A Natural Process

Getting sick is not something most people plan for. For me, it is something I do not have time for. When your children become ill you can feel vulnerable and stressed, as you try to combat their infection, manage their symptoms, change your schedule, and try to prevent others in the home from becoming ill.

Managing an illness can seem overwhelming as you try to find a balance between what is consider the natural healing process and what needs medical attention. Finding that medium is going to vary between each person and child, depending on current health state and factors leading up to the illness.

An infection occurs when a pathogen breaks our normal defenses an infects our bodies (one simplified version). After the invasion, our bodies must activate an immune response and attack the pathogen. This is a natural process. As I tell my son, your cells in your body are at war. What we do during this time affects the battle and finding a medium between allowing your body to respond naturally and intervening, is important. Most often we stop or slow our bodies from attacking the pathogen because we “cannot be inconvenienced.” Most often we take medication to decrease symptoms in order to go about our day, instead of enhancing our immune system and allow our body to fight.

Example:

-Coughing is a natural way our bodies break up mucus/ fluid, clear pathogens, clear particles, and clear mucus/ fluid from our respiratory tract.

-Temperature… When you are ill, your body increases the temperature to create

a hostile environment for the pathogen and to increase production of needed white blood cells (the cells that fight infection). Increasing the temperature also makes you feel like “crap” making you want to rest/sleep.

When you take There is a medium. A temperature is a good thing, it means your body is doing what it is supposed to do. An out of control temperature is not a good thing and can cause more damage.

What is normal for your body? For me an my family when sickness enters my home,  others around me are sick, or I feel like my immune system is compromised due to stress; I immediately go on the offense. I reach into my herbal and essential oil cabinet.

When it comes to my favorite herbs to strengthen my immune system; I love to increase my intake of Ginger, Garlic, Elderberry, and Oregano oil. I also begin to diffuse more Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, peppermint, Lavender, Oregano, Lemon, Frankincense, and Thieves Essential Oils. I’ll also add Clove, Thieves, Lemon, or Peppermint Essential Oil to my water or tea. If my son becomes ill and when he is exposed to someone ill, I give him elderberry and oregano oil to increase his immune system along with a special topical essential oil blend (changes depending on symptoms being displayed).

Usually reaching into my herbal and essential oil cabinet allow our bodies to combat any illness; occasionally I will reach for a medication when I feel his response crosses the over done line. 

Finding a balance is important. Do not be discouraged if you reach for medication and don’t feel defeated if you need to go to the doctor. Trying to use natural products and trying to maintain wellness doesn’t mean you will never become ill or need medication. Letting your body go through the normal response can allow you to build up your system making it stronger. Learning the balance between the a normal response and an overactive response, allows you to also get to know your body and know when you are in need of another intervention.

I encouraged you to take an offensive approach to your health. Ask your doctor of what might be considered normal for you. Wellness is obtainable and is a journey.

Information is only the first step, now it’s time to take action.

Jasmine Hutchinson BSN, RN, PHN

If you’re looking for places to purchase natural, organic products or essential oils, check out my organic products page for links.

Disclaimer…This blog is intended solely to serve as a resource to health information and to provide you with basic information about the symptoms, cautions, safety concerns, natural remedies, DIY recipes, and nutritional concerns related to all aspects of health. This blog does not provide a comprehensive explanation of all aspects of any health condition or concern or even those aspects that are discussed in this blog. This blog is not intended to be–and you should not use it as–a substitute for medical advice or health care given by a licensed health care provider. Be sure to see a licensed health care provider to help ensure your health and the health and well-being of your family.