Mark and I have been very careful this cold and flu season. However, in the past couple weeks, Mark and I have both let our guards down. Consequently, we’ve both now suffered from congestion, stuffy noses, sore throats, and down right miserableness (is that a word?!?).

As much as possible, we both try to stay away from traditional medicine for not only preventative measures but for healing as well.

Here is what we did in order to help our bodies heal naturally (in no particular order):

• Increased our Vitamin C intake. We use the Emergen C* brand. We also eat a lot of fruits like grapefruits and oranges to get even more vitamin C.
• Increase our intake of water (filtered). You should drink one half of your body weight in ounces. For instance, if you weigh 100 pounds, then you should drink at least 50 ounces of water a day.
• Take hot showers. Lots of them. The steam really helps soothe the sinuses and open the nasal passages. After each shower, I get about 2 hours relief from the sinus pressure. If you have eucalyptus essential oil, it would be good to add to the shower. Just plug the tub and breathe deeply.
• Eat garlic and onions LIBERALLY. Each of these have natural healing properties. Instead of taking prescribed antibiotics that take the GOOD bacteria with it as well, we suggest opting for a good hearty serving of garlic or onion. If you can’t stand the stench, there are some great garlic capsules you can take. Here is a good accumulation of information on garlic. I made a big pot of vegetable soup and included 11 cloves of garlic and a large onion.  The quickest and easiest way to get raw garlic down is to chop up a clove of garlic, put honey on a spoon, top with the garlic and down it. I let the honey slowly ease its way to the back of my throat and then swallow. I know it sounds horrible, but I promise it works. I wouldn’t tell you to do it otherwise.
• Drink herbal tea. We prefer Traditional Medicinals*. They have a variety of teas for various ailments. To prevent sickness we drink Echinacea tea. However, if you become a full-blown sick, then we use the Gypsy Cold Care. Drink a cup every three hours. It’s main ingredient is Menthol, which naturally occurs in peppermint leaf. This aids in opening your sinus passages. This also helps to increase your fluid intake.
• Drink apple cider vinegar. Since I am still nursing, I have to be careful with herbs. I’m not 100% on what I can and can’t have, so I researched what I knew was safe for nursing. I found one of my favorite hot drinks. 8 oz of boiling water, 2 Tablespoons of Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar , 2 dashes of cayenne pepper, juice of one lemon wedge. Amazing benefits and oh so soothing to a sore throat.
• Take Elderberry Syrup. There are antioxidants in Elderberries that help keep the unaffected cells from becoming infected. It’s said to help people to heal faster with less severe symptoms. I found this site to be helpful in explaining its benefits and uses.
• Rest! Rest! Rest! I think so many of us, including me, fail to listen to our bodies. Our bodies were designed to heal themselves. However, we must stop and allow the healing process to occur. We cannot keep pushing forward and expect to get better. We must realize our limitations. We should give our bodies one full day of rest each week. Consequently, it is even more important when we are sick.

When I’m sick, Mark is faithful to remind me that God is Sovereign over my sickness. He doesn’t waste it. Most of the time, I find myself in awe of His infinite power. He never gets sick. He never sleeps. He never has to stop because He simply cannot go on. When I feel the way I have felt this last weekend, I am forced to see God’s mighty power. So, friends, rest in God’s gracious providence and allow your body to do what it was designed to do.

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Do you have any natural remedies that you want to share?

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