PREVENTING AN AUTUMN COLD, HOLISTICALLY

We're heading from Autumn to colder months here in New England, so I'm sharing a few tips that I follow to prevent getting a cold or if I'm starting to feel run-down.

I've updated my Amazon Storefront and added most of the products listed in this post, check it out here.

OIL OF OREGANO

This is the most powerful immune-boosting medicine I know. I currently use an oil blend tincture from the brand Now Foods.

The Benefits:

Oil of Oregano has strong antioxidant properties that researchers have noted to help with cold and flu symptoms such as treating fevers, respiratory symptoms, body aches, & more.

How to Use:

*Important! Discuss this supplement with your primary healthcare provider before consuming - it is generally safe to use, but it can have some side effects.

If you are using the essential oil form, remember to never ingest essential oils. Instead you can:

- add a few drops to a steam diffuser or bowl of hot water, and carefully breathe in the steam to clear congestion and experience the aromatherapy benefits.

- apply to your skin after adding 5 drops to a carrier oil, such as coconut oil.

If you are using the oil tincture form, which is an extract + essential oil blend formulated to take orally - follow the instructions on the bottle / per your healthcare provider.

SLEEP

Sleep isn't talked about enough. I truly believe that when we allow the body enough rest, it is so effective (and simple) to keep our immune system strong. It's also key for mental health, too.

The Benefits:

One of the best ways to help your body heal is to sleep off a cold. When a healthy person is well-rested, their immune system is able to fight off diseases like colds and flus more effectively than if they were sleep-deprived.

How to Use:

While lying down for the night or taking a nap can make mucus build up in your throat, leading to coughing and restless nights. . . it can be beneficial to stack your pillows to elevate your head slightly; this can help minimize mucus accumulating in your throat. A humidifier can help by adding moisture to the air so you can breathe better. I've also experimented with essential oils like peppermint oil with coconut oil massaged into the chest, for similar effects of vapor rub, but obviously cleaner ingredients!

FRUITS & VEGGIES

Supplements are great, but you can get so many vitamins and minerals from good old fresh fruits and veggies. The more variety in color, the better!

The Benefits:

It's all about eating the right foods to help your body heal, recover more quickly, or stay hydrated during this time. Fruits and veggies are nutrient-dense making them a great option - specifically let's look at bananas. Bananas are bland but rich in nutrients and fast-acting carbohydrates. The potassium can help replenish your electrolytes; it's also a soluble fiber, so it can help reverse diarrhea by reducing the amount of free water in your digestive tract.

How to Use:

- Add warmed fruits to things like oatmeal or yogurt bowls.

- Top fresh fruit on toast.

- Make a nourish bowl - warm, roasted veggies with rice or grain of choice.

- Make a warm broth-based soup, with lots of veggies.

- Blend together a delicious smoothie with fruits, greens, and more.

TEA & WARMING DRINKS

There's nothing more comforting than tea or a warm drink when it's cold out and you're feeling under-the-weather, do you agree? Warm drinks are helpful for digestion and staying hydrated. I like herbal teas from the brand Traditional Medicinals. Ginger, Chamomile, Licorice, Roasted Dandelion, and more. Other warm drinks like lattes, I like Matcha or an Earl Grey (London Fog) latte if I'm okay with a little caffeine. Lemon water is always amazing, as well as bone broth or homemade broth-based soups are especially healing for the mind and body.

The Benefits:

Many herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, and ginger have properties that may help you relax, breathe easier, or fight infections. Make sure you're consuming Organic tea.

How to Use:

A warm steamy drink before bed may help soothe a sore throat, while the steam may loosen up your congestion. Otherwise, drink warm drinks as well as plenty of water throughout feeling low, to ensure you are staying hydrated.

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I've updated my Amazon Storefront and added most of the products listed in this post, check it out here.

Sources: healthline.com; traditionalmedicinals.com; nonfoods.com