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| Elderberries! |
I know so many people this year who are sick, worried about getting sick, or simply worried about the flu in general.
The good news is that it is relatively hard to get the flu. The environment must be just right in the body to get sick and taking a few simple steps to help your body strengthen its immunity will do wonders.
Here are a few tips for staying healthy and if needed, fighting that (arrghh) flu.
1. Humidifiers:
Use one in your bedroom at night. It decreases colds and flus by 50%.
2.Steam:
Our body's immune system works better at higher temperatures (think fevers) and our mucous membranes can do their job more efficiently in warm moist environments. Take a steam or hot bath/shower as maintenance at least once a week.
3. Medicinal Mushrooms:
Mushrooms such as Reishi, Shitake, and Maitake are excellent for our immune system. They are antiviral, anti-tumor, and assist our immune system and liver. Mushrooms protect us from and help us fight viruses as well as build immune cells. I use Lifeshield Immunty Mushrooms by New Chapter. You can also find medicinal mushrooms in most natural food stores and they are excellent in wintertime soups.
4. Rest:
Make sure you are getting enough sleep before you get sick. If you do get the flu go to bed and STAY in bed for a full 7 days. Not only are you still contagious much longer than you think, but it has been shown that those who go to bed and stay in bed recover much more quickly and avoid secondary complications (such as pneumonia).
5. Herbs:
Two excellent herbs for the flu are Elderberry and Boneset. Elderberry actually strengthens the cell walls and helps to keep the virus out! Boneset increases the activity and efficiency of the immune system cells, so that you heal faster.
6. Essential oils:
To strengthen the immune system, Vetiver and Frankincense essential oils will do wonders. Also, A great anti-viral is Ravensara. To use: drop a couple drops in a carrier oil such as almond, olive or coconut oil, twice a day and rub on the body or soles of the feet. This will help to boost immune function.
Taking good care of yourself through rest, nourishing foods, exercise, avoiding sugar, alcohol and tobacco are also excellent ways to keep your immunity in tip top shape!
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