In the past I have written about strengthening our winter defences naturally and why I think that it is important that we keep on top of looking after our bodies in the most natural way we can. As someone who has been through a health scare I try and keep our immune systems healthy as possible as naturally as possible and really believe that taking care of myself and the boys is really important, so I will always take preventative measures when possible.

As the dark nights have drawn in I have made some changes to our regime and in conjunction with www.koolnsoothe.com. I have also put together a winter survival pack, which is suitable for the whole family. Now I am not totally against medication, hell no, but I do try to keep if for when we need it!

What to put in a Winter health survival pack

I have been using Kool n Soothe strips for a long time. In fact I think it is over 8 years. I used to suffer terribly with migraines and they were great for using until my medication kicked in. I have also used them a lot with the boys, especially when they are running a temperature or have a headache. They are perfect for any winter survival pack. I have a pack in my bedside cabinet and also one in the medicine cabinet too. The cooling effect lasts for around eight hours, the strips need no refrigeration, the strips contains no medication and are fragrance free, which is key as I used to feel sick with scented things when I had a migraine and Maxi hates things with a scent.

Humidifier – Maxi has a chest condition and we have used a humidifier since he was a baby., They are great for keeping the air moist and helping with winter illnesses.

Elderberry Syrup – I introduced this to the boys when they were four years old and I swear by it over the winter period for providing them with a top up of vitamin C and antioxidants.

Vitamin D – We barely get enough sun in the summer, so there is no doubt that we certainly do not get enough in the autumn and winter.

Manuka Honey – honey is great for soothing sore throats and add it to some hot water with lemon for a great pick me up too.

Probiotics – When we had a bout of illness last winter. My friend Louise, who is a nutritionist suggested a course of probiotics for us all. She was right and they gave our immune systems a boost.

In addition to the above, I also make sure that we have new hot water bottles each year. There is something so comforting about getting all snuggled when you are feeling a little under the weather. Every winter health survival pack also needs some great quality tissues, lip balm, peppermint essential oil, vapour rub (how many people have told you that rubbing it on your kids feet and then putting sock on overnight will help with a cough) and thieves essential oil.

Win with Kool n Soothe

Kool n Soothe strips are currently running a competition for people that sign up to their newsletter to win a luxury spa break for two at a choice of Champney’s locations around the country. Below is what the luxury spa break entails: