Best Practices to Keep Yourself Well During the Cold & Flu Season

Influenza or “flu” refers to the many strains of viruses that are more intense than the viruses that cause the common cold. Symptoms include fever, aching muscles, headache, fatigue, and may involve the digestive tract, causing diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.

IMMUNE SUPPORT IS THE BEST DEFENSE
The best defense against flu is to support your immune system. Make sure to get plenty of rest. Adequate sleep is essential to revitalize the body and mind; about 7 to 9 hours a sleep a night. Take time out from the busy holiday schedule to relax. Skip a party or two. Schedule time for activities you truly enjoy.

EAT WELL
Give your body the proper nutrition it needs. Avoid sugars, refined foods, and caffeine; they create a strain on one’s health. Eat plenty of fruits and dark green leafy vegetables. Winter is the time for citrus, apples, and pears. Raw fruits have natural sugars, fiber, antioxidants, and Vitamin C. Dark leafy green vegetable such as spinach, kale, and chard naturally eliminate toxins from the body. All leafy vegetables have important minerals that regulate the body’s temperature. Winter squashes are a great source of Vitamins A, C, B1, B5, niacin, folate, and omega 3 fatty acids. Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables is key. Ensure you buy the freshest fruits and vegetables; look for produce that is locally grown.

HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS
Vitamins B12, C and D are especially important during the winter months. Look for vitamins that are balanced blends derived from food sources.

Astragalus is a Chinese herb known to improve the immune function and prevent colds and upper respiratory infections. Studies have shown that Astragalus has antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system.

WASH YOUR HANDS
Hygiene is important, wash you hands. Cold & Flu viruses can be transmitted from direct contact with people who are sick. Avoid spreading viruses; cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze with a tissue or by using the crook of your elbow. Wash your hands following a cough or sneeze. Hand sanitizers may have ingredients that irritate the skin.

HAVE THE FLU?
If you do come down with the flu, it is important to take care of yourself. Rest. Drink lots of liquids. Stay warm — wear a hat, scarf, and slippers. Use black elderberry herbal syrup to soothe a cough and sore throat. Try a neti pot or saline spray to open blocked sinus passages.

TWO HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES TO CONSIDER
Aconite napellus 30C is a likely choice when a fever comes on suddenly after being exposed to a chill.
Dull, dizzy, droopy, and drowsy? Increased desire to urinate with only dribbles. All you want is to be left alone to sleep; Gelsemium sempervirens 30C is great for flu that comes on slowly with a dull headache, dry mouth, and fever.

BARLEY WATER FOR INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN
If young children or infants develop a fever, give barley water. Make barley water by soaking rinsed, organic, whole-grain barley over night in water, pour off the water and keep in a container in the refrigerator or, if you are in urgent need you can boil the barley for a half-hour and reserve the liquid.