It's that time again! The holiday season is approaching and the last thing we want is to come down with a cold, or flu in the midst of it. I realize that you may want to indulge in some treats during the holiday season, but I would suggest minimizing your consumption. Fatty foods and sugar do no good for your immune system. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, exercise, drink 64oz, or so of purified water everyday, keep stress to a minimum and enjoy time with family and friends. Treat yourself occasionally.
I have been trying to catch up with some friends... friends that I have known for years and that I hope to know for many years to come. It's wonderful to catch up with our friends, to watch their children grow and to be a part of their life (if they have children), to reminisce on the past and just enjoy each others company.
If you feel that you are coming down with something act on it. As soon as symptoms start to appear, I up my fluid intake (water and tea), exercise lightly (don't over do it... working up a sweat will help your body release toxins), try to go to bed a little earlier, take a hot bath, drink some hot tea, clean my nasal passages out with a neti-pot, or Neil Med sinus rinse and I may take some extra vitamin C, echinacea/elderberry, or a homeopathic supplement.
If you are not accustomed to making some of your own remedies, here are some things I like to keep on hand in my medicine cabinet (and it's always growing):
1. Zand Zinc Cough Drops- Zinc has been shown to kill off harmful bacteria (strep, etc) and it can boost your immune system
2. North American P73 Oregano Oil- kills almost anything from viruses, to bacteria to fungus
3. Homeopathic remedy such as: Boiron Cold Calm, B&T Alpha CF, Hyland's Cold/Flu, Borion Oscillococcinum (taken at the first sign of a cold, or flu can stop the illness in its tracks, or shorten the severity and length of the illness)
4. Ester C (vitamin c), or Carlson Chewable vitamin c for kids
5. Well Child Echinacea, Elderberry syrup (great stuff and great tasting) and echinacea/elderberry for adults- boosts the immune system, antiviral/anti-bacterial
6. Food based probiotics such as: Garden of Life Raw Probiotics for children, or Primal Defense (both dairy free), Genestra brand probiotics
7. Herbs for Kids Temp Assure- great at regulating temperature
8. Herbs for Kids garlic ear oil- great for ear infection prevention, or treatment
9. Source Naturals Wellness Earache (ear infection)
10. Calendula lotion/cream- rashes, minor skin irritation
11. Tea tree oil ointment, chest rub, antiseptic (antibacterial, anti-viral)
12. Nux Vomica, or a Homeopathic remedy like Hyland's Upset Stomach- tummy aches, or over-indulging in fatty foods, etc
13. Hyland's migraine- headaches14. Hyland's sore throat, Boiron Chestal, B&T bronchial syrup, Umcka- cough/sore throat
15. BioAller's Sinus & Allergy, Hyland's Sinus, Boiron Sinusalia- sinus congestion, allergies, etc
16. Amazing Grass Superfood, wheatgrass and Superfood for kids (whole food supplement, throw this in our smoothie everyday)
17. Vibrant Health Green Vibrance (whole food supplement)
18. Bioraculous Superfood Green Drink (tastes amazing and mixes really well with water, kids love it!)
19. Life Force International Body Balance (whole food supplement, trace minerals, aloe vera, amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, etc)
20. Boiron/Hyland's Homeopathic Kit (general remedies to keep on hand with an instruction manual)
21. Throat Coat tea, Yogi's antioxidant tea, etc
22. Pekana Apo Infeckt and Pekana Ricura- homeopathic anti-viral, anti-bacterial, relieves symptoms
23. Neil Med Sinus Rinse, Saline Spray (traveling), Neti Pot (clean out your nose when you feel the sniffles coming on, clean out your nose 1-2 times a week to clear out germs)
24. Curing Pills- stomach aches, sour stomach, early stages of stomach flu, etc
25. Braggs Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar- mix 1 tbsp with 1 tbsp honey and a little water and drink to thin mucous and aid in digestive issues
You may find that some things work and some things don't. For instance, one homeopathic remedy may work great while the other appears to do nothing. Once you find a couple that you like, stick with them. I like to keep a variety of things on hand during the winter months, so if we are feeling run down we don't have to run out to the store. A lot of stores that carry these items may close earlier too and if something hits in the middle of the night it's great to have it there. I like Vitacost.com- great prices, free shipping on orders of $49, or more, returns accepted within 30 days and quick shipping.
Honey and lemon mixed together works great as a throat coat/soother too.
So... here's to keeping healthy during the holiday season. E-mail me if you have questions on homemade remedies! Have a great week!
Resources:
1. http://abchomeopathy.com/taking.htm (learn more about homeopathy)
2. http://www.p-73.com/
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