With Cold & Flu season approaching, here are some tips to help prevent severe illness and recommendations on how to treat illness with the naturalistic approach.
Prevention is Key
Staying healthy is the goal! It’s important to know how to stay healthy. Keeping your immune system strong is key. Spending time outdoors is one of the most rewarding ways to boost the immune system. Natural sunlight, fresh air, and walking barefoot are all beneficial for staying healthy and boosting immunity. For those who are unable to bask in the natural sunlight, Vitamin D supplement is essential for a strong immune system. Laughter is truly medicine! Just a few minutes a day spent laughing will give the immune system a boost that lasts for 24 hours.
Herbal Remedies for Cold and Flu
If you find yourself in need of herbal remedies to treat the cold or flu, here are some recommendations. Drinking hot tea is a natural decongestant that breaks up the mucus and opens the nasal passages. There are certain teas that aid in the process. Lemon, honey, and ginger tea are not only soothing but will boost Vitamin C. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and will help open the nasal passages. Pine needle tea is another amazing tea for nasal congestion and much more! Warm broth, is a nutritious source for congestion. The proteins and amino acids boost the immune system.
Headache Treatment
Headaches are quite common and not just when suffering from a cold or flu. Drinking plenty of water and staying well hydrated is the best headache prevention. When feeling unwell, it is important to maintain proper hydration to help alleviate other symptoms as well. Peppermint is a natural headache reliever. Adding fresh peppermint to water or hot tea will naturally sooth headache discomfort. For a topical application, eucalyptus oil massaged onto the forehead for 15-20 minutes combined with the peppermint drink will be beneficial in reducing and relieving headache discomfort.
Cough Relief
Coughing is a way the body tries to remove the infection. If a productive cough is present, the body is trying to clear the mucus and cough suppression is not recommended. It is important to choose a natural remedy to aid in breaking up or thinning out the mucus. Hyssop tea is an expectorant and antispasmodic which will help with a productive cough. Wild cherry bark in a soothing herbal drop will help break up the mucus and calm the urge to cough. Elderberry syrup or tea is not only recommended for cough suppression but is an amazing immune booster as well.
Aches and Pains
The pain and discomfort of body aches during the flu bring stressful days and sleepless nights. Turmeric is a natural pain reliever. Turmeric has antioxidative properties and increased benefits when combined with other herbs. White willow bark is very similar in compound structure to aspirin and contains plant chemical compounds known as polyphenols and flavonoids. These plant compounds have anti-inflammatory abilities.
The Importance of Rest
Don’t forget to rest! Not just for recovery, but also for prevention. Adequate sleep and a bedtime routine will help boost immunity and aid the body in the healing process. Do not overdo the work or strenuous activities. Restful days, sleep filled nights, hydration, and specific herbals are key for optimal recovery!
