Tuesdays With Kris: Under the Weather

Hi everyone! I've come down with either strep or the flu. Not sure which as I am going to the doctor after I write this post. Aches, fever, sore throat and the the beginnings of a cough. I didn't know what to write today at first, but then I remembered that whenever I am sick I like to use certain natural remedies to help ease the pain until I can see a doctor.  Until I see one, I am not a fan of over the counter medicine so I like to follow these practices until I can be seen.

FEVER: Elderflower, Echinacea, Cinnamon and Thyme are great herbs to take a fever down. You can add these items to teas and soups. Sometimes the best remedy for me to ease the pains and chills of a fever is to sweat it out. Hot baths, bundling up, and even cooking that soup over a hot stove sweats it out for me. When you are sweating it out, a cold compress can help if you are just too hot!

SORE THROAT: I've never found a better remedy than spicy soup from a Thai restaurant. You know, the brothy one (Tom Yum) that comes with vegetables, noodles and shrimp? Mom's chicken soup is good too, but the add of super spicy peppers in this broth really kick it! And tea with honey and  lemon of course. Go for GREEN TEA when ill, and add extra fighting power too (like the herbs).

ACHES AND PAINS: Chamomile and Ginger tea is a great remedy for aches and pains. They have a soothing quality that really eases the typical aches we get when a flu creeps up!

CONGESTION: Sometimes when we think we are feeling better that is just when congestion rears its ugly head. believe it or not, all of that mucus is your body's way of getting rid of the toxins! So, in my mind medicines that make you stop creating the mucus are preventing you from ridding the toxins. Maybe... or that's just my conspiracy theorist mind at work! Neti pots really do the trick when battling mucus in your nose. It's scary to think about, but it really does work!

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Other great foods to add to your meals when you are sick are: lots of garlic, ginger, onions, herbs (like thyme and sage), hot peppers, honey, lemons and fresh fruits.

Some supplements: Go for supplements like Zinc and Vitamin D when fighting off an illness. Also remember to EAT your vitamins. Zinc look to tofu, chicken, pumpkin seeds, beans, lentils and nuts. Vitamin D go for salmon, tuna, milk (but if congested try to stay away from dairy!) and if adventurous have a tablespoon of cod liver oil!

Be well everyone and always see a Dr. These are not tips to avoid the Dr, but rather helpful hints for when you can't get to one just yet.