Colds, viruses, and flu are especially easy to catch in winter. If you get sick, what can you do to shorten the process? There are certain things that actually make a difference, here we give you our seven best tips.
1. Clean food
During an illness, clean food is more important than ever to support the body's process. The body is out on the battlefield and "fighting" against the virus. We can give it ammunition such as vegetables in all colors and forms, sprouts, algae, berries, fruit, fermented vegetables, herbs, and spices. If you eat less or just want to have fruit for several days, you're helping your body focus on eliminating what shouldn't be there; it's not dangerous to have a reduced appetite for a week or two when the body is working hard.
Indulge in spices with antiviral properties such as garlic, thyme, sage, oregano, rosemary, and horseradish.
Drink lemon water, with ginger if you prefer.
Eat honey, preferably in tea or by the spoonful with freshly squeezed lemon juice. We only offer cold-stirred honey that hasn't been heated, which is absolutely the best option.
Make or ask someone to make you a soup.
Equally important is avoiding sugar and processed foods.
2. Plenty of fluids
Make sure to consume plenty of fluids, which is especially important when you have a fever. Choose pure water with or without lemon or lime, herbal teas, green tea and chaga tea. There are numerous herbal teas with different properties. Herbal teas like peppermint, elderberry, thyme, ginger, eucalyptus, and cinnamon are particularly beneficial for colds.
3. Rest and Sleep
The body needs extra rest and sleep to have enough energy to kill viruses and bacteria. So if you have a fever, you need to rest a lot. A wet, cold towel can help you relax when you have a fever. Make sure you wear breathable clothes and preferably wool socks.
4. Air out your home
Air out your home and let in fresh air every day, especially in the bedroom. If possible, it can be nice to put your pillows outside in the cold for a while; particularly if you have a fever, it's soothing to have a cool pillow.
5. Fresh air
When you feel well enough to take a short walk, do so - fresh air strengthens our lungs. Spend some time in nature if you can and take deep breaths.
6. High-quality supplements
Supplements and herbs that support during colds, flu, and viral infections:
Oregano oil or Olive Leaf Extract – 2 fantastic herbs that support the body during illness or when needed throughout the year.
Garlic – as we all now know, garlic is rich in allicin.
Propolis – the bees' own "antibiotic" that defends them against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Elderberry – supports the body during colds as it contains a substance that blocks the virus's entry into cells.
Vitamin D – during ongoing illness, you can take 2500-5000 IU per day depending on how sick you are.
Zinc – Zinc is an important mineral with antioxidant properties that needs to be replenished during viral illness. If you've had COVID and lost your sense of taste, take zinc.
We also have several supplements with both vitamin D, zinc, and other ingredients in one tablet. One from Garden of Life that also contains Quercetin and consists of small tablets for those who find capsules difficult to swallow. And one from Enzymedica with vitamin D, zinc & elderberry plus vitamin C.
Vitamin C in the form of supplements or as berries. Camu Camu is fantastic. During ongoing illness, you can take 1000 mg of vitamin C up to four to six times per day. Very important during viral illness.
Probiotics. A happy gut plays a crucial role in well-being and supports the immune system during illness.
7. Use essential oils
If you're suffering from a stuffy nose or cough, you can inhale essential oils in a steam bath. This is a time-tested home remedy that works.
Add a few drops of essential oil to boiled water in a pot, adding them just as the water has finished boiling.
Inhale the steam under a towel.
3**. NOTE** It's important to keep your eyes closed the entire time as it will otherwise sting severely. Essential oils suitable for this are peppermint or eucalyptus.
You can also use essential oils in an aroma lamp, diffuser, or in a humidifier like Humio in your bedroom. This helps freshen the air and support breathing. Most essential oils work well here, depending on what you desire.
Lavender provides relaxation and calm.
Eucalyptus opens airways.
Peppermint relieves headaches and helps with colds.
Rosemary purifies the air and enhances concentration.
Cedar reduces stress.
We wish you a wonderful, healthy winter! Feel free to comment if you have more tips or questions.
