Jan 2020

Now that it’s January and we are in the thick of cold and flu season, let’s talk about a few ways to bolster our immune system so that we can keep up with our daily routine, whatever that may look like for you. The flu season extends from November to April so we have months to work on this. Once we get sick, it’s not just the week of a cold or flu. Secondary infections can set in: sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, or a lingering cough, and all can take several weeks or a month to overcome.

Nip symptoms in the bud (I love the gardening analogy in the depth of winter) as they first appear. When I notice sniffles, I start my cold and flu first aid action items: facial steam, neti pot, eucalyptus oil on a cotton ball next to my pillow at night, Epsom salt bath with lavender oil, start echinacea, vitamin C and zinc, and gargle with warm, salty water. Elderberry syrup in tea bestows the berry’s antioxidant benefits and offers its...