Protect yourself this winter with herbs,
supplements and Wise Woman Ways
We are in the season of going within, doing less and being more. Unfortunately, most of us have obligations that do not allow us to rest as Mother Nature intended for us during this dark time of the year. Still, I encourage you, if you feel tired, rest. It is the best remedy for not succumbing to illness.
This article is written to support so many who are on the run, taking care of children and so much more all week. The herbalists out there may find some of this useful too. But mostly this is written to make it easy for those who aren’t.
Some herbal and supplemental remedies I keep on hand and use when I feel the slightest inkling of a cold coming on are; Olive Leaf Extract capsules to alkalize my body, as viruses cannot survive in an alkaline environment,; NAC (N-acetyl-carnitine), an amino acid that thins mucus so passages stay clear more easily; and zinc lozenges.
A couple of weeks ago I felt a raw spot in my throat. I bought a roll of zinc lozenges at the co-op next door to my office and kept popping them, slowly allowing them to melt and coat my throat for a couple of days. That, combined with the olive leaf extract seemed to have nipped it in the bud, thankfully!
When things get more uncomfortable, or as a staple winter brew, make fresh Ginger Tea;
1/2 -1 inch fresh ginger grated
1/4 lime
maple syrup to taste
pinch of cayenne pepper
Put the grated ginger into a french press, and reuse the herb, as it will make a very strong tea. This aids circulation, digestion and warm extremities.
If things get really uncomfortable with deep lung congestion, try the remedy for Onion Poultice. It is an old-timey remedy that really works! Here is a link to a homemade recipe I find amusing, and I haven’t tried it yet, but I bet it works; Goot; Cold & Flu Remedy .I also always keep some medicinal teas around in the winter from two companies; Traditional Medicinals and Yogi Tea. Some favorites are; Breathe Easy, Throat Coat, Gypsy Cold Care and Herbatussin. They are very effective, and I sometimes steep one or more of them in a tea pot , depending on my symptoms, and keep near my bed if I am feeling really poorly. They taste good too!
I share these with you to empower you in your own home, to encourage you to draw on your own resourcefulness. Avail yourself and reconnect yourself to the healing powers of nature. She provides healing, peace and joy in so many ways!
As I write this I keep thinking of more and more things I could add. But those will have to wait for another day. That’s all for now.
To your health!
~Angela
Please remember, I am not a doctor, and this should not be construed as medical advice. I am offering education about what other people have found helpful in the past. Please see you physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Thanks Angela. Will try the alkaline stress on virus. I sometimes use lemon in water in the morning to achieve the same purpose. Health to you.