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Flu Busters January/2008
When I started thinking about Flu Busters, the usual tips came to mind, wash your hands, get more sleep, keep hydrated, rest...blah, blah, blah...we've all heard it before. BORING!
In this issue of Nourishing News I want to introduce you to some of the most potent remedies from around the world. See if you can find something new and inspiring to add to your medicine chest.
5 Tips For Fending off the Achoo's
Is everyone around you sick or "coming d own with something?"
Trying to stay healthy in the middle of flu season can be risky business, especially when everyone around you is coughing, sniffling or sneezing. On the bus, in the grocery store and at work, those pesky germs can close in on you -- then the casualties begin to mount. Your co-workers start dropping off like flies, and you may
feel like a fugitive on the run from the flu. Don't despair! These age-old, all-natural prescriptions from around the globe will help you find relief.
 Drink Elderberry Juice
A recent study found that those who drank elderberry extract cut their flu time in half!
Flu-Fix Rx: Take 2 tablespoons of Sambucol (a brand
of Black Elderberry extract) daily during the cold and flu season. You can purchase Sambucol at most health food stores.
Add a Little Spice
In Indian, Asian and Caribbean cultures, its common knowledge that spicy soups can stave off the flu. Asian healing treatments often use hot soups containing red pepper, lemongrass and ginger to treat upper respiratory infections. Over in the West Indies and in India, a popular flu fix involves serving a hot broth with a combination of curry, cumin, garlic and lemon, several times a week. Research shows that curry is extremely rich in plant compounds that remove mucus from the lungs and reduce pain and swelling about as fast as any prescribed anti-inflammatory medication.
Flu-Fix Rx: Try any of these hot soup recipes or make your own during flu season. The spicier, the better.
Acupressure's Potent Points
For centuries, Chinese medicine has advocated the use of acupressure as an effective means to treat and prevent many ailments, including the flu. Acupressure is so effective that during flu season in China, many people take time to massage the body's acupressure points that boost increased immune functioning. It's believed that applying pressure to certain energy points can trigger the immune system to produce infection-fighting white blood cells.
Flu-Fix Rx: Gently Massage LI-11 located on the upper edge of the elbow crease. This has been known to relieve immune system weaknesses, fever, and constipation.
LI-4 is located between the thumb and forefinger. This point also boosts the immune system, and alleviates headaches.
Make Tea: Schizandra Infusion
This is one of those herbal superheroes, it does just about everything! Originating in China and Japan, Schizandra is often called the the "five flavor fruit" because of its sweet, salty, bitter, hot and sour taste. It is used to rejuvenate the adrenals, boost energy, reduce achiness, and of course, jumpstart the immune system. You can find Shizandra berries in your local health food store.
Flu-Fix Rx:
2 cups of water
1 tsp. echinacea root
½ tsp. chamomile leaves
½ tsp. shizandra berries
½ tsp. peppermint leaves
Simmer ingredients in a small pot for 10 minutes. Drink!
Meditation Boosts Immunity!
Read the evidence
Meditation is healthy, safe and affordable. In fact it's free!
How To Meditate:
1. Sit or kneel comfortably. If you have stiffness in the hips or low back, sit on a pillow, bolster, or block.
2. Eyes may be closed or open.
3. Breathe in a relaxed and natural way. If your mind wanders (and if you're anything like me-it will!) bring your awareness back to the breath.
4. Continue for 15-30 minutes. Practice daily.
Commit to doing this everyday for one month. You will
be amazed at the benefits.
My sweetie, Gregory, (a budding neuroscientist) has been meditating everyday recently and has been astounded by the benefits. Read about his personal experience. : )
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