Avoiding The Common Cold

~Avoiding The Common Cold~
By Janine Bibeau
Ah, the common cold. One of life's great annoyances. Some people can avoid them like the plague and others catch every one that comes along. Here's how to avoid and treat those buggers.

1. Activate Prevention
   The key to steering clear of colds is partially washing your hands and keeping your distance from those who are sick. However having strong ojas, or life energy, is where the real protection lies. So how do you "stay strong" so to speak?
   Do what makes you feel whole! Get to bed early and rise at sunrise. Eat whole foods. Don't eat too much and don't eat too little-listen to your body.  Steer clear of refined sugar and excess dairy products. In the dry months, use a humidifier and oil your nostrils daily with pure coconut or almond oil. Cultivate joy. Move your body. Laugh. Smile. Play outside!

2. Be Prepared
Don't wait until the first sniffle to prepare for the common cold. Have things on hand and ready to go.  At the first sign of a cold, you will be ready to combat it in full force.

• Ground Turmeric-It is an amazing spice. In the case of a cold, it will help to dry up mucus and boost your immune system. Mix 1/4 cup organic turmeric powder with 1/4 cup raw organic honey by pouring ingredients onto a wooden cutting board. Then use a knife to fold together until smooth. Store in a glass jar and eat one teaspoon every few hours, unless you are nursing. Turmeric can decrease milk supply.
• Lavender and Eucalyptus Essential Oils- Rub a few drops of Lavender and Eucalyptus oils on the bottoms of each of your feet. Your pores are the largest here, which will ensure a quick absorption. Then rub a few drops of eucalyptus oil on your chest. The properties in both oils will help with congestion. Lavender can also help with aches and give the body and mind a sense of calm and peace. Always make sure to use a high quality oil. I use doTERRA essential oils and they can be purchased here. I also use doTERRA's protective blend daily on the bottoms of my feet. At the first sign of a sore throat, I put one drop of this blend on my tongue.
• Tea-Make your own tea with slippery elm, licorice root, fresh ginger and cinnamon stick. This combination of plants will help burn out mucus, soothe the throat, and boost immunity.
• Vitamin C-Eat your oranges and I don't mean orange juice...unless it's fresh squeezed. Store bought OJ is full of added sugars which will be detrimental to your healing. If you are putting your citrus fruits through the juicer, add fresh ginger root too! This will give your immune system an added boost.
• Elderberry Concentrate-It has been used by herbalists for centuries and known to maintain health and well-being. Elderberries are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as powerful antioxidants. Taking a tablespoon a day may help prevent colds. At the first sign of a cold, taking a tablespoon a few times a day may also help to fight the cold off faster. Choosing to use the concentrate instead of the syrup eliminates the  harmful processed sugars found in the syrup form. I use the concentrate below.

3. Listen to Your Body
Perhaps a cold is the universe's way of telling us to slow down. 
Rest-Give your body time to rejuvenate. Your body produces growth hormone while sleeping which is needed to heal. Fast-If you are not hungry, listen. When you have a cold, you may actually benefit from skipping a meal. Allow your body time to focus on healing and not digesting a meal that you may not need. Now if you are hungry, by all means eat! Homemade soups made with whole organic foods are always a great choice. But if dinner rolls around and you are still full from lunch, block out Grandma's voice saying, "But, you have to eat something!" ringing in your mind.

4. Take Your Fire Cider!
Take a tablespoon or two of fire cider everyday in the colder months to ward off sickness.  It is also know to shorten the length of a cold or flu and help with congestion. The ingredients pack a powerful punch to boost your immune system. Making your own is easy and fun! Find the recipe here.

Stay tuned for more detailed posts about the benefits of using oil on the body, essential oils, and how to use turmeric for wellness!