads to detox, which many believe is also an old wives' tale, but I like to stick to what works for me.
A little reminder: I'm sharing what I've learned through my own research, personal experiences, and a little of Grandma's old-school wisdom, but none of this is meant to replace professional medical advice. We're all different, and what works for one person may not work for another, so always check with your healthcare provider, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications. After all, the goal is to stay healthy, not play doctor!
On with my list: Lysol Disinfectant spray and wipes, Bamboo foot pads, (I use this brand, but you can whichever you prefer.) Rho's products for antioxidant support and healthy immune support. One of my favorite of Rho's is the one with curcumin and resveratrol. Also, Redmond's mineral salt, or Celtic sea salt, good electrolytes and trace minerals for hydration (note the trace minerals I use contain: fulvic mineral powder, calcium, magnesium and zinc. Just look up all those ingredients independently and you will see how great they are for your health.) Oh! And very important, I almost forgot: Nasal spray (saline mist only) and a good nebulizer.
I also like to have lemons on hand, baking soda, Epsom salt and nasal wash, (this is the one I use) that is very effective and super helpful when you are congested due to a severe cold or flu. And finally, all the ingredients necessary to make a special immune-boosting wellness drink (a.k.a. "cold concoction") from an Amish recipe I picked up, that will knock out any germs just from the very taste of this concoction - LOL!
Recipe below. Just mix all the ingredients into a blender and drink as needed. I prefer to skip the onion, but it is a vital component of the recipe, so if you don't mind, try to keep it in there.
In summary, my favs:
1. ๐ Vicks VapoRub (or Camphor)— an Old-School Cuban Household Essential
2. ๐งผ Lysol Disinfectant Spray & Wipes
3. ๐ฆถ Bamboo Foot Pads — My Personal Self-Care Ritual
4. ๐ฟ Rho's Products — Antioxidant Support
5. ๐ง Redmond Real Salt & Celtic Sea Salt
6. ๐ง Electrolytes & Trace Minerals
7. ๐ Fresh Lemons — a Kitchen Staple
8. ๐ฅ Baking Soda — an Inexpensive Household Essential
9. ๐ Epsom Salt — a Little Relaxation Goes a Long Way
10. ๐ง Trace Minerals – for Hydration & Mineral Balance
11. ๐ Nasal Wash & Nasal Saline Mist – a Must-Have for Congestion
12. ๐ซ Nebulizer – for Easier Breathing (When Medically Recommended)
Final Thoughts: A Little Prevention, A Lot of Love
At the end of the day, we can't avoid every germ, virus, or sniffle that comes our way, especially when we have family members traveling, working around little ones, and bringing home who-knows-what! But we can be proactive about how we care for ourselves and the people we love.
For me, it's all about finding that balance between modern science, good nutrition, healthy habits, and a little of that old-school wisdom passed down through generations. Not every remedy Grandma swore by has scientific backing, but some of those traditions are still worth keeping, even if it's simply for the comfort they bring.
Remember, staying healthy isn't about taking every supplement on the market or trying to boost your immune system into overdrive. It's about giving your body what it needs to function at its best.
So, eat well, get your rest, wash those hands, protect yourself when needed, and don't underestimate the importance of taking care of YOU, too.
And if all else fails, there's always a little Vicks, some homemade soup, and if you are lucky a phone call to Abuela or your Nana! ๐❤️
Now I'd love to hear from you! What are your family's must-haves during cold and flu season? Do you have a favorite home remedy or a little wisdom passed down from your mom or grandmother? Share it in the comments! I'm always curious to learn what other families do.
Stay healthy, stay happy, and take care of one another! ๐ป
With love,
Lissette
MommyWarriorLady.com
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