Back-to-School Herbal Remedies: Stay Clear, Calm & Healthy All Season Long

Article Summary

This article explores the seasonal challenges, immune considerations, and calming remedies that support families through the back-to-school transition. Key areas include the pattern of illness that tends to strike 2-3 weeks into the school year; how new routines, stress, and disrupted sleep compromise immunity; practical herbal remedies for common colds, respiratory symptoms, and contagious bugs; and all-natural tips to ease back-to-school nerves and support better sleep. Herbal formulations referenced include Nicole's Apothecary Travel Pack (Elderberry Tincture, All-Purpose Salve, and Usnea Throat Spray) and Lemon Balm Tincture, developed by Nicole Apelian, PhD and available at nicolesapothecary.com.

The Herbal Toolkit Every Family Needs This School Year

It's that time of year again with supply lists in anticipation of a new school year. It's also a season when unwelcome guests arrive: colds, influenza, stomach bugs — as well as jangled nerves and restless sleep. This transition can be difficult to navigate after the free-wheeling season of summer. But with a little preparation and help from herbal remedies such as elderberry, usnea, lemon balm, and a tin of my all-purpose herbal salve, you and your family can start the school year off on the right foot, healthy, focused, and calm moving forward. 

From Summer Freedom to Classroom Routine: How to Prepare for a Smooth Transition 

As a parent (or grandparent), you most likely have noticed a pattern with the start of a new school season: illness typically strikes within 2-3 weeks after school begins. As kids return from vacation, they often bring along contagious bugs — and with long hours spent in close contact within the classroom, this timeline makes sense. The stress of new teachers, social dynamics, and schedules can also compromise health and immunity. Add to this disrupted sleep and the hum of anxiety and you have the perfect storm for getting sick. This is where medicinal herbs can help tremendously to sidestep this trend. Below are my four favorite remedies for a new school year. 

My Top Herbal Remedies for Back-To-School Season

 Elderberry → shortens duration of colds/flu, soothes respiratory issues, antiviral 

 All-Purpose (First Aid) Salve → antibacterial, antifungal, apply inside nose to help ward off contagious illness

 Usnea Tincture Throat Spray → antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, helps to prevent illness

 Don't forget about Lemon Balm to calm rushed mornings, soothe frazzled nerves, improve focus, and encourage restful sleep.

Looking for more helpful tips for staying healthy and happy throughout the school year and beyond? See these posts for additional resources that cover the measles, stomach flu, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The Takeaway

Every fall, the same pattern shows up in my house and in most of the families I talk to — the first few weeks back to school tend to be pretty rough. New routines throw off sleep, mornings are suddenly rushed, and stress creeps in for kids and parents alike. Not to mention it's the start of the cold and flu season. I've found that preparation can go a long way in helping families to stay healthy, calm, and balanced. This is why I recommend keeping several herbal remedies on hand and ready — including our Travel Pack and Lemon "Calm" tincture. It's an easy way to transition into the school year and support your kids' success. 

Nicole Apelian

Actions Steps & FAQs

Nicole's Apothecary Products in this Post