Natural Remedies for Back to School

It’s back-to-school season for many families.

Alongside the excitement of new backpacks, teachers, and friends, this time can also bring challenges like emotional stress, bedtime problems, and the dreaded “back-to-school plague” that hits when children are exposed to more germs.

As a parent or caretaker, you can prepare with these natural remedies for back to school. Many of the ingredients can be found right in your kitchen. They’re simple, effective, and taste good, too!

Immune Support 

Heading back to the classroom means more exposure to germs and illness. You may not be able to avoid those, but you can nourish your child’s immune system with Kimberly’s immune building chai recipe. Keep a big pot of it on the stove and drink it as fall tonic and to warm up bodies on chilly days. Kids love this caffeine-free drink!

Nervous System Support 

Oatstraw is one of the most calming herbs. Drinking a daily oatstraw infusion can help children who are nervous, stressed, hyperactive, or in need of restful sleep. Oatstraw infusion also makes a great base for frozen concentrates, lemonade, and juices. Bonus: oatstraw is high in calcium and builds healthy teeth and bones.

Pink Eye Remedy 

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a common childhood ailment. It’s important to treat this right away so the condition doesn’t worsen. Our favorite, simple pink eye remedy uses chamomile. It’s as easy as buying tea bags from your supermarket or using chamomile flowers from your garden or bulk herb store.

Cold and Flu Remedy

Elderberries are a powerful herb for preventing a cold or flu and for shortening the duration of a cold or flu. Kids of all ages will enjoy these elderberry gummy bears. Free from all the sugar of commercial gummies, these are sweetened with apple cider and naturally sweet herbs.

Healthy Snacks

Looking for snacks that are healthy and delicious? Check out our recipes for nutritious kelp energy bars and poppy seed nougatine. And don’t forget the drinks – our homemade root beer recipe is a tasty family treat and a fall health tonic!

Written by Emily Han

Emily Han is a naturalist, teacher, and communicator focusing on intersections of nature, culture, and food. Emily is the author of Wild Drinks and Cocktails and co-author of Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods & Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine. See more at EmilyHan.com.