From Grandma's Desk:
I have found the most effective way to deal with the flu is to strengthen the immune system, as I stated in my previous blog. Today I would like to talk about using aromatherapy in the classroom, office, and at home to prevent the spread of the flu virus.
First,I want to tell you a little story: During the "Dark Ages" when the witches and healers had been threatened or killed and most were in hiding the plague broke out. There are a lot of guesses on why during the witch hunt this plague was so virulent, but most herbalist and witches will tell you that the ancient ways of healing had been suppressed by the medical and clergy of the time, condemning healers and hanging or burning them as witches. Many of these healers had to hide or be imprisoned. The other thing that happened was they killed the cat population, because most witches (healers) had cats. The cats which killed the rats, the rats carried the fleas that were infected with the plague, so when there were very few cats to keep the rats in check the plague spread rapidly from port to port, mostly via sailing ships. Then you have no healers with knowledge of how to use herbs to stem the tide of the plague. In the midst of this death and dying there were bands of robbers going place to place robbing the dead and dying without consequence of catching the plague. When someone finally thought to ask them how they were preventing exposure to the disease. They were more than happy to divulge their secret "Thieve's Oil" which they applied to their mustaches. I imagine they may have worn a bandannas across their nose and mouth with the oil to prevent illness, and keep the smell of the black death at bay. So I use a Thieve's Oil in my diffuser to prevent germs and viruses from invading our home.
Thieves Blend: equal parts lemon, cloves, cinnamon, rosemary, and eucalyptus (these are easily found and not very expensive essential oils) I use 4-6 drops in the diffuser during the day or at the office I work at. These are powerful oils and should not be directly applied to the skin.
You can also put a dab of this on a tissue or handkerchief and keep it handy in case someone sneezes or you are in a public place without a diffuser.
Now if you still get the flu or a cold and need something to help you get through it quickly or you have an infected family member try using a blend for the respiratory system. It is very similar the the Thieves Oil but with a few added oils to help open bronchial and clear sinuses.
Breathing Blend: Eucalyptus, lemon, lavender, Rosemary, Cinnamon, Thyme, Tea tree, cedar, and ravinsara. These essential oils are blended using several drops (4-8) in your diffuser. This also is a great snore remedy. It helps open the sinuses and bronchials.
You can also order a blended oil by calling me at 406-626-4056 at Grandma's Farmacie. It is a wonderful alternative to antibiotics and nyquil. If you want more information about essential oils please call and I am always happy to help you find what will serve you best.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Flu Season and Some simple remedies
From Grandma's Desk:
The news today stated that it is the worst flu season in history and hospitals are turning patients away. So what should you do to prevent flu or boost your immune system? I have a few ideas but first I want to talk about "flu shots". Are they worth it, do they work, and what to expect from a flu shot. First let me say that I do not get the "flu shots" even though as a nurse I often work with a highly contagious population I feel it is important to build your immune system. I rarely get sick and when I do I take time off and let myself get healthy again. I use home remedies and essential alchemy to build my immune system and decrease my down time. The main reason I do not get "flu shots" is the serum that is used in "flu shots" is made with egg yolk, mercury, and other toxic ingredients that I do not want injected into my body. These things maybe present in small amount but accumulative over time can adversely effect our immune systems. The "flu shot" also only lasts 3 months so if you get your shot in October when they recommend it you may miss it on the 1st round but by January when the "flu shot" wears off you are no longer protected and the second round of the flu is even worse because the flu "bug" has increased in strength. This said I want to relate that the one and only time I got a flu shot this is what happened to me. I was health for October, November, and December, but when January hit I got the worst flu I have ever had and was laid up in bed for a good week unable to take care of my family or myself. I have never gotten a flu shot again (this was over 15 yrs ago and I have never been that ill since). So if you get exposed to the flu early on in the flu season you will get a lighter stain of the flu and you will be immune to that type of flu for life not just 3 months as with the shots. This information was also confirmed by the Doctor I work for. He chooses to get the flu shot 2x each year because of his work with at risk elderly, but he does not inoculate his own family for the very reasons I stated above.
Now I want to write about ways to prevent the flu and boost your immune system. The first and simplest way is with healthy foods, organic, fresh, and seasonal. Winter time is a great time for lots soups and squash,and chicken soup that has actually be scientifically proven to help boost the immune system. One thing I have used for over 30 years to help with colds and flu is garlic. Many people give me the oh yuck face when I tell them about this so there are garlic capsules you can take, but I find them far less effective than a fresh clove of organic garlic from the garden or bought earlier in the year at our local Farmer's Market. I have used this remedy for over 30 years and have found it to be quite successful at the signs of first sniffles. All three of my children have been subject to this treatment and even at a young age of 2 years old were able to swallow it without problems. Used daily during cold and flu season is the most effective way to prevent colds and flu, or at the first signs of sniffles or fever a healthy dose will do the trick. The longer you put it off the less effective it will be.
Garlic treatment: Take a fresh and healthy looking clove of garlic (just one will do), peel it, chop it up very fine. Put the chopped garlic in a large serving spoon then fill the spoon with water. Have near by a large glass of apple juice or water as the chaser. Now you are ready open wide and dump the spoon with garlic and water into your throat. Try not to touch your tongue with the garlic and swallow quickly with a shot of juice or water to help the process. I find I have little to no smell if I take it this way do not chew the garlic and it should not be cooked in anyway. Take a dose in the morning and at bedtime until all symptoms disappear! Usually this only takes 1 or 2 days to start feeling better. The garlic works through the respiratory and is very effective if used at the first signs or symptoms of a cold or flu. This is not that great for a stomach bug it does not work on your digestive system the same way. My husband at first thought this was some form of torture that I had invented but soon came to realize how much healthier he is now that he does a daily dose of garlic. I even got the flu for Halloween and he did not feel it at all.
The second remedy I recommend is Elderberry capsules. You can find these at your local health food store or co-op. I use Elderberry as a natural antibiotic and find that it helps with many different illnesses. It is important to use immediately when you get sick not after you have been ill for a few days. It is always much harder to get rid of an illness if it has taken root in your body. I do not recommend that you take this on a regular basis only when the first signs of illness occur.
Another great immune booster is mushrooms. I take a combination of Reishi, Shitaki, Lion's Mane, Maitake, and other organic dried mushrooms in a capsule form. Mushroom soup is also a great immune booster. The important thing here is to keep your immune system healthy and strong. If you have small children there are many natural remedies for children. If you have a baby the best way to boost their immune system is by nursing and making sure you are healthy too.
There are many other ways to prevent illness: exercise, fresh air, emotional well being, and a positive attitude. Meditation, yoga, and other mind and body exercises will help boost your immune system. Look to nature first and you can stay healthy for many years to come!
The news today stated that it is the worst flu season in history and hospitals are turning patients away. So what should you do to prevent flu or boost your immune system? I have a few ideas but first I want to talk about "flu shots". Are they worth it, do they work, and what to expect from a flu shot. First let me say that I do not get the "flu shots" even though as a nurse I often work with a highly contagious population I feel it is important to build your immune system. I rarely get sick and when I do I take time off and let myself get healthy again. I use home remedies and essential alchemy to build my immune system and decrease my down time. The main reason I do not get "flu shots" is the serum that is used in "flu shots" is made with egg yolk, mercury, and other toxic ingredients that I do not want injected into my body. These things maybe present in small amount but accumulative over time can adversely effect our immune systems. The "flu shot" also only lasts 3 months so if you get your shot in October when they recommend it you may miss it on the 1st round but by January when the "flu shot" wears off you are no longer protected and the second round of the flu is even worse because the flu "bug" has increased in strength. This said I want to relate that the one and only time I got a flu shot this is what happened to me. I was health for October, November, and December, but when January hit I got the worst flu I have ever had and was laid up in bed for a good week unable to take care of my family or myself. I have never gotten a flu shot again (this was over 15 yrs ago and I have never been that ill since). So if you get exposed to the flu early on in the flu season you will get a lighter stain of the flu and you will be immune to that type of flu for life not just 3 months as with the shots. This information was also confirmed by the Doctor I work for. He chooses to get the flu shot 2x each year because of his work with at risk elderly, but he does not inoculate his own family for the very reasons I stated above.
Now I want to write about ways to prevent the flu and boost your immune system. The first and simplest way is with healthy foods, organic, fresh, and seasonal. Winter time is a great time for lots soups and squash,and chicken soup that has actually be scientifically proven to help boost the immune system. One thing I have used for over 30 years to help with colds and flu is garlic. Many people give me the oh yuck face when I tell them about this so there are garlic capsules you can take, but I find them far less effective than a fresh clove of organic garlic from the garden or bought earlier in the year at our local Farmer's Market. I have used this remedy for over 30 years and have found it to be quite successful at the signs of first sniffles. All three of my children have been subject to this treatment and even at a young age of 2 years old were able to swallow it without problems. Used daily during cold and flu season is the most effective way to prevent colds and flu, or at the first signs of sniffles or fever a healthy dose will do the trick. The longer you put it off the less effective it will be.
Garlic treatment: Take a fresh and healthy looking clove of garlic (just one will do), peel it, chop it up very fine. Put the chopped garlic in a large serving spoon then fill the spoon with water. Have near by a large glass of apple juice or water as the chaser. Now you are ready open wide and dump the spoon with garlic and water into your throat. Try not to touch your tongue with the garlic and swallow quickly with a shot of juice or water to help the process. I find I have little to no smell if I take it this way do not chew the garlic and it should not be cooked in anyway. Take a dose in the morning and at bedtime until all symptoms disappear! Usually this only takes 1 or 2 days to start feeling better. The garlic works through the respiratory and is very effective if used at the first signs or symptoms of a cold or flu. This is not that great for a stomach bug it does not work on your digestive system the same way. My husband at first thought this was some form of torture that I had invented but soon came to realize how much healthier he is now that he does a daily dose of garlic. I even got the flu for Halloween and he did not feel it at all.
The second remedy I recommend is Elderberry capsules. You can find these at your local health food store or co-op. I use Elderberry as a natural antibiotic and find that it helps with many different illnesses. It is important to use immediately when you get sick not after you have been ill for a few days. It is always much harder to get rid of an illness if it has taken root in your body. I do not recommend that you take this on a regular basis only when the first signs of illness occur.
Another great immune booster is mushrooms. I take a combination of Reishi, Shitaki, Lion's Mane, Maitake, and other organic dried mushrooms in a capsule form. Mushroom soup is also a great immune booster. The important thing here is to keep your immune system healthy and strong. If you have small children there are many natural remedies for children. If you have a baby the best way to boost their immune system is by nursing and making sure you are healthy too.
There are many other ways to prevent illness: exercise, fresh air, emotional well being, and a positive attitude. Meditation, yoga, and other mind and body exercises will help boost your immune system. Look to nature first and you can stay healthy for many years to come!
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