6 Speedy ways to beat that cold and strengthen your defenses.

 

“Given the role of the immune system in combating infections, its effectiveness with age may well be a marker of health and a predictor of longevity.” (Aging and Immune Function, Ponnappan) 

 

Last Tuesday my daughter was home with the flu. She’s never sick.

The next day, I got it.  She’s on the west coast. I’m on the east so I sure didn’t catch it from her.

It’s going around.

This is the time of year we all seem to get sick… headaches, sinus-swelling, nose-dripping, energy-sapping, motivation-dampening flu and colds that just knock the stuffing out of you!

 

The good news

 

Some experts say getting a cold or flu once or twice a year is a sign of a healthy immune system. Think of it as a tune-up to keep your immune strong and robust!

Whether that’s true or not is questionable, but how long your symptoms last is an indicator of just how strong your immune function is.

A cold that lingers more than 3 to 5 days is a sign that something’s off.

And the effectiveness of your immune system is a predictor of your health and ultimately your longevity.

Here are 6 simple steps you can take to support your immune system and boot that cold out fast so you can enjoy your holidays!

 

#1. Add some zinc – quick before it all starts!

 

Zinc is an immune-supporting mineral. A report in Science Daily explains that zinc improves our immune response but, interestingly, keeps the immune system from overreacting and making things worse than they already are.

Taking zinc lozenges or a supplement at the start of your cold can help calm the effects and diminish the length of your illness. Long-term use is not recommended. Keep it to about 3-5 days.

 

#2. Sip warm water or lemon water throughout the day

 

Not only is sipping warm water an ancient Ayurvedic detoxification method, it also keeps your body hydrated – an important ingredient for healing.

You’re about 2/3 water and water transports your immune system.

Stay hydrated and allow your immune system to flow.

 

#3. Get your sleep

 

This goes without saying, Sleep takes you out of the way so your body can do its deep healing – and it does this fulltime when you’re asleep and not interfering.

Go to bed early.

Turn off your alarm and wake up naturally.

You don’t need to go to work and expose everyone else to your sickness – unless of course you’d rather they stay home!

 

#4.  Honey before bed

 

In some countries, bee products are sold in pharmacies… raw honey, propolis, royal jelly, and bee pollen are all superstar, superfood, healers.

A small spoonful of raw honey before bed will help stave off your cough and give you a good night’s sleep. Make sure it’s raw. Not processed like the honey in the little plastic bear cotainers.

(Here are my favorite bee products – also a great site for more info on bees and their magical potions!

 

#5. Get outside and move

 

Unless you’re bedridden and unable to lift your head, get outdoors. Breathe fresh air. Walk and increase your circulation to deliver healing and energizing blood and nutrients to all parts of your body.

 

#6. Breathe in some Eucalyptus Essential oil

 

Just before bed or during the day, put a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil on the palm of your hands and breathe it in. Not only is it antimicrobial and bacteria-fighting, it helps to ease the pain of your illness.

Deep breath in – your whole body will tingle.

 

And Another I almost Forgot!

 

#7 – Garlic Anyone?

 

Garlic is a powerful healing ally for its antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibiotic properties.

I love it in my food but raw? That’s a whole different story.

So… how to get it in. The answer came from a very wise friend of mine (thank you, Stacey!)  and here’s the technique.

Peel the clove.

Lightly squash it – I use the side of a chopping knife. This releases the active ingredient, allicin.

Cut into quarters or smaller chunks.

Let it sit for about 15 minutes and take with a large glass of water – just like a pill!

 

Happy healing!

Happy Holidays!

With love, ♥

 

 

 

 

 

Want a little more help? email me at elaine@elainepauly.com. No fun healing alone!