Quick ideas so you can look after you ~ when everyone is sick!

Everyone around you getting sick? It's not too late to: Look after you. Ideally you have an immune supportive herbal remedy that you have been taking on and off since the autumn...but regardless -- if you start to have "that feeling"... When every second person at work is sniffling or sneezing, I reach for my own arsenal of remedies in my herbal medicine chest!

LOOK after YOU!

Here's a quick plan:

Keep your hands off your face. Wash your hands often.

If there's ANY way to get some rest -- DO IT!
Time spent under the covers now--will speed your recovery and stop you from spreading your 'virus' to others!!!

How you are feeling now? ~  sore throat, cough, aches.... Look after you!

Here are a few  'go to' ideas:

Immediately after symptoms start,

Echinacea tincture* 5 mL (1 tsp) every 20 minutes at onset of symptoms for the entire day
and then 1 teaspoon every hour while awake until 2 - 3 days after symptoms are gone.
(or an immune boosting formula for acute symptoms. I have written about that here.)

Honey-Lemon-Garlic - The most basic of basic! Boil some water. Add the water to a mug which contains 1-2 teaspoon Honey, 1-2 teaspoon lemon juice and a crushed or chopped clove of garlic. Stir. Drink while still warm.

Sip a warm tea throughout the day -- all day. It can be your own tisane made from herbs from the garden or a good COLD CARE tea from a company like "Traditonal Medicinals". They make a 'cold care sampler' which offers 4-5 different teas with a focus on your symptoms. Many of my clients have opted for this little treasure...as it''s easy and ready to make and quick! I take these teas with me when I'm on the go. It's a great idea. Here's my affiliate Amazon link  for this 'cold care sampler' if you want to pop over and check it out:

Traditional Medicinals Tea Cold Season Sample

Ginger root sliced into coins and added to a cup. Top with boiled water. Steep for 10 minutes. More here.

If there's a fever or flu-like symptoms are present ~ look after you ~ and try this combination:

Elderberry-Yarrow-Mint infusion - as a tea, 3-4 cups every day until 2 days after symptoms are gone. (excellent in case of flu, fevers) This is a classic recipe.

Also-- there's nothing like Elderberry Syrup for the flu--
Elderberry syrup: Take 1-2 teaspoons every hour (or as directed) Make your own or if you don't have this  on-hand, buy from your local herbalist or from your local Health Food store. It's popular. Ask for it.

If you feel like you've been run over by a MAC truck, look for something with Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), which helps to reduce fevers AND can soothe that dreadful deep ache.
I include it in my own blend of herbs added to my Elderberry FLU Fighting concoction every autumn.

Sore throat?? My all time favourite ~ yes ma'am that silvery green velvety Sage from the garden!
Sage tea is a proven remedy for both sore, raspy, hoarse throats ~ whether at the onset of a cold or flu or otherwise.. Sage tea is a wonderful remedy for opera singers, teachers or opera singers ~anyone who uses their voice a lot and needs a healthy throat; but that's another story. For more info re HOW TO make sage herbal infusion, click here.

No sage? try thyme, prepared the same way. No herbs handy? This can work:  Sea Salt Gargle
1 cup water
½ teaspoon Sea Salt
Boil water. Pour into a mug. Stir in the sea salt.
When it's cool enough to handle,  gargle with for a few minutes  every  hour to relieve that sore throat.

 

Zinc 20-40 mg/day as your tummy  tolerates; Zinc losenges can both soothe a sore throat and boost immunity.
Nature's Way Organic Lozenge, Elderberry Zinc, 24 lozenges, 2 Count.

Vitamin D3  4000 units/day  Exciting research indicates that good quality Vit D3 has excellent capabilities to shorten duration and severity of flu symptoms. I take the D-Drops and take 10,000 IU when 'fighting' a virus.
Here's one from Carlson Labs. There are kid's versions too. Definitely a wonderful proven supplement.
Carlson Labs Super Daily D3 2000IU Supplement, 10.3 ml 0.35 Fluid Ounce

I am sharing what I do.. This is not to replace a doctor's advice, as always---sharing from herbalist's perspective. Ideas for your consideration! 

-- Are you a mom? Look  after yourself ! This is even more important  for the moms who have to have the energy to care for the wee ones.. By the way --> Use ½ doses for kids 2-12 years old.

I've written 2 eBooks for Winter Wellness ~ Easy. Step-by-Step recipes!  

  Thank you for your support ~ The proceeds from these eBooks 'sales' goes towards the costs of maintaining the Studio Botanica website.

                                            Here's to your good health ~  Carol