We All Get Sick Sometimes

A lot goes into maintaining wellness and preventing an illness. Sometimes we will end up sick and trying to find the balance between resting to recuperate and managing every day can seem trying.

This past week I got sick. It takes a lot of me to admit these words; I am a fighter. Learning how to read your body is important, I felt the entire process…

I woke from my nap after one night of work to prepare for another. Immediately felt something was off, didn’t feel tired but felt a little off. A cross between feeling drained and energized at the same time. I decided to shake it off and continued to prepare for work. On my way out the door, I decided to take a couple drops of oregano oil (not essential oil- just regular oregano infused oil) and left to start my journey to work.

• This was probably mistake number one; if I suspected something was off I usually add garlic and ginger tablets, one teaspoon of elderberry syrup, and oregano to my daily vitamins.

Upon arrival to work, I was greeted with a report that alerted me I was going to have a busy night. So I began to tackle one task and emotional patient after the other. After a couple hours, I had a headache and started feeling spaced. Without having adequate time to care for myself, I pressed on.

At four in the morning, I felt it begin to hit. I started feeling a sore throat, slight chills, and this feeling in my head I can’t describe. I knew at that moment whatever I picked up had settled. I got up and looked in my bag…. nothing. All I had was lemon and peppermint essential oil and nothing to put it in. I dropped a couple drops in my current black tea and knew it wasn’t going to be enough. An hour later I started having slight body aches so I looked over at a friend and told her I was going to be sick when I woke up from my nap.

When I got home that morning I knew it was too late and now I was going to have to be on the defensive. Elderberry syrup, oregano oil, old Indian syrup, 500mg garlic tablet, ginger tablet, and it was off to bed with the essential oils in the diffuser. I also prayed it would not be too bad since I had to go back to work.

I woke up feeling like crap, but with the mentality “just one more night, then you can rest.” I repeated the regimen adding an essential oil shot.

• My essential oil shot: one drop Thieves, clove, rosemary, oregano, peppermint, lemon, and two drops eucalyptus and lavender essential oil. All in a shot of water or aloe juice with a couple drops of oregano oil with a 1/2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. I would not take on an empty stomach.

After that shot, my throat was numb, I could breathe, and I felt like I had some energy; once it kicked in about 45min later. Thad energy lasted about three and a half to four hours then, all the feeling started to come back one by one. I repeated the same regimen at work; the shot, teaspoon of elderberry,  and old Indian syrup. I also added two drops of lemon and one drop of clove essential oil to my 32 oz stainless steel water bottle. The water plus green and mint tea helped keep me hydrated and allowed me to flush my system out. This also kept my throat at bay throughout the night. Although I continued to feel a little better I felt myself preparing for a fight. 

As soon as I got home I repeated everything plus added rosemary, lavender, and peppermint essential oil to the diffuser, showered and turned on my humidifier, then went to sleep.  I woke up later that evening feeling and looking better repeated the regimen and also added a homeopathic medicine which coincided with the ailments I was feeling. It was a day of minimal work and rest. I continued to take my essential oil shots 2-3 times per day for two more days; continued elderberry syrup, garlic and ginger tablets for four days; and the homeopathic medicine for two.

Not every ailment is going to unfold the same way; not every sickness can be fought with the same tools. It is important to learn and feel what your body needs to maintain wellness and rebuild defenses. BALANCE is important. I encourage you to learn your body and not be afraid to take control of your health, seek help when needed, and live well.

Live well and feel better, 

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.