I think that it's been raining in California for about a month straight now and I don't believe it's stopping anytime soon. I must admit that I'm digging it because rain has been such a foreign thing here for the past couple of years. But, the rain has brought some fear surrounding what we all like to call "flu season". Unlike what most of us think, the flu is not a season! It is simply our inability to adapt due to decreased sun exposure and water intake, combined with increased sugar intake and stress. This means that we all have a lot more control over getting the flu or a cold than we think.
"The flu is not a season! It is simply our inability to adapt due to decreased sun exposure and water intake, combined with increased sugar intake and stress"
Maintining a healthy diet full of fiber, fats and protein is important for fending off the flu along with plenty of water, movement and sleep, but sometimes that just isn't enough. If you feel like the flu is coming on or if you're feeling susceptible, try some of these all natural remedies to get you back on your feet faster and hopefully without over the counter medicine.
Natural Anti-Microbial Agents (AKA they fight bacteria and fungus) ::
- Olive Leaf Extract
- Black Walnut Extract
- Chaparral Leaf
- Honeysuckle Flower
- Raw Garlic Bulb
- Fresh Ginger Root (try adding this to hot water with some lemon in the morning)
- Grapefruit Seed Extract
- Silver Colloid (Colloidal Silver)
- Echinacea Root
- Goldenseal Root (organic, not wild)
- Aloe Gel
Essential Oils ::
Essential oils are also a great way to stave off the flu. Add 1-2 drops to water or a small amount of olive oil and inhale the aroma or add to a diffuser. There are also some essential oils that you can ingest ( I like Young Living essential oils) so I will mark those below. If the oils do not say that you can ingest them, then please only inhale or add to a diffuser.
- Thieves :: This is a Young Living essential oil that I am in love with. It helps fend off the flu but also smells and tastes amazing. I add it to tea, my diffuser and have even baked with it several times. *edible
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Eucalyptus Lemon
- Eucalyptus Radiata
- Garlic
- Lavender
- Onion
- Oregano
- Tea Tree
- Thyme
Bone Broth ::
You've heard me talk about bone broth before because I believe it is the miracle elixir. Seriously, the stuff is pretty amazing and so easy to make. Bone broth is just animal bones like chicken or cow cooked on low with water and some apple cider vinegar for at least 16 hours, if not much longer. I cook mine for about 36 hours in my slow cooker and then keep it heated for a few days while I drink it. Add turmeric or other spices for even more punch!
As the bones slowly cook they begin to break down, releasing vitamins and minerals that we normally don't have access to because we don't actually eat the animal bones. These vitamins and minerals are incredible flu and cold fighters and give meaning to the saying "chicken soup for the soul"
Source :: Paul Pitchford, MS for Institute for Integrative Nutrition "Anti-microbial Agents"
Note :: I am not a doctor and do not write prescriptions. What I wrote above it just a compilation of things I've learned over the years from my studies at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition, lectures, books and through self experimentation. Please check with your doctor if you are worried about trying any of these natural remedies or if you are very sick.