Cold and flu season is definitely upon us, but before you run out and stock your shelves with anti-bacterial products, it’s important to understand if they’re really that good for your immune system. So, we asked a pro to dish on the merits of antibacterial products, plus share some all-natural tips for beating the cold and flu!

Q:  ARE HAND SANITIZERS SAFE? I HEARD THEY COULD CREATE SUPERBUGS AND BE WORSE FOR YOU IN THE LONG RUN.

A: In a pinch, a squirt and a rub from the ubiquitous sanitizing dispensers is fine, but if you overuse, you will get into trouble! One of the ingredients in these products is something called triclosan, which is a synthetic, broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that has been shown in studies to not only be a “hormone disruptor” but to kill only “weak” bacteria and favor the tolerant and other lineages of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, therefore contributing to the ever mutating “superbugs”.

Q:  Is there anything that is a safe alternative to portable hand sanitizers?

A: Yes! I like to take about 2 ounces of witch hazel and add about 10 drops of Lavender for a sanitizer on the go. Lavender has many anti-microbial properties

For an all around home remedy, coconut oil actually does the trick and is wonderful as a moisturizer!