So much of preventing seasonal cold and flus is tied into common sense practices:
- Adequate Vitamin D3 levels are your best ally in prevention!
a. Go outside for a walk in nature between 11 am and 1 pm without sunscreen for at least 20 minutes; and
b. Supplement your weekly serving of cold-water fish with a Vitamin D3 supplement containing between 1,000 and 2,000 IUs daily. Vitamin D3 is hypothesized to increase the production of anti-microbial substances that possess neutralizing activity against a variety of infectious agents. Have you 25-hydxy D levels checked in your next blood work; if you suspect that you are low (less than 50), supplement with even more Vitamin D3.
- Sugar is not an essential nutrient. Refined sugar consumption lowers the immune system by depleting the body of magnesium.
a. High fructose corn syrup is POISON----It short circuits our normal liver processes to store sugar, increasing blood sugar levels and giving you the fast track to Type II Diabetes. It makes MONSANTO wealthy and puts no dollars in your pocket. You are paying for your diabetes with your own tax dollars through government sponsored corn subsidies. Stop buying it and Monsanto and other companies will stop producing it.
b. Replace all that sugar in your grocery cart with a wide assortment of seasonal vegetables, whole grains and fruits: root vegetables (beets, yams, turnips, sweet potatoes), brussel sprouts, seasonal squashes, pears, and apples...the wealth of amazing nutrient-rich foods on your grocery shelf.
- A Good night's sleep is essential for restoring the immune system.
Set up a consistent night-time routine, including but not limited to:
A warm bed-time tea or almond milk drink, a soothing Epsom salt/lavender bath, sesame oil and the essential oils of jatamansi and lavender at your feet, an uncluttered, peaceful bed room, and lights out by 11 pm.
- Wash your hands in warm non-microbial soap (for at least the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice to yourself). Use essential oils such as spruce, pine, frankincense, lavender and rosemary, in cool air nebulizers, steams, or on a wet washcloth at the base of the shower. All lavender essential oil can be applied directly to the skin and is calming, sleeping inducing and highly anti-microbial. Enjoy Floracopeia Hand Sanitizer, which is so softening to your hands, can also be sprayed and surfaces, and contains a magical blend of essential oils.
Herbal Prevention
As far as prevention, there are some herbs that you can take to strengthen your underlying immune system:
Astragalus (A.Membranaceus)
Rebuilds and strengthens the immune system. Also, used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to reduce symptoms of chronic lung deficiency, lower blood sugar, and protect the heart.
Can be taken as a tea (Mountain Rose Herbs): 10-16 pieces dried root to 16 ounces of water, decoct 30 to 40 minutes, then steep 1 hour. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Drink 2 cups per day; OR Tincture (Herbalist and Alchemist): 40 to 80 drops, three times a day; OR Capsules (Vital Nutrients): 1,000 mg a day.
A Chinese herbal formula, Jade Windscreen, (be careful to get this from a reputable supplier to ensure that it is not contaminated), contains astragalus, as well as other immune strengthening herbs, and can be taken in addition to astragalus to strengthen the immune system.
Elderberry Fruit (Sambucus nigra, S. Canadensis)
Elderberries are rich in Vitamin C, flavonoids and anti-viral proteins. Elderberry in the form of an extract, tincture or syrup can be taken both as part of a flu preventative or treatment regimen. In addition, its flavonoids strengthen the capillaries in the eyes and have an anti-histamine effect, reducing sinus allergies.
Tincture: 60 to 90 drops, four times a day (Herbalist and Alchemist); OR
Solid Extract: ½ teaspoon , 1 to 2 times a day
Reishi Mushroom(Ganoderma lucidum, G.sinensis)
This amazingly powerful mushroom is gentle enough to give to children (although the tincture takes extremely unpleasant). Medicinal mushrooms are wonders for the immune system---regulating and balancing our immune systems with their inherent wisdom, in conditions as diverse as cancer, lupus and the flu. Reishi is also an anti-oxidant, nervine, cardio tonic and liver protectant.
We recommend this wonderful mushroom be taken in Tablet format in a food-based blend by Megafoods or New Chapter.
Other immune strengthening formulas to research and consider:
Chyavanaprash
An ancient Ayurvedic remedy and delicious herbal jam. It is prepared in base of amalaki fruit, which is one of the richest food-based sources of Vitamin C and anti-oxidants. This jam is rejuvenating and strengthening to the entire body, also promoting digestion and metabolism.
-Local raw or manuka honey/garlic is excellent simple cough remedies. Also, you can cut up a garlic clove, let it sit for 15 to 20 enhancing its immune strengthening biochemistry, combine it with honey and swallow.
Chrysanthemum Tea
A pleasant, "do not harm", mild anti-viral - that can be prepared each day to help increase immunity
Herbs you might consider for your home apothecary for the flu season to help moderate symptoms:
Yin Qiao
An ancient Chinese anti-viral formula (sourced from out country), containing Honeysuckle and Forsythia Anti-Viral Tinctures: such as Japanese Honeysuckle, Lomatium, Licorice, Chrysanthemum and Andrographis
Body Pain Reliever Tinctures
Boneset, Lemon Balm, Tulsi or Black Cohosh
Our Herbal Flu Symptom Reducer Tea: Containing Tulsi, Chrysanthemum, Elderflower, Lemon Balm, Yarrow and Peppermint
You have a precious body, treat it with care. Best wishes for a healthy, vital fall and winter!
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