Cold + Flu Remedies: What We’re Stocking Up On

Concerns around the spread of the COVID-19 coupled with the common illnesses that hit this time of year mean that staying healthy is top of mind for almost everyone. And while it’s true that cold and flu season is often hard to avoid—especially when you work in an office, have kids in school, or simply interact with other people on a daily basis—there are steps you can take to stay well all season long. Even better? You can order everything you need to support your immune system, treat sore throats and coughs, and more, and have it all delivered to your door.

We asked Thrivers at our Los Angeles HQ about their favorite cold and flu remedies because, like many work environments at the moment, we’re experiencing our fair share of sniffles and sneezes. Here’s what we’re stocking up on to help us feel our best.

Preventative

Many Thrivers recommended drinking more water and getting extra sleep at the first signs of a cold. Looking for something more?

New Chapter Elderberry Syrup
“Elderberry and zinc have both been studied for their immune-boosting benefits,” says Hailey Cohen, Senior Copywriter. “So why not get both at the same time?”

Thrive Market Elderberry Lozenges with Zinc
Jeff Sato, Director of Data Analytics & Engineering, takes these every year during cold and flu season. “When my kids and everyone at work is sick, these give my immune system a boost. They seem to protect me from most viruses and shorten the duration of the colds I do get. As an added bonus, they taste great.”

Looking for an at-home recipe? Karin Kojima, People Operations Generalist, shared her go-to remedy:

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Manuka honey
Squeeze of lemon
1 dash of cinnamon
Orange juice or water, depending on your preference

Immunity Booster

If you’re feeling healthy (and want to keep it that way), it’s time to take measures into your own hands. These immunity-boosting supplements come in handy here at Thrive Market HQ. While frequent hand-washing and using natural hand sanitizer were common suggestions, Thrivers also recommend oil of oregano, herbal defense supplements, and immunity powders.

North American Herb & Spice Oreganol P73 Oil
Carolyn Clark, Partnership Manager, swears by this product. “I dilute it with water because it has a very potent taste! Oil of oregano fights inflammation and bacteria, so I love using it when I feel the first signs of a cold,” she says. “I always notice a considerable difference within the first two days of using it, and usually don’t need to turn to other medication when I use oil of oregano at the beginning.”

Wellness Formula Herbal Defense Complex
Sato recommends this supplement from Source Naturals, especially if you have kids. “With kids in preschool and daycare, we constantly have colds and various viruses. Whenever I feel like I’m coming down with something, I turn to Wellness Formula, and most of the time it either helps me fight it or limit the severity. I take it because it actually seems to work.”

OM Immune Mushroom Powder
Cohen throws this immunity powder in her morning coffee. “It can be a little earthy, but in my coffee with vanilla and nut milk, I can’t taste anything,” she notes. “I swear by that powder. I used it for months and never got sick! It really helped me strengthen my immune system. The year before, I got sick all the time.”

Runny Nose + Congestion

OK, so you officially caught a minor head cold and your nose is either running or feeling congested. We’ve been there—and Thrivers have quite a few recommendations for these common ailments.

Jarrow Formulas N-A-C Sustain
“This is my holy grail product,” says Michelle Harley, Senior Manager of Member Services. “It’s a glutathione precursor, one of the most effective antioxidants, so it’s in my normal routine. When I get sick, it helps to thin the congestion so I get some relief.”

Thrive Market Peppermint Essential Oil
Kojima loves using peppermint oil to alleviate congestion—just add to a diffuser or mix in with coconut oil. “Peppermint oil not only smells fresh and minty, but also really helps with decongestion, nausea, indigestion, and cooling down when you have a fever!”

The key to making the perfect mixture? “I usually mix 2-3 drops with some coconut oil in my hands, cup my mouth and nose, and breathe deeply about 10 times,” she explains. “Usually that helps quite a lot! Keep on going, until you feel some relief.” You can also rub this mixture on your temples for instant, refreshing relief.

Want to DIY? Tobi Langer, Senior UX Design Researcher, recommends an old-fashioned steam session. “Pour boiled water in a bowl with two to three drops of eucalyptus oil mixed in, then cover your head with a towel as you lean your face over the bowl.” The steam will open up your sinuses.

Scratchy Throat + Cough

Whether you’re just getting over a cold or have a persistent cough, these remedies will help soothe your throat irritations.

Beekeeper’s Naturals Propolis Throat Spray
Harley recommends this throat spray for how simple it is. “A few sprays a few times a day and whatever tickle I felt coming on is knocked out,” she says. “It’s really soothing if I wind up with a full-blown sore throat, and it tastes great.”

And the perfect pairing to this throat spray? Langer’s tea: “Steep Thrive Market Chamomile Tea with Thrive Market Organic Honey and add quite a bit of fresh lemon juice.”

Muscle Aches + Fatigue

When your body just doesn’t feel right—lethargic, tired, and sore—it’s time for ultimate self care. Many Thrivers suggest taking baths with epsom salt and magnesium flakes. If you’re looking for an extra boost, that’s where CBD may be able to help.

Thrive Market Full Spectrum Hemp Extract Salve
Yasmine Borno, Executive Assistant, uses Thrive Market’s balm as a soothing multitasker. “During a long day of standing at work, I’ll put it on the back of my neck to release some tension. I also use it on the back of my hands if they start to ache from typing and texting all day long. I even put a bit under my nose to wake myself up even more! It’s easily my favorite CBD product—I’ve gone through three tins already!”

Traditional Medicinals Echinacea Plus Elderberry Herbal Tea
“This tea tastes great and features herbs that help support the immune system: echinacea, elderberry, and ginger,” says Melinda Gross, Managing Editor. “I always make it when I feel run down.”