Fighting Flu Season

Flu season is still in full effect. This years flu season got off to a rough start with record numbers in years. Hospitals have been overflowing with sick patients, approximately over 6,000 confirmed cases according to the CDC. Whether you got the flu shot or not, the season is not over and the risk is still high.

There is still time to strengthen your wellness journey and your immune system. Here are some ways you can add herbs, vitamins and minerals, and essential oils to your daily regimen to stay healthy and also shorten sick time.

Vitamins and Minerals… Increasing your daily regimen of vitamins C, D, E, and Zinc can help keep your immune system strong. Studies have shown that low levels of vitamin D (which you usually get from the sun) has been linked with poor health. Vitamin D helps regulate the immune system and has been shown to inhibit the development of some autoimmune diseases.Vitamin C and E are natural antioxidants which assist the body in removing toxins from the body. Vitamin C also helps support the cellular lining against pathogens which helps increase immunity.

Zicam is a great way to increase Zinc at the onset of symptoms or even after you are sick. This is what I reach for to help shorten my sick time. Zinc has been clinically proven to have both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.

Herbals… My new favorite herb is Elderberry. I take Elderberry Syrup and give it to my son if we are sick or around anyone else who is sick. It helps short our sick time and sometimes prevents us from getting sick. Elderberry is high in vitamins A, C, B6, Ca, and iron.

Elderberry throughout the years has been used as a laxative, aid in treating illnesses like, sinus congestion, sore throat, common cold, stomach aches, and even improve respiration.  This is by far my favorite herb. I always have this stocked in my home and in many variations (syrup, tablets, and tea).

Echinacea is another herb I always have in my home to combat an infection. Echinacea was used in traditional herbal remedies by the Great Plains Indian tribes. Now Echinacea is widely used to fight infections, especially the common cold, the flu, and other upper respiratory infections. Taking Echinacea is one another of my favorites before you get sick. I caution you not to take it longer than 2 weeks at a time because it can be hard on your liver.

Also apart of my herbal cabinet is Garlic, which is also known to be an anti infective. Taking garlic everyday can help strengthen your immune system, prevent heart disease, and even help keep your hair and skin healthy. There is evidence which show garlic strengths the immune system. Garlic is a new herb I have recently added to my cabinet, and now my second favorite herb. I began taking it one a day, in tablet form, when I became increasingly surrounded by sick patients and coworkers at the hospital. I have also given a tablet or two, to my coworkers, friends, and family to help them with their ailments. They were surprised by how quickly they became well again.

I am not sure everyone will feel a night and day difference after taking garlic to help combat an infection, but it sure made a difference in my circle. I encourage you if you decide to add garlic to your cabinet talk to your doctor if you have liver issues or are taking an anticoagulant.

There is research supporting the use of herbal remedies to treat the common cold which are far more beneficial to our bodies than covering up symptoms with medication. Some research found to be effective included maoto, licorice roots, antiwei, North American ginseng, berries, Echinacea, plants extracted carnosic acid, pomegranate, guava tea, and Bai Shao. Herbs along with taking a daily probiotic, increasing vitamins C, D, and E, and increasing Zinc gives your household a herbal fighting cabinet ready to take on the cold season.

ESSENTIAL OILs… 

Rubbing Peppermint and Frankincense essential oil on your feet, inner wrists, behind the ears, and on temples can help strength your immune system. Rubbing peppermint essential oil on the back of your neck can help cool you if you have a fever.

In a small bottle I mixed 2 drops peppermint, 3 drops eucalyptus, 2 drops rosemary, and  1 drop of oregano essential with fractionated coconut oil. This is my congestion, sore throat, and cough mix. I rub this on my chest and throat for relief multiple times per day.

When I have a sore throat I use throat coat tea and add one drop of both clove and thieves essential oil. I also add both drops to my daily water when I have a sore throat, it helps keep my throat numb throughout the day.

When someone is not feeling well in my home; I diffuse thieves, eucalyptus, rosemary, lemon, orange, pine, tea tree, and lemongrass. This helps cleans my home of the ailment and helps keep the the sickness from spreading through the home.

For a disinfectant cleaning spray trying adding half vinegar, half water, and 20 drops of lemon to a spray bottle. Use this to wipe door knobs, light switches, and the area around the person who is sick. This will help kill germs in the area.

There are many more ways you can use essential oils on your wellness journey. Increasing the strength of your immune system is only one. I have enjoyed seeing the change in my family after using Essential Oils. Don’t be afraid to try them out. The benefits of just one drop are Reilly amazing. I hope everyone stays well this flu season. The fight is not over.

Thank you,

Jasmine Hutchinson RN. BSN. 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.