First things first – this is not the zombie apocalypse. We are not all doomed. Yes, people are getting sick, and unfortunately some elderly and already unwell folks have passed away.  But this is not a plague. As it stands, the recovery rate is 97%. If you are relatively healthy and do not have a compromised immune system, you’ll likely be fine.

Try not to stress out about it. Honestly, stress lowers your immune response and makes it more likely that you’ll get sick.  Instead, help your body by doing everything in your power to boost your immune system.

Eat healthy!  Get plenty of fruits and veggies. A healthy gut equals a stronger immune system. Cook at home. Use a grocery delivery service if you need to.  Onions and garlic are amazing for the immune system and preventing illness. Warming herbs are also fantastic! Think cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and cayenne. Richly colored fruits and veggies will also load you up with antioxidants, which are super important for keeping you healthy.  It’s the perfect time to try something new! See my blog on the Standard American Diet for more information about healthy options.

Get plenty of rest.  Go to bed 30-60 minutes earlier than usual to give your body extra time to repair and rebuild.  Have trouble sleeping? There are plenty of herbs and minerals that can help!  Soothing herbs like chamomile, lavender, and skullcap. And minerals such as magnesium and zinc.  See my blog on Sleep for more details.

Exercise!  Not only will you sweat out toxins, exercising helps release bacteria from the lungs making it less likely that you’ll get a cold or flu.  It also causes the body to make less stress hormones, leaving us feeling happier and more relaxed.  Bonus – people who exercise regularly usually sleep better at night.

Wash your hands often and for longer than you think you need to. Use this time to sing a song or tell yourself how amazing you are.  Hand sanitizer is fine when you can’t wash your hands, but it is no substitute for regular hand washing. No need for anti-bacterial soaps…the flu is a virus, not a bacteria. Let the good bacteria live!  That goes for your gut too – antibiotics will kill off all the good bacteria that help you fight the bad viruses. So unless you absolutely have to take them, don’t.

Herbal support for the immune system:

Fire Cider

With a base of Apple Cider Vinegar, which is full of probiotics that help maintain healthy gut flora, fire cider boosts immunity, stimulates digestion, and reduces inflammation. Onion, garlic, ginger, lemon, and horseradish boost the immune system, while turmeric and cayenne help reduce inflammation.  Thanks in part to cinnamon, rosemary, and lemon, people often notice improved energy as well.  It’s a super easy way to boost immune function.

 

Elderberry-Astragalus Syrup

Astragalus is one of my all time favorite herbs! A very popular tonic in Chinese medicine, it is used for increasing stamina and endurance, and improving resistance to the cold. It also helps the body heal from viral infections. Most of us have heard of elderberry, which is an immune stimulant useful for cold and flu prevention and chronic congestion.  It is also anti-inflammatory & rich in vitamin C. Also included in this syrup are warming and nourishing herbs like cinnamon, ginger, and hibiscus.

And if all else fails and you do get sick, remember – rest, hydrate, and nourish.  And take your herbs!

 

Elderberry Syrup – Cold and Flu Formula

Along with Elderberry, this syrup contains additional herbs like echinacea to boost the immune system, yarrow flowers to lower fever, and cloves to soothe coughing and sore throat.

I have plenty of tea and Fire Cider on hand and have been making the Elderberry syrups weekly, so message me for details if you’re local (Jacksonville, FL).

In the meantime, stay healthy and go live your life!

 

 

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.