27/12/2023
β¨ Defence Mode: Activate! β¨
It's prime time for those pesky unseen threats to launch their invasions of our sinuses and chests. We just want the symptoms to begone so we can get on with our lives - as someone who struggles to relax, being ill just annoys me to my core. So I have to stay home (fine, excellent even), but I'm too stuffed up and achey to actually do anything fun or productive (not fine, nor excellent)?? Get me out of this purgatory asap.
Thing is, all over-the-counter cold & flu meds really do is lower your body temperature and temporarily ease those aches, so we're tricked into thinking our ills are being defeated and we can crack on with our usual schedules. Psych!! We need that fever and rest, as uncomfortable as it can be to ride it out. A fever is our body's way of creating a hostile environment for the invaders, so dampening that down just prolongs the amount of time they hang about giving us grief.
Instead, the best strategy to shorten a bout of cold or flu is to work with your body and boost its natural defences, so you can be genuinely better sooner and hopefully not develop any annoying complications (as much as we love lingering coughs, burning sinuses and wheezy chests).
Here are some tried and tested home pharmacy tips, that might even be delicious (??) and connect you with what your amazing body is doing in its battle with the bugs! π¦
β¨ Regulate your temperature gently with a cold damp towel on your forehead (backs of your knees is also nice)
β¨ Drink plenty of fluids, either as plain water (maybe with a pinch of salt) or helpful herbal teas (more on this in a minute). Sweating is healthy, but don't overheat as it can make you dehydrated and more tired π«
β¨ Eat as much fresh fruit & veg as you can stomach, especially citrus fruits, red veggies and greens ππ«π₯¦
β¨ Conserve your energy - yes, this means genuinely resting and fighting off any feelings of guilt that you aren't being 'productive'. Helping yourself get back to full health via the path of least resistance is the most productive thing you could be doing!
β¨ Onto the helpful herbs! If you have any of these to hand, or can get some for the future, you can build yourself a tea (or find one in a good health shop) that promotes healthy sweating and circulation, supports your immune system, soothes your mucous membranes and helps destroy the invaders: elderflower, echinacea, yarrow, thyme, ginger, liquorice and marshmallow leaf are all wonderful
β¨ For something really simple, the classic hot lemon and honey combo every hour or so is great! The heat helps your body temperature regulate, lemon (fresh) contains Vitamin C and helps cleanse your lymphatic system (which works closely with the immune system), and honey has strong antibacterial properties ππ§
β¨ Elderberry syrup - whether bought or made - has been demonstrated to reduce flu duration and symptoms. Plus it tastes so gooood π« Echinacea tincture or tablets are easy to get hold of too, and are well known to have a similar effect!
β¨ Feeling chesty? In a pan, mix a teaspoon of grated ginger, a minced garlic clove or two, half a teaspoon of thyme, a pinch of chilli powder, juice of half a lemon, a teaspoon of honey and a bit of water and heat until just simmering. Strain off the solids and drink the liquid - I personally love the aromatic spiciness - that should get things moving! π«π§ππΆ
β¨ Sore throat? Make a tea with peppermint, sage and honey, deeply breathe in the vapours then gargle to your heart's content (and swallow). Thyme and honey is also wonderful for this, both antimicrobial and great at soothing coughs
β¨ Stuffy nose? If you have essential oils of thyme, eucalyptus, tea tree or peppermint to hand, add just a few drops to a bowl of boiled water and put a towel over your head above the bowl (not so close you burn ya face). Breathe in deeply through your nose for about 30 seconds, then take a break and repeat as many times as you like. You could also do this with a strong peppermint or thyme tea! π«
β¨ Painful sinuses? Avoid the strong aromatics above, and take a more gentle approach to soothe those inflamed membranes. Make a chamomile (and/or calendula) tea and deeply inhale the vapours, and drink afterwards. You can also give yourself a gentle sinus massage, including wiggling your ears around - looks funny and may help reduce some pressure πΌ
β¨ Got some tiger balm? This potent herbal mix can be really effective at reducing congestion when rubbed on your chest and upper back! As long as your sinuses aren't painful, you can massage a little bit of white tiger balm around your nose and forehead (keep away from your eyes, or you'll know about it) to open them up π―
β¨ Persistent cough? Always see a doctor if you have a cough lasting more than a couple of weeks, but you can also support and clear your throat and lungs with teas of mullein, plantain and thyme.
I hope some of these tips are helpful, either now or in the future! The key is to keep some stock of helpful herbs, spices and natural remedies at home so you can easily reach for them in a pinch.
There's also no issue with reaching for a painkiller if you can't shake that pounding headache - whatever helps you get through it and out the other side, hopefully feeling glowing and refreshed! π
