Fight Winter Illness With Home Remedies

Below are some safe home remedies that I thought would be helpful to you now that the flu season has hit. (This is taken from a post I did last year).  Also, watch for a G!veaway and review coming Thursday November 1, 2012 for the new and improved VeraTemp Non-Contact Thermometer. 

Home Remedies:

Most of the items used can be found in your kitchen. Just remember these are not to take the place of treatments and advice given by your health care professional.  These home remedies can enhance your overall health and are not necessarily medical cures.

INSOMNIA

·         Taking a warm bath an hour or so before bed will help you relax.  Be aware that a warm bath just before bed time can also stimulate and revive you so make sure you take one a least 1 hour before bedtime.

·         Keep on a regular schedule.  Your body likes schedules and will relax more easily if you go to bed and rise at the same time each day. (I know that this can be difficult for moms to do).

·         The old ‘glass of warm milk will help you sleep’ is actually true.  Some scientists believe it's the presence of tryptophan, a chemical that helps the brain ease into sleep mode that does the trick. Adding 1 TBS of honey to your warm milk will add an even greater calming effect.

Post Nasal Drip / Sore Throat

·         To ease a sore throat due to post nasal drip gargle with a solution of 1/2 teaspoon salt to 1 cup warm water.

·         Drink plenty of fluids, this keeps the mucus thin and your nose and body hydrated. ( A good rule of thumb is: drink  ½ your body weight in ounces,…say you weigh 100lbs.  Cut that amount in ½ and change it to ounces, that would make it 50 oz. of water a day)

·         A humidifier can help alleviate a scratchy throat due to PND.

·         Soothing recipes:

1.     1 tablespoon honey, any kind 

1 tablespoon vinegar, preferably apple-cider vinegar 

8 ounces hot water

Combine all  ingredients in a glass and sip slowly (but don't let it get cold). Use as often as desired. (some feel that honey should be avoided in children 2 years old and younger).

2.     Mix 1 tablespoon each of honey and lemon juice in 1 cup warm water. Sip slowly.

3.     Combine 1 spoonful of lime juice with a spoonful of honey and take as often as needed for a sore throat.

FLU

·         Plan on sleeping and otherwise taking it easy for a few days.

·         Drink plenty of liquids, preferably fruit juices. This will keep you hydrated and give you some nourishment.

·         If throwing up is an issue tiny sips of Coke (de-fizzed) can help.

·         Keep a humidifier going. Influenza thrives in dryer air caused by the cold temperatures, furnaces and wood stoves.

·         A cough that brings up mucus is good.  This is the body’s way of getting rid of the mucus and keeps in out of the lungs.

·         Warm Chicken broth and Chicken soup are still good stand-bys for someone with the flu.

·         A dry hacking cough can keep you and others awake.  Honey is a natural expectorant.  Mix 1 tablespoon honey into 1 cup hot water, stir well and sip…add a squeeze of lemon if you like.

Honey, onion, garlic, Echinacea and golden seal root are all natural ways to boost your immune system.  Incorporate the first three in your daily diet for added benefits. Use Echinacea and/or golden seal root only as needed.

CONSTIPATION

·         Sesame seeds provide roughage and bulk, but no more than ½ ounce a day… and drink lots of water as you take the seeds. You may also sprinkle them on salads and other foods, but again, no more than 1/2 ounce.

·         Like Mother always said eat your fruits and vegetables…make sure to eat them  FRESH for better results.

·         Apple juices and raisins are also helpful in keeping your running smooth.

·         Grains (whole grains, meaning the entire gain is used not just part of it as in white flour).  Whole-grain cereals, barley is great in soups, whole wheat breads, etc.

·         Exercise helps keep your bowels active also.

·         Don’t fight the call of nature.  Too often we get busy and put off going when our body is ready.  This causes the system to back up and confuses the natural flow of things.

·         Again drink plenty of water. This keeps the intestines moist and the flow goes smoother!

·         Sit, relax, and take your time…some things just take a while.  This is a good time to read the Ensign, your newest novel, or work a cross word puzzle. 

Do you have some tried and true remedies you use to help your family get through the winter months? I love to hear.

Picture source Wikipedia