cold and flu Archives - Allen Acupuncture and Wellness

Does cold and flu season have you down? Terrified of getting sick? I’ve got you covered! Here’s my inside scoop for avoiding colds and flus, plus a recipe to soothe your cough.

When you’re starting to feel sick with the FLU… head it off fast! If you have a bad sore throat and you feel achy with a fever, you can take the homeopathic remedy Oscillococcinum by Boiron. It’s now carried by CVS, Walgreens, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s, just to name a few, but it’s difficult to come by this time of year, so you might want to plan ahead and order it from amazon or another online distributor. This remedy is for the FLU that is going around this time of year, and should be taken as directed on the box especially during the first 24-48 hours.

If it’s a COLD, not the flu, you might have a headache, more chills than fever, and the throat can slightly hurt or feel phlemy (yes, I just made up that word). The best homeopathic remedy for a cold is “Cold Calm” by Boiron. Taken as directed, it can really head off a cold before it gets bad.

Supplements I use to boost the immune system:

Zinc

Echinacea

Vitamin D

These supplements help boost the immune system, which is what you want when trying to fight either a cold or flu. Use them as directed. Just FYI, Echinacea cannot be taken long-term.

Essential Oils can help boost your immune system. There is one from a company called Young Living that is excellent at helping the body fight illnesses called “Thieves”. Whole Foods carries a knock-off brand called “Medieval Mix”. Be aware that all essential oils are not created equal. Some are not meant to be put on the body, and some come with diluting directions. Once diluted properly, Thieves can be rubbed on the bottom of the feet, at the hairline on the neck or even the skin of the front of neck to help reduce sore throat symptoms (not ingested). It can also be used in a diffuser to help kill viruses in the air of your home or office.

Acupuncture is great for fighting a cold or flu. It can help boost the immune system, regulate body temperature, and help organ systems function better (like the respiratory system). If you’re still needle-squeemish, there are therapies available that are needle-less like cupping, acupressure, and lasers. There are also specific formulas of Chinese herbs that are very helpful for colds and flus and can be tailored to your exact body and symptoms. These formulas don’t interfere with most medications or even the flu shot.

If you are already sick and need some relief, try making this tea:

“Stop the Cough Tea”

In 1-2 cups of hot water, combine the following:

Juice squeezed from 1/2 a lemon

1 – 3 tsp. honey

2-3 small pieces of ginger

This tea can be sipped throughout the day to help calm the cough. And it tastes pretty great, too!

Hopefully, you can find some information in this post to help you in your fight against the cold or flu this season. Here’s to Better Health for a Better You!

Fall is a season of changes. In most areas of the country, fall is a transition between the hot, humid summer days and the cold winter ones. Even in tropical South FL, the average temps decrease as well as humidity. These changes can trigger health problems if your body doesn’t adapt. You can help your body adapt by making wise food choices.

No, I’m not talking about the regular idea of healthy eating, but the idea of eating for your health. As cooler temperatures of Fall arrive, it doesn’t make sense to keep eating summer foods like watermelon and salads. Raw foods are cold in their nature, which is great for summertime to keep our interior body temperature cool despite the hot temps. But pumpkin spice drinks and foods, so popular in the fall, are popular for good reason: they have warmer natures. Think about cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg: all the spices of fall. They have a little kick to them, a little “fire”; eat or drink them, and you feel a warm sensation in your stomach. A similar effect occurs in the food temperatures we eat. Instead of salad, make a stir fry or a nice pot of vegetable soup. If cold-natured or cold-temperature summer foods are eaten out of season, they can cause indigestion, bloating, water retention, excess congestion or phlegm, and even diarrhea–as well as weaken your immune system. Instead, eat healthy, warm foods that help your body prevent disease from the inside out.

As your body begins the transition to winter, help it by choosing warmer foods. Your body will be more balanced and healthy to fight the cold and flu season, too. So, put down that salad fork and pick up your soup spoon!

Tag: cold and flu

S.O.S. for Cold and Flu

Fall: Bye Bye Fork & Hello Spoon!