Cold and Flu Remedy Suggestions
Many people go to the doctor after their viral infection, ( 90% of colds and flu are viruses first) is out of control with other side effects of a more serious nature.
The suggestions below are for you to employ at the first sign of illness. These are simple, but effective if used within the first 24 hours of illness.
My research shows that medicine has little to offer to benefit viral infections, but there are some "natural" things you can try. You might have some in your kitchen right now!
Did you know that all citrus fruits; lemons, oranges, grapefruits, tangerines etc. have strong anti-viral qualities? At the first sign of a cold or flu start taking 1,000 mgs. of vitamin C many times a day and drink lots of hot lemon water. Avoid all dairy during a cold as these foods create more mucus.
Emer Gen C packets, which can be found at Walmart, Whole Foods Market or any health food store, offer a simple way to carry that 1,000 mgs. of C in your purse or pocket. Whenever I feel like I might be getting sick I immediately start on the Emer gen C and the next day I usually wake up feeling just fine! I always keep some in the cupboard and in my purse especially during the winter months. There are different flavors – they all taste great – even kids like the taste!
I also read somewhere this week that you can make your own Vitamin C powder. All you need to do is cut in thin strips some citrus fruit of your choice, then dry it (a Dehydrator helps to speed up the process) Putting the dried peels in a Vita Mix or blender will make a powder that can easily be added to drinks or food. Be sure to store in an airtight container. Taking one teaspoon of this powder will supply you with more Vitamin C than your body needs for the day. Organic grapefruit, tangerines, oranges, lemons and limes can all be used.
Wash your hands frequently and those of your children. Several drops of lemon essential oil can be effective in a gentle hand soap for more anti-bacterial, anti-viral action.
Did you know that many therapeutic grade A essential oils have powerful anti-viral and anti-bacterial qualities? Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus Radiata, Lavender, Melaleuca Alternafolia, Thyme, Oregano, and Lemon are antibiotic in nature, antiseptic, antiviral and antifungal.
So before you reach for some over the counter "medicine" why not give the natural way a try first!
Ladies, Is Your Purse Making You Sick?
We all do it. We walk into a room and throw our purse on the floor or worse yet, in the seat of the grocery cart. What you're carrying around on your purse could gross you out!
It seems we are so careful about other things we use and touch on a regular basis but fail to remember the places our purses have been. In a recent study it was found that ladies purses carried high counts of various bacterias. One ladies purse even tested positive for fecal matter….YUK! (You better watch putting your purse down in the seat of the shopping cart thats for sure!)
How do you ensure your purse is clean and pathogen-free?
Experts suggest you:
- Regularly wipe the inside and outside of your purse with soap.
- Keep your bag off the floor.
- Use hooks in bathrooms and restaurants.
- Put your purse on the back of a chair or in your lap.
- Never sit your purse on the kitchen counter or near where food is served.
So carry with caution and think before you put that purse down just any old place.
Until next time – don't get caught up in the stresses of the "holiday season" – take some time out for a nice warm cup of your favorite tea.