It’s that time of year where the wind is turning chillier, the air is damper, and colds and flus begin to descend upon us. The first answer to cold and flu season is a good offense: Restful sleep, nutritious food, plenty of clean water, deep breathing, stress management, and good hygiene are the first layer. Next we can pepper in general immune support with vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin D, Elderberry, and Probiotics. But what do you do when something breaches our defenses? When that first tickle hits the back of your throat and your sinuses start to prickle? Here are the steps that I take:
First I mix up the Dragon Drink. This elixir will give you the breath of a dragon, but it deeply energizes the immune system to kick out colds and flus quickly.
Dragon Drink:
1-3 cloves of fresh garlic minced
Hot water in tea cup
squeeze of fresh lemon
honey (raw and unfiltered preferable)
pinch of cayenne pepper
optional: splash of whiskey or brandy
Next I pop into a really hot shower or bath. Our immune system actually works more effectively at higher temperatures, while many viruses and bacteria are hindered by the heat.
Next I do a combination of a simplified castor oil pack and classic Naturopathic warming socks. To accomplish this I rub castor oil over my entire abdomen making sure that I get good coverage over the liver. The liver can be found on the right side of the body just above and below where the ribs meet the abdomen. Then I put on an old tee shirt. Next I tug on a pair of thin cotton socks that I have gotten wet (I use warm water) and then wring them dry until they are just a tad bit damp. Over the damp cotton socks I pull on a pair of thick woolen socks. It is important that the first layer of socks is thin cotton and that the second layer is wool or wool blend. Then I get all bundled up and slip into bed with a heat source over my liver area. For the heat source, you can use a hot water bottle, rice socks that are warmed in the microwave, or even a heating pad–just make sure you don’t fall asleep with a heating pad on!
I put myself to bed early, with the castor oil and warming socks on. And usually wake up right as rain in the morning. Hope this helps you sail through this cold and flu season.
