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 to 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.
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 to 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 boast 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.
- Lavender and Eucalyptus Essential Oils- Rub a few drops of Lavender oil on the bottoms of each of your feet. Your pores are the largest here, which will ensure a quick absorption. Then rub eucalyptus oil on your chest(use with care during pregnancy). 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.
- 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.
- 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 "But, you have to eat something!" ringing in your mind.