Okay, so you already feel crummy. Here is what I do when I feel even the slightest sign of cold and flu. Of course, these tips from the love-coffer of ancient Ayurveda + my modern twist. Some are even backed by the western-god, Science.
Wellness Formula – its full of everything amazing and I swear by this stuff. Including my favorite, astragalus. Astragalus has been shown to boost immune cell response within 24 hours according to a study from the journal Phytotherapy Research. I take this at the first sign of any weirdness in my body. And knock on wood, I’m rarely ill.
Eat light. Take in lotsa hot broths. – Broths are not only super-nourishing, they are also mildly detoxifying when taken with light meals. Broths also help feed you while hydrating your membranes. Avoid cold juices and water when you feel sick, as cold beverages increase vata dosha (the degenerative force) which is already high in winter months. Avoid heavy, dense foods, sugary, fried and processed foods at all costs. These overburden your already tired system.
Amalaki -Amalaki is comes from the amla fruit which is the highest known source of vitamin C. Get it here and take as directed.
For the throat: 1 tsp. sitopaladi +
1 teaspoon Pippali
+ 1 tsp honey – Warms the body + antimicrobial factor to the roof! This mixture will be spicy hot to the throat but will go away quick.
Drink a lot of warm/hot water with some herbs through the day. The herbs? Here are the rockstars:
- Ginger – one of best all-time remedies for colds. It reduces mucus and warms a chilled body. I love the alcohol-based tincture version because I feel like I’m taking healthy shots.
- Tulsi – one of best herbs for the immune system. Warming and healing for both mind and body.
- Turmeric – my best friend. She comes with me on all journeys for her detox and health-boosting properties. I like taking 1/2 tsp. of the powder in a cup of warm water, especially when I’m under the weather.
Gargle with salt water and turmeric – salt is an amazing medicine for reducing inflammation/itching/swelling in the throat, clearing out mucus and getting rid of bacteria and fungus. I do about 1/2 teaspoon of Himalayan rock salt in 1 cup of warm water with 1/4 tsp. turmeric. You can also neti pot with salt and turmeric. More HERE on that adventure.
Rest – The best medicine, and often-times the hardest one to take. I find that when I finally just clear my schedule and resign myself to being sick, I start feeling release immediately. Enjoy! Watch some funny, light-hearted movies and just relish in your repair and renewal.
Katie Silcox 