funJust in time to help you get through the next 7 weeks of holidaying!
I'm inspired to share a few herbal tonics with you. These I use to help my body avoid illness and to soothe my system as it adjusts into the cold weather season.
This time of year, once the heat is on in the house and the temperatures dip outside, our bodies go through a series of adjustments relating to changes in humidity and temperature levels as well as less daylight. The adjustments our bodies make can often be misconstrued as illness, early in the season, when really the body is simply attempting to remove toxins with it's internal housecleaning.
By assisting our bodies in the adjustment process we can mitigate the potential to acquire additional difficulties later in the season when the risk of exposure to viruses and bacteria increases.
Can't overstate the obvious;
1) Get plenty of rest
2) Eat well
3) Drink plenty of fluids
4) Wash your hands frequently
5) Avoid touching your eyes
6) Kiss, rather than shaking hands*
* if you get to make a choice!
7) If you are sick - stay home!
You've undoubtedly heard the first 4 many times. I've added 5 through 7 for a very good reason - this is how we transmit viruses in most cases.
If your hands have been in contact with a virus you are most likely to transmit it to yourself through your eyes - apparently this is the region that viruses enter most often.
This makes sense when you also consider most colds begin with head congestion, an ear infection or a throat irritation. All connected to the same sinus cavities your eyes are connected to.
There have been reports that saliva actually kills viruses and therefore kissing is considered far safer than handshakes as a form of greeting. If you must shake hands, do be sure to avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, or ears at least until you can clean your hands quickly and as diplomatically as possible. (Always keep a water-free hand cleaner, or wipes, nearby.)
The last point - if it's at all possible don't be where others will be in contact with your germs! Please! At least until you're no longer carrying the active virus. I would even recommend you avoid shopping or traveling in public transit if it is possible. If not, again, take great care in assuring you are not depositing your cold germs or viruses on surfaces which will potentially infect others.
Now to help through the adjustment period I have a couple of tonics I use which assist in boosting the bodies' immune system and clearing away congestion;
Cider Vinegar Tonic
This tonic assists to de-acidify the body. During the holiday season people often over-eat or have foods that tend to add to the body's acidity. (rich foods, sugary foods, gravies, sauces and high fat foods) This tonic cuts that acidic sensation and gives your body a boost of nutrients.
Place the following ingredients in a heat safe mug;
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
1 teaspoon (or to taste) honey
fill mug with boiling water, or very hot weak tea
stir until honey melts
allow to cool to desired drinking temperature (you can drink it warm or cold)Drink as often as you like. Once a day is fine, once a week if you just want a periodic boost.
Congestion Buster Herbal Tea
(Can be made by the cup or by the pot)
Yarrow - boosts organs, cleanses system by promoting perspiration
Ginseng Root - Immune booster, soothes mucous membranes
Echinacea - Immune booster
Licorice Root - Expectorant, used for coughs & clearing mucous congestion
Ginger Root - flavour, promotes perspiration, eases cold symptons
Flavour with honey and or lemon, or add lemon or orange peel to the mix. Best not taken with milk.
This tea is refreshing and soothing and can be used every day if needed. As a preventative; use at the begining of the cold season to strengthen the body's defences and periodically throughout the season to keep them primed.
All but the Yarrow are roots of their respective plants. Licorice root is best purchased already chopped as it is difficult to break into small pieces. All are available at bulk and health food stores. Ginger root is available in grocery stores. I use a tea ball in a 6 cup teapot or a special teaspoon with a hinged lid for one cup. In total you won't need more than 2 tablespoons combined herb to a pot of tea. Experiment with the proportions to find which tastes best to you. If you don't have a tea ball use the herbs loose in your teapot , steep and then pour through a strainer when serving.
My website will eventually feature a section on herbs, domestic and wild, their various uses and their fabulous benefits, as well as sharing some of my favourite herbal concoctions. Having gotten my camera so late in the season I won't be able to provide photos for those pages until I can get some good specimen shots. (When I can I'll try to include a sketch of the plants in question at least until I have workable photos.) For now all you 'sayers will get the benefit of these recipies.
Just in time to help you get through the next 7 weeks of holidaying!
Party on dudes and dudettes!
