Cold and Flu Essentials
Cold and Flu Essentials
I am always trying new products and this list reflects my updated Prevent Cold and Flu Essentials for 2022. The last one I did was in 2020 – Immunity Boosters.
These are all the things I do and take AT THE FIRST SIGN OF IMBALANCE. It’s not a long list and doable for everyone – just have the items on hand.
Firstly-
I am a huge believer in the Chinese medicine system and the theory that pathogens (bacteria, viruses) enter the superficial layer of the body FIRST.
And that is the time to attack them!
Once they travel deeper and manifest into symptoms like coughing, nausea, etc. it may be impossible to U-turn completely and these remedies may only shorten duration.
That means it is imperative that you get to know subtle sensations of the body so you can detect imbalances stat.
For me, this means that I start these remedies if I have a sneeze. I rarely sneeze if it’s not from a candle, air freshener or dust in the environment, so if I sneeze I know there is something my body wants to expel. Make sense? On a side note, there is no better way to learn the subtle sensations of the body than a yoga practice:).
SUPPLEMENTS
Wellness Formula by Source Naturals
These come in capsules and very large tablets. The tablets are a better value but hard for some to get down. Make sure you know which you are purchasing. Read the reviews. I take 3 capsules at first sign of imbalance.
InflamClear/Andrographix by ActiveHerb
These come in small tablets and tiny black pills. I take the tablets because you take fewer. I take 6 tablets, 2x/day at first sign of imbalance.
Andrografix is a special blend of Chinese herbs. Its primary action is removing toxic heat. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, when external evils such as Wind and Heat, strike the body, they invade it progressively from its surface to the deep layers. In the process, the body launches immune response, comfort in the nose, throat, and the head can be affected, generating Wind Heat or toxic heat in TCM.
Andrographis has been mostly studied for colds, flu, and upper respiratory infections. Andrographis paniculata is used in traditional medicine to treat infectious diseases and fevers. In the lab, it exhibits antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immunostimulating properties. [Memorial Sloan Kettering]
BATH
Dr. Singha’s Mustard Bath
I pour 1 scoopful into the hottest bath I can stand. Wait until sweat starts pouring off your head. Drink 1 C water. Dry hair and take to bed immediately.
TO EAT
As a general preventative, these are 2 items I eat regularly (like 3-4x/week) during cold and flu season.
Pickled Garlic Recipe
I eat 3-5 cloves with a meal.
Raw Sauerkraut – ‘I Boost’
I eat about 1/4 C. This brand is not super sour and if you like any type of pickle, you’ll enjoy the raw krauts by Pickled Planet.
TOPICAL
If one of your first sign of imbalances is a stiff upper back (from pathogens entering via the Wind Gate, Acupressure point UB-12), apply:
Tiger Balm Patches
*Do not apply these right after hot bath/shower, and especially not after the mustard bath. Patch test for allergies.
I prefer patches over the Tiger balm because they don’t get your clothes greasy and are easier to slap onto your back yourself.
Image courtesy of Streampoint Acupuncture
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