How to Holistically Handle Cold and Flu Season
- Amber DeVane
- Sep 24, 2024
- 3 min read
The fall season brings cooler temperatures, vibrant foliage, and a cozy atmosphere, making it a time for warm sweaters, hot drinks, seasonal festivities and absolute wonder! It also brings along with it.........sickness.
Holistic approaches to cold and flu season emphasize supporting the body’s natural defenses and preventing illness through a combination of lifestyle habits, nutrition, and natural remedies. One of the key pillars of holistic health is maintaining a balanced diet rich in immune-boosting nutrients. Foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens, help strengthen the immune system, while zinc-rich foods like nuts, seeds, and legumes support the body’s ability to fight infections. Herbal supplements like echinacea, elderberry, and garlic are also commonly used in holistic medicine for their antiviral and immune-enhancing properties.
Drink warm lemon water 1st thing in the morning to jump start detoxing the kidneys and liver.
Always add honey! Add it to your coffee, tea or warm water. Honey is a natural antiviral.
Incorporate essential oils to your daily routine. Diffuse them and apply to the bottoms of your feet, to your throat and spine for an immunity boost. I have loads of oils I use for different purposes but the best way to educate yourself on the how -to's of oils, is in the book The Essential Life.
Take a multivitamin and other supportive supplements. The best way to know what your body is missing is to have comprehensive labs drawn. Discuss this with your doctor.
Eat 2 Brazil Nuts a day. Brazil nuts are high in Selenium, a mineral our thyroid desperately needs to function properly.
Did you know an unripened banana (green) acts as a prebiotic on an empty stomach? Eat 1 a day.
In addition to nutrition, stress management plays a critical role in maintaining immune health during cold and flu season. Chronic stress weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections. Holistic approaches encourage regular practices like mindfulness meditation / prayer, deep breathing, stretching and walking to reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. If you are under chronic stress, consider IV Therapy. Google search IV Therapy near you for more information.
Adequate sleep is also essential, as rest allows the body to repair and regenerate, giving the immune system a chance to function optimally. Maintaining a healthy sleep routine by going to bed at the same time each night and creating a calming environment can help improve both the quality and quantity of sleep.
Try diffusing lavender essential oil to help with relaxation and sleeping.
Drink chamomile and lavender tea before bed (which also acts as a natural "xanax").
Take an Epsom Salt or Magnesium Flakes bath up to 3 times a week.
Physical activity is another key component of a holistic approach to staying healthy during cold and flu season. Regular moderate exercise, such as walking, cycling, or yoga, helps boost circulation and improve immune response. However, it's important to avoid overexertion, as excessive exercise can weaken the immune system and take a drain on the adrenal glands. Holistic practices like acupuncture and massage therapy are also used to promote relaxation and improve circulation, further supporting the body’s ability to ward off illness. By focusing on the whole body—mind, body, and spirit—holistic approaches provide a comprehensive way to stay healthy throughout the cold and flu season. Here's to a happy and healthy Fall Season!
Until next time ...........
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