Natural Remedies for the Cold and Flu Season

If we were truly living in rhythm with the Earth, we would all be hibernating right now.  Not necessarily in full hibernation like bears, but we would be spending our days at a slower pace, gathered around the wood stove, working on crafts, enjoying a bowl of hot stew simmering on the stove and using last summer's harvest stored in our root cellar.

Spending our winter days at a slower pace while deeply nourishing our body and soul is not an option for most of us.  Instead we are continuing the same work pace and added to that is shoveling snow, bringing in firewood and partaking in holiday cheer.  It can wear on us, weakening our immune system and leaving us susceptible to colds and flu.

So although we may not have the option of hibernating this winter, I thought I'd pass along a few natural remedies that I use to help myself and my family stay healthy.

Cinnamon Bark, cinnamomum verum

 The essential oil of cinnamon bark is a powerful healing agent being an anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and an anti-inflammatory.  It's been used for treating all different kinds of ailments for the past 1700 years and was one of the the first herbal medicines listed in Dioscorides' De Materia Medica, Europe's first official guide to medicines.

The best way to use this oil is to add several drops to a carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond.  I put several drops in one of my salves that I make.  Using the salve or oil to keep your hands soft during the winter months will not just help your skin but it will kill bacteria and other germs on your hands as well.
Warning:  Cinnamon bark essential oil is one of the few oils that should not be put directly onto your skin unless it's been added to a carrier oil or in a salve as mentioned above.  Otherwise, it may cause skin irritation.  It should not be directly inhaled for the same reason.

The other way I use cinnamon is with the spice.  If I feel a cold coming on, I will mix a heaping teaspoon of cinnamon with a tablespoon of plain yogurt.  I'll do this a couple of times during the day and it really helps to keep an oncoming cold at bay.

Lemongrass, cymbopogon flexuosus
The essential oil of lemongrass is another wonderful oil that is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.  Used frequently to treat respiratory and bladder infections, Lemongrass has been found to be highly effective in killing bacteria found in MRSA Staph infections.

MRSA originated in hospitals, making it highly resistant to standard antibiotics.  It has now been found outside of hospitals and has proven to be quite fatal.  I encourage you to read the following article, written by David Stewart, PHD on his findings with the effectiveness of essential oils for treating bacterial infections, particularly MRSA.  Essential Oils and MRSA Staph Infections, Part 2.

I use lemongrass essential oil the same way that I use cinnamon.  I add it to my oils and salves that I use through out the winter.  I particularly use the essential oil of lemongrass in a salve that I regularly apply to my youngest son's feet.  He has severe scoliosis and is therefor susceptible to pneumonia.  Using essential oils in the form of salves or body oils and massaged into the soles of the feet is a highly effective way to strengthen your immune system and fight germs.  The soles of our feet have many points that correspond with all the systems of the body, and using essential oils on the different points creates an electrical charge that helps to clear blocks both physically and emotionally.

I also use homeopathic remedies and although remedies are selected based on the individual's constitution and the characteristics of the illness, there are a few that I always have on hand.  If you have children, you may especially have seen the following types of symptoms.

Fever
Bright red, flushed face and glassy eyes with red lips signifies Belladonna.
Red, circular patch on the cheek, particularly the left side, signifies Ferrum Phosphorous.

Cold
Clear, watery mucous, and tearing eyes signifies Alium Cepa.
Thick, yellow/green mucous, non-burning, fearful mental state signifies Pulsatilla
Lethargic with body feeling very heavy signifies Gelsemium

Sore Throat
Swollen, sore and with pus filled spots on the tonsils signifies Mercurius.
Burning sensation combined with chilliness, thirst and fatigue signifies Arsenicum.
Beginning stages, tongue with red dots like a strawberry signifies Belladonna.

I also integrate many plants high in antioxidants and vitamin C into foods that my family eats.  Elderberry syrup poured over pancakes, mixed in plain yogurt or added to a cup of tea is a great way to increase your vitamin C intake.  Autumn Olive berries are higher in antioxidants than pomegranate and makes a delicious rose colored jam.  Echinacea root boiled in maple syrup is sweet tasting and generally well liked by children.  We also will freeze the root and take bits of it to chew on when we're feeling ill. 

Along with the many wonderful natural medicines available to us, nothing beats nutritious meals, plenty of rest and relaxation to stay healthy during the cold winter months!