Colds, viruses, and flu are extra 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 are our seven best tips.
1. Clean Food
During illness, clean food is more important than ever to support your body's process. Your body is out on the battlefield "fighting" against the virus.
Then we can give it ammunition like vegetables in all colors and forms, sprouts, algae, berries, fruit, fermented vegetables, herbs, and spices.
If you eat less or only want fruit for several days, you're helping your body focus on eliminating what shouldn't be there - it's no danger to have less appetite for a week or two when your body is working hard.
Indulge in spices with antiviral properties like garlic, thyme, sage, oregano, rosemary, and horseradish.
Drink lemon water, with ginger if you like.
Eat honey, preferably in tea or on a spoon together with freshly squeezed lemon juice. We only offer cold-pressed honey that hasn't been heated - that's absolutely the best.
Make or ask someone to make a soup.
Equally important is avoiding sugar and processed food.
2. Plenty of Fluids
Make sure to get plenty of fluids - this 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 tons of herbal teas with different properties. Herbal teas like peppermint, elderberry, thyme, ginger, eucalyptus, and cinnamon are especially beneficial for colds.
3. Rest and Sleep
Your 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.
With fever, a wet and cold towel can help you relax. Make sure you have breathable clothes and preferably wear wool socks.
4. Ventilate Your Home
Ventilate your home and get fresh air every day, especially in the bedroom.
If you have the opportunity, it can be nice to put your pillows outside in the cold for a while - especially if you have a fever, it's pleasant to have a cool pillow.
5. Fresh Air
When you feel well enough to take a short walk, do it - fresh air strengthens our lungs.
Walk for a while in nature if you have the opportunity and take deep breaths.
6. High-Quality Supplements
Supplements and herbs that support during colds, flu, and viruses:
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 bee's 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 path into the cell.
Vitamin D – during ongoing illness, you can take 2500-5000 IU per day depending on how sick you are.
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 some 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.
Lactic acid bacteria (probiotics). A happy stomach plays a crucial role in well-being and supports the immune system during illness.
7. Use Essential Oils
If you suffer from nasal congestion or cough, you can inhale essential oils in a cold steam bath. This is an old proven home remedy that works.
Add a few drops of essential oil to boiled water in a pot - they should be dropped in when the water has just been boiled.
Inhale the vapors under a towel.
3**. NOTE** It's important to keep your eyes closed the entire time as it otherwise stings severely.
Essential oils that work well for this are peppermint or eucalyptus.
You can also use essential oils in an aroma lamp, diffuser, or in a humidifier like Humio in the bedroom. This helps freshen the air and support breathing.
Here, most essential oils work depending on what you desire.
Lavender provides relaxation and calm.
Eucalyptus opens the airways.
This herb relieves headaches and provides relief during colds.
Rosemary purifies the air and strengthens concentration.
Cedar oil reduces stress.
We wish you a wonderful, healthy winter! Feel free to comment if you have more tips or questions.
