 Has cold and flu season been running rampant in your family? It seems like every day someone I know has come down with a bug. It happened to me a few weeks ago, giving me the opportunity to practice the kind of self-care I'm always talking about.
You see the body wants to heal. It's something each of us is doing all the time. We recover from cuts, scrapes, colds, broken bones, headaches, the flu all the time. And we don't always acknowledge it. So even if you're feeling crappy at the moment, most likely a week from now that feeling will just be a distant memory. But probably you want to do something to feel better today. I'm going to share with you my favorite at-home cold and flu remedies to help you and the ones you love to get healthy, naturally! 1) Rest You may think you're not doing anything when you're in bed resting from a bug. Nothing can be further from the truth—in fact, rest is perhaps the most important at-home cold and flu remedy! Your immune system is hard at work getting rid of germs that have invaded your bodies. Your cells are building energy. 2) Drink Tea Cold Season Tea is one of my favorite natural remedies for a cold. It contains herbs that warm the body and get rid of those pesky germs. As soon as I feel myself coming down with a cold, I start drinking cup after cup of this. I feel the bug moving out. It's kind of magical. Ginger lemon tea is another favorite of mine if you're feeling down and out with a cold or flu. Simply buy fresh ginger root at the supermarket. Wash it and cut it into thin slices. Then put them in the freezer. When you're ready for a cup of tea, put a few of the frozen slices in a cup, then add boiling water and some lemon juice. Also, add a little honey if you have a sore throat. 2) Use a Saline Rinse I do a nasal saline rinse every day, regardless of the season. I like the squeeze bottle by Neilmed. Fill it with distilled or boiling water (important) and a packet of saline. I microwave it for 22 seconds. The salt kills bacteria from infections in the nasal cavity. 3) Try Homeopathic Remedies. Homeopathic remedies are made by taking minuscule amounts of something that brings on symptoms in a healthy person, diluting these, and treating an illness in a person with similar symptoms. I like Oscillococcinum for colds and flus. You can purchase this at CVS or your local pharmacy. 4) Elderberry Syrup This works great for coughs and can be purchased at Vitacost. 5) Eucalyptus oil in a pot of boiling water Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a pot of boiling water and breathe in the steam. These natural cold and flu remedies are all easy to buy and prepare, and they are all good for the body. Pick 2 or 3 of your favorites, and you'll be feeling healthy in no time. Your immune system just needs a little TLC to get rid of and keep you from catching colds and flus.
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 The Emotional
In Oriental Medicine, each of the seasons corresponds an emotion. The fall is associated with grief. It's a good time to process and let go of any sadness you may be feeling. The Spiritual Take stock. Has this year's metaphorical harvest been a good one for you? Think of the things that you have reaped and sowed. What do you want more of in your life? What no longer serves you? As you notice the seasonal change outside, take a moment to reflect on what inner changes you would like to make. Write down your thoughts in a journal and look over them each week. Advice for all Seasons Practice gratitude. At the end of each day, write something you are grateful for. This is one of the simplest and most powerful exercises. A shift in focus can create a richer and more fulfilling life. |
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December 2020
AuthorBonnie Diamond, Licensed Acupuncturist 
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