Holistic Guide to Cold and Flu

Leah Winter  Holistic Guide to Cold and Flu Leah WinterHello, everyone!  We are in the middle of winter here in Ohio, in the Midwest of The United States and it is cold!  In the past couple of weeks it seems like many my friends, their kids and their spouses have been getting sick.  Really sick, like “call in sick from work or go to the hospital” sick.

I got some treats in the mail recently and, during a weak moment, I went on a bit of a sugar binge. I preach the ills of sugar, and here I go, succumbing to the thing that causes me a lot of issues.  I think I had a weak moment because I was already a bit depleted from holiday stress, and then I came down with a rare cold.  Boo!

I have been using this fever protocol for a while now, mostly for my little one, but also for me and my husband.  I used the entire protocol for myself for this recent illness, and I feel like I really bounced back!

Symptom-reducing medication for things like coughs and fevers, should really only be used in extreme situations or if the person needs to sleep.  These symptoms are actually helpful to your body to get rid of the germs that are making you feel miserable.  By suppressing the detoxifying effects of fever and cough, the illness can be prolonged and made more severe.

The protocol is a mixture of comforting the person who is sick, while supporting the body in fighting off the illness.  This greatly reduces the duration and severity of illness.  Last year the flu came knocking at our door, and by following this protocol, it was in and out of the house, affecting all three of us, but for only 10 hours!Don't let Cold and Flu Season get You Down  Holistic Guide to Cold and Flu natural flu remedies

First, don’t get sick:

At the first sign of illness:

If illness persists to the point of fever:

  • Keep the person quiet (no rough play, errands, etc.)
  • Keep the person hydrated (broth, Smooth Water, Sweet and Salty OJ Spritzer, mineral water, medicinal teas such as Gypsy Cold Care)
  • Keep the person warm (stay in bed, with socks and covers on)
  • No tv/screen time (your brain needs this capacity for healing), books ok
  • Homeopathics as symptoms warrant (for example: for vomiting take Nux Vomica 30c, for body aches Arnica Montana 30c)
  • If the person can eat, clear brothy soups such as chicken soup
  • Grave Robbers/Thieves Oil (clove-based essential oil blend) on the bottoms of the feet, and then socks over them
  • Enlist the power of prayer.  Visualize yourself on a healing table with the violet light of healing surrounding you.  Call in healing angels.

No Fever, but the illness progresses:

  • Continue to support your immune system by doing everything in “The First Signs of Illness”
  • Whatever you do, don’t go around saying, “I’m sick” or “I have a cold.”  If asked how you are doing simply state with all integrity, “I’m feeling a little under the weather, but I’m sure I’ll be fine soon.”

If the person must get some sleep and symptoms are keeping them awake:

  • Chestal Homeopathic for coughing
  • Tepid or very hot bath to reduce fever enough to allow sleep (Add 1 cup sea salt and 1 cup baking soda plus a few drops of the essential oil of your choice, such as lavender, to make it detoxifying and relaxing.)

If you are new to homeopathic remedies I suggest the book Homeopathic Self Care:  The Quick and Easy Guide for the Whole Family by Robert Ullman, ND and Judyth Reichenburg-Ullman, ND.  Symptoms and illnesses are listed alphabetically, so one can quickly look up their issue and then specific remedies are recommended.  Although homeopathic remedies do not induce sleepiness, sometimes that is a result of using them, due to your body’s healing response.  Do not ingest anything within 10 minutes of taking homeopathic remedies, especially coffee or use anything with mint, menthol or eucalyptus.

It is a good idea to stock up on supplies of broth and soup before winter.  I make about a gallon of chicken soup and freeze in 1 quart and 1 pint containers.  I make chicken broth on an ongoing basis.

It is my sincere hope that this list of recommendations and resources serves you and your family during this cold and flu season.

Yours in joyful health,

Leah