At $3 a bottle, it is a very inexpensive moisturizing option, especially for someone who could buy any cream or lotion that she wanted. Considering, though, that most moisturizers on the market are laden with chemicals and petroleum by-products, Stone has made a wise decision in choosing this gentle oil for her delicate porcelain visage. Stone revealed that because of her sensitive skin, it is one of the few products she can actually use on it.

Grapeseed oil is an extremely effective moisturizer. Light and odorless, it is great for sensitive skin, but works well on all skin types. Oily and acne prone skin especially love grapeseed oil, as it does not clog pores.

Made from grape seeds that are discarded in the wine making process, grapeseed oil contains more omega-6 fatty acids than most other oils. Not only is it in high demand in the cosmetic industry, makes a fantastic massage carrier oil, but grapeseed oil is also an exceptional oil to cook with. It has a very high smoke point which makes it preferable to use over other oils when cooking at high temperatures.

Cinnamon’s use dates back far into antiquity. It comes from the inner bark of  several different species of Cinnamomum trees. Studies have shown cinnamon has potent anti viral and anti cancer properties, as well as the ability to inhibit Alzheimer’s disease. It can also be used to help lower cholesterol and alleviate the pain of arthritis.

Extremely aromatic and licorice-like in flavor, anise is wonderful for female reproductive health. According to this study, anise “helps increase milk secretion, promote menstruation, facilitate birth, … and increase libido.” It is also helpful for coughs and bronchitis, as well as asthma and colic in children. The oil is a powerful antiseptic and insect repellent.

Cloves are the dried flower buds from Myrtaceae trees. The essential oil of cloves has been used for centuries to ease dental pain and digestive disorders, as well as to expel worms. Studies show it has anti-oxidant properties and is useful in preventing the spread of anti-herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Ginger is the rhizome of the Zingiber officinale plant. It is an excellent anti-nausea agent for morning sickness, seasickness, and chemotherapy. A potent blood-thinner and anti-inflammatory, ginger is useful in lowering cholesterol, treating arthritis, and increasing overall heart health.

Cardamom are the seed pods of the Elettaria and Amomom plants native to India. It’s medicinal uses vary from helping teeth, gum, and throat infections; to improving lung congestion, stomach and digestive issues, as well as relieving constipation. The seeds can be chewed. Kidney and gall stones have been known to be broken up by ingesting cardamom.

Most of these herbs are very warming to the system, which improves circulation. Good circulation is so important in keeping our vital systems healthy.

2. 97% of western Europe has rejected the fluoridation of their water supply. Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg have all rejected the fluoridation of water as they felt it violated fundamental human rights because it was seen as compulsive medication against a person’s will.

3. First city ever to put fluoride in their municipal water supply was Grand Rapids, Michigan.

4. Sodium fluoride does not degrade, and is accumulated over time in the pineal gland in the body. The pineal gland is known by shamans and yogis to connect us to higher states of awareness. The accumulation of fluoride in the pineal gland calcifies this gland.

5. The first incidence of fluoride in the water was in Nazi concentration camps. Fluoride was also used in Russian prison camps as a tranquilizer. USAF Major George R. Jordan testified before Congress in the 50′s and admitted to “Using the fluoride in the water supplies in their concentration camps, to make the prisoners stupid, docile, and subservient” during his post as U.S.-Soviet liaison officer.

6. Fluoride is the principle ingredient in prozac (FLUoxetene Hydrochloride) and Sarin nerve gas (Isopropyl-Methyl-Phosphoryl FLUoride).

7. The man responsible for our nation’s fluoridated water supply, Oscar Ewing, was bribed $750,000 by the Aluminum Company of America to promote adding fluoride to the water supply.

8. Excessive amounts of fluoride use cause fluorosis, a debilitating disease of the teeth. Recently, the level of acceptable fluoride in the water was proposed to be lowered because of the increased incidence of fluorosis. Fluoride has also been shown to cause cancer and chromosomal changes in cells.

9. It’s the main ingredient in many pesticides and insecticides.

10. Studies show that fluoride in the water actually contribute to Neurological Disorders, Dementia, ADHD, and Lower IQs in children.

Dr. Phyllis J Mullenix from the Toxicology Department at Forsyth Research Institute in Boston, MA conducted a study on the Neurotoxicity of Sodium Fluoride in Rats, after which she stated:

“This is the first study to demonstrate that central nervous system output is vulnerable to fluoride, that the effects on behavior depend on the age at exposure and that fluoride accumulates in brain tissues. Of course behaviors per se do not extrapolate, but a generic behavioral pattern disruption as found in this rat study can be indicative of potential for motor dysfunction, IQ deficits and/or learning disabilities in humans. Substances that accumulate in brain tissue potentiate concerns about neurotoxic risk.”

An abstract monument commemorating the fluoridation of Grand Rapids' water

More facts here

Communities which have rejected fluoride here

Original Sanitarium building - before it burned down in 1902

Rebuilt Battle Creek Sanitarium

The curative regimes instituted there, interestingly enough, were based upon the health principles of the Seventh Day Adventist church. Up until the Great Depression, ‘the San’ was a thriving wellness resort for well to do aristocrats, celebrities, as well as middle and upper middle class people who wanted to be in a  much better state of health. Many famous celebrities and heads of state visited the San, including Amelia Earhart, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and William Howard Taft. Unfortunately, after the stock market crash in 1929, business slowed down to the point that by WWII it closed. The building was purchased by the U.S. Army and turned into an army hospital.

During the San’s hey day, hydrotherapy, exercise, fresh air (even sleeping in the open air), breathing exercises, diet (low fat and protein), and getting lots of sunlight were the main treatments that John Harvey Kellogg, who was superintendent, utilized at the San.

John Harvey Kellogg

Hydrotherapy is the use of water to relieve pain and treat illness. Originally, hydrotherapy was considered solely a cold water treatment. Kellogg, however, used both hot and cold water. The contrast between the two was found to increase circulation and respiration, both of which are necessary for maintaining good health. From jumping into fresh water pools after exercising to getting enemas, douches, and sitz baths, hydrotherapy helped cure many different kinds of ailments.

Kellogg believed that a clean bowel was the key to health. Eating yogurt helped replenish the good bacteria

and even having a yogurt enema was commonplace at the San.

Exercises such as gymnastics, swimming, wood chopping, basketball, and other physical activities were performed in order to increase muscle tone and circulation, as well as improve the posture.

Kellogg also made sure that very carefully prepared vegetarian food was given to patients. It was thought that eating healthy food ensured a person’s well being. After all, Hippocrates once said, “let food be thy medicine.”

Despite the relatively short lived success of the Sanitarium’s health and wellness practices, Kellogg will forever be remembered as the man who, along with his brother Will, invented corn flakes breakfast cereal.

Usually people get a lot more sun exposure this time of year, so it is important to make sure your skin is protected from potential damage. While I don’t advocate using sunscreen all the time, as sunscreen has been shown to accelerate cancer growth, and sun exposure is needed for vitamin D production (which is necessary for healthy immune functioning), it is important to take precautions in ensuring your skin improves during the hot summer months.

Some tips for getting summer fresh skin:

1. Drink plenty of water. This is extremely important. Your skin is a reflection of your state of health on the inside. Drinking lots of water flushes out toxins and keeps your skin moist. The heat of summer makes us sweat more, so replenishing those lost fluids is important. Make sure you’re drinking purified water. Tap/city water usually contains lots of added elements like chlorine and fluoride, plus heavy metals like lead or iron. The point is to get rid of toxins, not introduce more into your system.

2. Gently Cleanse. Using a high quality cleanser to clear your skin of sweat and dirt is of utmost importance. I use Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile soap. It is gentle, yet effective at cleaning my skin. There are many different varieties/scents of castile soap to choose from, depending on your skin type. Lavender/rose/unscented for sensitive. Citrus/peppermint/tea tree for oily/acne prone. Almond/lavender/rose for dry. Make sure whatever cleanser you choose doesn’t contain any lauryl or laureth sulfates, as well as petroleum based ingredients. These are very damaging to the skin and should be avoided.

2. Exfoliate. Using a salt or sugar scrub helps to remove dead skin cells, which brings new fresh skin cells to the surface, keeping your skin looking it’s best. Though I recommend using salt or sugar to exfoliate, I personally do a dry skin rub with a skin brush every day. It’s a much less messy way to shed the dead skin and bring new skin to the surface. My skin always feels so invigorated after I exfoliate. Dry skin brushing is known to keep skin looking young and healthy. Check out my post on dry skin brushing for more information.

3. Astringent/Toner. These help to close your pores and remove any excess cleanser and dirt. If your skin is oily, you’ll want to use an astringent, which usually contains some alcohol. A toner does not contain any alcohol. I recommend rose water for dry skin. Witch hazel for oily/acne prone. I love the way my skin feels after using an astringent. It’s an important step to do before moisturizing, as it helps get the skin ready for it.

4. Moisturize. Making sure the skin on your face and body is well moisturized is key during the summer. Air conditioning zaps moisture from your skin. I like to use a simple oil like rose hip seed oil, which is considered a dry oil. It’s very light and great for dry and oily skin alike. I don’t like feeling as though I am wearing a mask when I put a face cream on in the summer, hence my using just a simple oil. I do use an organic body lotion on the rest of my body to make sure I look fresh and glowing in my summer dresses and skirts.

5. Fresh face masks. There’s so much fresh produce this time of year that it is a great time to take advantage of all that mother nature has to offer for our skin. Putting fresh fruits and vegetables (or farm fresh egg whites and yolks) helps to revitalize it with vitamins and minerals. It’s so quick and easy. If your skin is oily, grab a lemon or strawberry and apply some of the juice on your face and let it dry for a quick skin peel. For dry skin, mash a banana or avocado and let sit on your face for about 30 minutes. Sliced cucumber is great for any skin type and also for red/puffy eyes. See my post Face Masks For All Skin Types for more information.

6. Sun protection. I’m not that big on using sunscreen all the time. I tend to enjoy getting a nice sun kissed glow when I am out, so I usually don’t wear any. If I am going to be in the sun for a long period of time, however, I like to use a natural sunscreen like coconut oil or avocado oil. Alba makes a really nice dry skin tanning oil that I use in order to keep my skin moisturized yet protected when I in the sun.  Avocado oil contains natural SPF, as does olive oil. If you do get a sunburn, aloe very gel is a great way to treat the burn and bring relief.

Now that it’s almost summer, it’s become easy to find these useful medicinal herbs outside in nature. On my daily walks through the woods near my house, I always see these herbs growing.

Thought I’d share some pictures so that you may be able to find them too. If you plan on harvesting these herbs in the wild, please make sure that no fertilizers were used nearby where they grow.

Dandelion

A great liver and blood cleanser. It’s a diuretic. Helps clear up kidney infections, liver disorders, joint inflammation, and skin conditions. A powerful detoxifying herb. The whole plant can be used. The young leaves in the spring make a wonderful salad green. The root can be made into a decoction or tincture to use medicinally.

Burdock

Known for it’s purple prickly seeds that stick to anything the come in contact with! The root is a powerful detoxifying agent. Also acts as a diuretic and laxative. The root made into a decoction or tincture helps to cure skin disorders and arthritic conditions. The leaves may also be used on the skin and heal poison ivy and oak.

Yellow Dock

Detoxifying herb. Helps heal skin conditions, liver disorders, and poor digestion. Compounds in the roots have been shown to get rid of arsenic and lead in the system. Young leaves are a great source of vitamin A.

Plantain

Applied externally as a poultice, the leaves are great at healing infections, stings, and bug bites. Helps to stop bleeding. An infusion of the leaves is good for colds and flus. A decoction of the roots is helpful for the kidneys and digestive system. In ancient times, this plant was used for almost every medical condition.

Motherwort

Great for calming the nerves and relieving heart palpitations and other heart conditions. Promotes relaxation. A very bitter herb.

Red Clover

Helps reduce symptoms of menopause and osteoporosis because of its high isoflavone content. Improves blood flow. May prevent some forms of cancer. Great remedy for skin conditions.

Catnip

Great remedy for digestive issues. Reduces fever caused by a cold or flu. Relieves colic in babies. Helps stomach and digestive problems.

Red Raspberry Leaf

The tea helps to increase mother’s milk after giving birth. Used by women to strengthen their reproductive systems.

Yarrow

Anti-inflammatory, blood purifier, and improves circulation. Native Americans chewed the leaves to relieve toothaches. Excellent remedy for colds and flu.

St. John’s Wort

Widely known as a treatment for depression. May be helpful for PMS. Oil made from the leaves is helpful in relieving wounds and abrasions.

Consequently, using herbs to flavor our food not only gives it a great taste, but, as this study shows, keeps us incredibly healthy. Blueberries and carrots have nothing on these herbs!

In the study, dried herbs were shown to be not as effective as fresh ones. Thankfully, all of the herbs listed as high in anti-oxidants can easily be grown in an herb or container garden. Otherwise, they can be found fresh in your local supermarket.

Oregano

Oregano was found to have the most powerful anti-oxidant properties of any herb. Known best as a spice used in Italian cooking, it has shown to have anti-microbial properties. Contrary to most herbs, oregano can actually have a stronger flavor when it is dried.

Dill

Dill has a flavor similar to fennel. It is commonly used in fish dishes, soups, and to make pickles. Add some to mayonnaise with lemon juice for a creamy dill sauce. Helps to soothe stomachs and relieve gas. Also freshens breath.

Thyme

When in doubt as to what spice to use, use thyme! It has a strong flavor, but does not overpower. Ancient Greeks believed using thyme gave them courage. Medicinally, thyme is used for respiratory infections and works as an anti-bacterial agent in all-natural mouthwashes and hand sanitizers.

Rosemary

Rosemary is used primarily in Mediterranean cuisine, and is extremely aromatic. It is thought to improve the memory and have anti-carcinogenic properties.

Coriander

The leaves of the coriander plant are known as cilantro. The seeds are  commonly known as coriander in the United States. The flavor of coriander is reminiscent of lemon or citrus. Has anti-anxiety properties. Also is used for insomnia in herbal medicine.

Peppermint

Peppermint is one of the oldest herbal medicines. Commonly used as a tea. The oil is used to flavor ice cream, gum, and toothpaste. Has been shown to help relieve IBS. Helps relieve insomnia.

Medicinal herbs, without any culinary use, with highest anti-oxidant properties were found to be St. John’s Wort, Wormwood, and Madagascar Periwinkle.

Besides, our skin absorbs whatever is put onto it. If you wouldn’t put it into your mouth, why would you put it on your skin?

When shopping for your herbal first aid kit, please be sure to check the label of the herbal product to make sure that it does not contain any artificial/chemically based ingredients. If you’re buying something from a natural foods store, the chances are good that you won’t have to worry about this. However, if you’re buying an herbal product from a drug or grocery store, carefully check the label to make sure you’re not being misled into thinking it’s a natural product, when the reality is it’s really full of chemicals.

In addition to the standard bandages, gauze, rubbing alcohol and medical tape here are the must haves for your herbal first aid kit:

Aloe vera gel. Aloe gel is one of the best skin healers and is gentle and safe enough for any skin type or condition. When the gel dries, it creates a protective antibacterial barrier between the cut, scrape, or burn and the air.  You can find 100% natural aloe vera gel in fine grocery stores or health food stores. 100% gel is not the same thing as 100% aloe vera gel. Product labeling can be deceiving sometimes. Always check the ingredient list to make sure you know what you are buying.

Arnica gel or cream. Arnica is found natively in Switzerland. Mountain climbers of the past noticed that when they chewed this flower, their muscle fatigue was reduced. Indeed, arnica is a great treatment for any kind of bruising or muscle trauma. Arnica gel and cream should not be used on broken skin. Anytime something happens where you  know you’re going to have a nasty bruise will benefit from arnica gel. I personally bruise quite easily, and always put arnica gel on my skin to lessen the severity and the amount of time I have a bruise. Works like a charm.

Arnica (homeopathic). I always have homeopathic arnica  on hand (in my purse, medicine cabinet, travel bag) because you never know when some unexpected fall or injury will occur to you or someone you are with. Whether it’s banging your fingers in the car door, getting a bee sing, or your child falls at the playground, taking homeopathic arnica helps the body deal with the initial shock and trauma of such events. I’ve seen my daughter benefit from taking arnica after falling down while running or hitting her head on something. She calms down quicker and the injury itself is lessened.

Calendula/comfrey salve or ointment. Think of this as the herbal equivalent to neosporin. Except there’s no mineral oil or other petroleum based ingredients to worry about. Calendula and comfrey are both plants which are known for their skin healing properties.  Use topically only. Comfrey and calendula can heal any skin injury. It can be applied to broken skin. Using calendula and comfrey salve also helps to prevent scarring.

Echinacea extract. Echinacea is known for its ability to improve our immune systems. The root extract or tincture taken daily has been shown to help people maintain better health. They don’t get sick as often and when they do it’s for a lesser period of time. Medical studies have shown that taking echinacea shortens the amount of time one has a cold. It’s good to take echinacea at the first signs of illness for a good dose of immune boosting. Continue to take echinacea as directed until the illness has subsided.

Rescue Remedy. This is something I carry with me everywhere in my purse. It’s helpful for situations that are stressful or get you nervous. Whether if it’s because you’ve just had a car accident or are extremely nervous before a job interview, rescue remedy can be taken before or during these events to help calm the nerves. The formula is a combination of different flower essences in homeopathic form. So, it’s safe to take with other medications. There are no side effects when taking this product.

Cayenne capsules . The whole point of a first aid kit is to have things in it that are going be of value in a potentially life threatening situation. Powdered cayenne pepper, contained in capsules or a small baggie, is one of the best things to put on a wound that won’t stop bleeding. Cayenne pepper powder opened onto a wound will help stop bleeding when nothing else will. Yes, it will burn for a little bit, but the pain is worth it in order to stop a potentially life threatening situation.

Ginger capsules or crystallized ginger. This well known anti-nausea herb is most beneficial for any kind of motion sickness or nausea. It’s peppery and spicy flavor denote the great stimulant properties it has on the circulation system. Grate ginger into boiling water to make a tea if you have the chills or the beginnings of a cold, as it will also help boost your body immune system.

Lavender oil. A great standby for almost any kind of ailment. Lavender oil can be applied directly undiluted to the skin and broken skin. It works as an antibacterial, viral, and fungal agent. Mixed into a carrier oil, like almond or olive oil, or put  in a spray bottle mixed with water  and sprayed into the air, lavender’s aroma-therapeutic qualities help to relax and calm the mind in stressful situations. A drop or two on the temples helps relieve headaches. A few drops mixed in bath water help clear the mind and sinuses when there is chest congestion.

Eucalyptus oil. The menthol in the eucalyptus makes this essential oil a must have for any kind of chest or sinus congestion. A few drops in the bath or a steam bowl help open the sinuses and induce easier breathing. Do not place eucalyptus oil directly on skin without diluting it first.

Tea tree oil. Just as versatile as lavender oil, tea tree oil can also be applied directly onto the skin. It works great as an antibacterial, fungal, and viral agent. So, it’s useful to put on skin injuries. It can also be mixed with some water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle to help disinfect household surfaces.

Jewelweed for poison oak or ivy. If you like to go camping or hiking, this is a must have in your travel first aid kit. Jewelweed has an amazing ability to reduce itching and clear up the rash of both poison oak and poison ivy very quickly. It used to be hard to find, but is now widely available at fine grocery and health food stores. I’ve mostly seen this in soap form.

Elderberry. Another great immune boosting herb. The berries made into a syrup are a most excellent cough and cold syrup. It helps clear infections quickly, and it tastes great. The deep purple color shows the high antioxidant properties of elder berries. They help deal with any kind of immune disorder.

Witch Hazel. Distilled from the bark of the tree of the same name, witch hazel is a great first aid skin tonic because it’s versatile, inexpensive, and easy to find. It easily cleans away bacteria and dirt on freshly broken skin. It also works  to soothe sunburns and burns. The texture of skin is improved, making scar tissue less likely to form. It’s a must have for your first aid kit.

Chamomille tea bags. These work well if someone has a rash or inflammation of the skin. Wetting a chamomille tea bag releases the volatile oils in the chamomille that work to reduce inflammation and heal the skin. The tea bag could also be made into actual tea to help with nausea.

Peppermint tea bags. Make peppermint tea at the first sign of a cold/flu and to help ease headaches or nausea. The oils in peppermint help stimulate the circulation and the immune system. Peppermint easy to grow in your garden or in a container inside in full sun. Fresh mint is fantastic!

Clay. I recommend Redmond clay, because you can eat it to treat stomach disorders, as well as to treat skin injuries. Clay is a great thing to have if someone has a deep wound that has shards of glass, embedded dirt, stones, or other foreign objects in it. This kind of wound could potentially get seriously infected, so it needs constant attention. Apply the clay as a poultice, covered in plastic wrap, so that it can work constantly at drawing out the impurities and healing the wound.  Do not let the clay dry before rinsing off. Have some clay premixed in an air tight container, so it is easily accessible.

Chives!

How could I miss their signature spiky green shoots bundled together and peeking through the soil? Or their delicate onion flavor that verified my suspicions?

What a nice surprise to find this plant already up and at ‘em. The weather is still bordering on being winter where I live, so to see chives right now keeps me optimistic that warmer temperatures are right around the corner.

I love chives. I find I favor using chives instead of parsley as my main garnish. They have such a wonderful flavor that complements almost any savory dish.

A couple of my favorite dishes that I like to use chives with are are fettuccine Alfredo (with chives and diced tomatoes), and mashed potatoes (with chives and sour cream). The chives help balance out the fat of the cream and butter in each dish.

Chives are also delicious mixed straight into a tub sour cream. Sour cream and chives have a natural affinity for each other, so the flavor of the chives really comes out mixed into the sour cream. I use it to dollop on baked or roasted potatoes, or to dip french fries, potato chips, and veggies in. Mixing chives into cream cheese is another great way to enjoy them. Spread the chive cream cheese on bagels or make into a cheeseball. The possibilities are endless with this incredibly versatile herb.

As for medicinal uses for chives they are part of the allium family, so they have many of the same properties of onion and garlic. They just act in a slightly weaker way. Meaning they can help mildly with high blood pressure and the circulatory system in general. Chives are very rich in vitamins A and C, though, and have a lot of calcium and iron, so enjoy them in large quanities!

Don’t forget to add this fantastic herb to your shopping list! Or better yet, plant some in your yard or in a planter. Chives are a perennial and will come back every year.

When I had my cold this winter, instead of choosing an over the counter drug intended to suppress the symptoms (which can actually make the illness worse) I chose to use herbs and natural remedies to help my body heal.

The reason is because the symptoms are the cure! It’s not good to suppress the cure!

Runny noses, coughs, and fevers are actually the body’s way of getting rid of the disease. When the body’s temperature raises, microorganisms can no longer survive. Generally, as long as a fever is below 105 it is not dangerous. Coughs help release phlegm and mucous (which catch bacteria and such) and rid it from the body, as does a runny nose.

Getting sick can be healthy sometimes, because it allows our bodies to cleanse themselves and get rid of toxic substances and organisms.

I usually try to take a homeopathic remedy when I first start feeling sick. Depending on if the illness has come on suddenly (usually a flu) or more slowly (a cold), and what symptoms I feel, determines what homeopathic remedy I use. Aconite is great for very acute, sudden illness with a fever, but also coldness. Belladonna is also for sudden illnesses, that is accompanied by hot, red skin, and burning fever. Influenzinum can be used when it is known it is the flu.

Homeopathic Chamomilla is great for calming the nerves during this time.

I also like to start drinking peppermint and nettle tea. They contain high amounts of vitamins and minerals, that my body needs to heal, and they are both mild and refreshing. Chamomile tea is a good idea if you don’t have the homeopathic version.

Squeezing some lemon juice into the tea gives me lots of vitamin C. The hot tea helps soothe my throat. So does adding honey.

I always avoid refined sugars and manmade sugar substitutes like sucralose, aspartame, high fructose corn syrup, etc.. And refined carbohydrates like bread and crackers. Dairy can increase mucous discharge, so that is to be avoided as well.

I love to chop up a few cloves of garlic (which is anti bacterial) and mixing them in olive oil (contains high amounts of vitamin E, an antioxidant) to saute with some steamed broccoli or asparagus when I start feeling sick. Eating vegetables (and fruits, though not together) is important, because I want to give my body the nutrients it needs in order to heal faster.

Taking a hot bath with lavender oil mixed into the water with Epsom salts is another thing I like to do when I start feeling under the weather. The Epsom salts draw out impurities, while lavender helps soothe my mind and body.

Tea tree oil, camphor, or eucalyptus essential oil can be used, especially if I am already sick and my sinuses need opening. Taking a hot shower also helps if I am having the chills.

If I know for sure that I’m not going to be getting better, despite my attempts at fighting off the initial infection, I make a big pot of chicken soup. It’s a great home remedy for colds and the flu for a reason. It’s full of vegetables and protein, healthy stuff that heals. I like to put lots of garlic and fresh parsley as well as some lemon juice, in addition to the onion, carrot, and celery in the soup. They all add more levels of flavor and health benefits. Plus, it’s mostly water, so when you’re eating it, it’s like you’re actually drinking it…in short, it’s hydrating as well as filling!

For a more in depth look at a few herbs that help boos our immune system go here. I talk a little about hyssop, astragalus, goldenseal, and echinacea. They are all recommended when immune strengthening is necessary.

Drinking plenty of fresh water and juices is paramount to healing quickly and easily.

Using a steam facial to help open up the sinuses and to relieve a headache. A few drops of lavender or a citrus oil can be added for more effect.

Also, if I am tired I go to bed, take a nap, or rest my eyes. When I listen to my body and try to catch some zzzs, I get the great benefits of sleep, as it is one of the best healers!

Finally, going outside and getting some fresh air and sunshine is paramount. Even if I really don’t feel good, the sun is always warm and nurturing. The fresh air contains lots of oxygen, the best anti-oxidant there is! Going for a walk in nature to helps recenter myself. I try to focus on feeling better instead of worse.

There’s also something else that’s supposed to help boost your immune system :

It is that time of year after all