So now you are sick! What do you do now? There is no cure for a cold or flu. Suppressive medications, e.g. decongestants, will allow you to ignore your cold/flu for a short period of time, but in the long run you will likely only increase the duration and intensity of your cold/flu!
Learn more about the effect suppressive medications have on your body.
Things I have learned about recovering from a cold/flu:
1. Do all 5 things suggested in Cold & Flu Season - Part 1 Prevention.
2. The best defence is offence - Flush Your Sinuses
Gargling and using a netti pot literally kill and wash away the pathogens that are attacking your system while soothing your irritated mucus membranes. At the onset of any symptoms gargle and use a netti pot. Gargle deeply once every 3 hours for at least 60 seconds, continue to gargle for at least 1 day after you feel better. Follow your netti pot instructions.
Tip: If I am on-the-go (aka not following my own advice and resting) I will mix up a large batch of the salt & vinegar to take with me and use throughout the day.
Learn more about the effect suppressive medications have on your body.
Things I have learned about recovering from a cold/flu:
1. Do all 5 things suggested in Cold & Flu Season - Part 1 Prevention.
2. The best defence is offence - Flush Your Sinuses
Gargling and using a netti pot literally kill and wash away the pathogens that are attacking your system while soothing your irritated mucus membranes. At the onset of any symptoms gargle and use a netti pot. Gargle deeply once every 3 hours for at least 60 seconds, continue to gargle for at least 1 day after you feel better. Follow your netti pot instructions.
- Gargle recipe: 15-30ml (1-2 tbsp) real apple cider vinegar (optional), 250ml (1c) of warm water & 2-5ml (½-1 tsp) salt.
Tip: If I am on-the-go (aka not following my own advice and resting) I will mix up a large batch of the salt & vinegar to take with me and use throughout the day.
3. Boost your immune system.
For my patients that are taking a regular dose of homeopathic medicine I recommend taking an extra dose or 2 at the onset of any acute illness. Often this extra support is all that is required to stop a cold/flu in its tracks. Check with your homeopath.
In the first 24-48 hours of the onset of a cold/flu try taking 3 doses (2 pellets) at 4 hour intervals of either:
Oscillococcinum (Anas barbariae): effective in treating the first stages (first 48 hours) of influenza (fever, chills, body aches & pains, etc.)
or
Aconite – great for acute illness with sudden onset, especially after a shock or exposure; symptoms include: excitement, anxiety & fear, restless, and burning heat with a flushed face.
In addition, increase your intake of probiotics. A healthy digestive tract will improve the function of immune system and allow you to better metabolize much needed nutrients. Great sources of probiotics include: active culture yogurt; kefir; naturally fermented foods - kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles, etc; and, kombucha.
4. Drink herbal teas sweetened with unpasteurized buckwheat honey.
Buckwheat honey will help fight infections, sooth your mucus membranes and relieve coughs. Herbal teas are a great way to get your fluids while loading your system with antioxidants and vitamins. Consider drinking the following teas:
If you are doing all of the of the above and not feeling significantly better within 1-2 days or if your symptoms are getting worse get homeopathic support. Contact me or see Cold & Flu Season – Part 3 Homeopathic Support.
For my patients that are taking a regular dose of homeopathic medicine I recommend taking an extra dose or 2 at the onset of any acute illness. Often this extra support is all that is required to stop a cold/flu in its tracks. Check with your homeopath.
In the first 24-48 hours of the onset of a cold/flu try taking 3 doses (2 pellets) at 4 hour intervals of either:
Oscillococcinum (Anas barbariae): effective in treating the first stages (first 48 hours) of influenza (fever, chills, body aches & pains, etc.)
or
Aconite – great for acute illness with sudden onset, especially after a shock or exposure; symptoms include: excitement, anxiety & fear, restless, and burning heat with a flushed face.
In addition, increase your intake of probiotics. A healthy digestive tract will improve the function of immune system and allow you to better metabolize much needed nutrients. Great sources of probiotics include: active culture yogurt; kefir; naturally fermented foods - kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles, etc; and, kombucha.
4. Drink herbal teas sweetened with unpasteurized buckwheat honey.
Buckwheat honey will help fight infections, sooth your mucus membranes and relieve coughs. Herbal teas are a great way to get your fluids while loading your system with antioxidants and vitamins. Consider drinking the following teas:
- Astragalus - contains antioxidants and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
- Echinacea - has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
- Elderberry - has bioflavonoids and proteins in the juice destroy the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect cells
- Ginger - is loaded with antioxidants and is an anti-inflammatory
- Ginseng - is rich in B vitamins and antioxidants
- Peppermint - is an effective expectorant & decongestant as well as being soothing for sore throats
- Lavender - has antibacterial and antiviral properties
- Licorice (glycyrrhiza) - is a demulcent (coats & soothes) and an expectorant
- Lemon balm - is an antiviral and an antihistamine
- Rosehip - is rich in vitamin C, beta carotene and other antioxidants…and is delicious
If you are doing all of the of the above and not feeling significantly better within 1-2 days or if your symptoms are getting worse get homeopathic support. Contact me or see Cold & Flu Season – Part 3 Homeopathic Support.
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