It’s that time of year again… Don’t worry, we’ve got your back!
Dr. Michelle Richea, ND
It happened already. Mid-October I was flat on my back for three days with what felt like (at the time) the worst flu ever. It caught me by surprise – so early in the season – but my fever, fatigue, headache, body aches, nasal congestion and cough reminded me of the naturopathic remedies we often have on-hand in our homes to address common viral infections. Whether you just have a tickly throat, or a quickly rising temperature, here are a few things the whole family can use to weather the seasonal infections.
Wet Sock Treatment
This classic form of hydrotherapy helps to improve circulation and relieve sinus/nasal congestion. While it doesn’t necessarily sound appealing, it’s worth a try. It’s cheap, simple, safe and as I’ve found, quite reliable too – clients frequently report success with use. As the story tends to go… Clients will find themselves rolling over in the middle of the night, to kick off dry socks because their feet are toasty warm and their nose much clearer.
Here’s how:
- Start with warm feet (e.g. upon coming out of the bath/shower)
- Take some thin cotton socks and soak them in very cold tap water. Wring them out well so they are cold and damp, but not dripping wet.
- Place the cold, damp socks on your feet (It’s nice to get help with this part)
- Cover the cold, damp socks with dry wool socks.
- Climb into bed and sleep.
- Be amazed that you’re waking up with warm feet, a clear nose and feeling better!
Essential Oils
Using herbs in the form of concentrated oil helps to harness their anti-microbial (bug killing) powers and deliver it to the areas that need it most. Using a drop or two of essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus in a humidifier that accommodates oils allows the oil to be dispersed into the air and help prevent the spread of common ‘cold’ bugs. Using a couple drops in a steam treatment helps carry it to our lungs, relieve congestion and help fight off infection. Creating a ‘spa day’ in your bathroom can be an effective and enjoyable healing practice. Other means of gaining the health benefits from oils can take the form of my childhood fave ‘Vick’s Vapo Rub’ or alternative/natural equivalent chest rubs, such as that offered by St. Francis Herb Farms. When it comes to kiddie coughs, especially spasmodic coughs, Thyme essential oil is one of my faves. There are many herbal combinations out there, and cautions certainly exist with pregnancy and kids, but when used appropriately, they can be both healing and relaxing.
Homeopathic Remedy – Oscillococcinum
Once you learn about this Boiron remedy, (and learn to pronounce it), it’s tough to forget. It’s great to have in your home medicinal cupboard. It’s my first ‘go-to’ remedy when it comes to treating flu-like symptoms early. I recognize that homeopathy is hotly debated in social media about its effectiveness and I appreciate this discussion and general skepticism. I am always happy to discuss the therapy and methodology in practice with clients to help make an informed choice. But I don’t shy away from using this debated therapy, as I find it safe, easy to use for all ages, and surprisingly effective. There are no equivalent ‘homeopathic flu shots’ but there are treatment options to support a quick recovery.
Herbal Teas & Elixirs
The list is long for herbal anti-virals and those that support the immune system. I am never at a loss for treatments as our herbal pharmacopeia gives us many choices ranging from Echinacea, Elderberry, Ginger, etc. that are all of great value. Most of these commonly used herbs are easy to find and easy to take, and can be appropriately recommended in a consultation. But one at home remedy I want to put under the spotlight is the great honey & garlic elixir. Garlic is one of our best broad-spectrum anti-microbial remedies, meaning that it offers one of the best chances to ward off bugs, any kind of bacterial/ viral infection. This is something new for me to try and will be my experiment this season: Infused Honey with Garlic. I’ll let you know how it wards off kindergarten bugs! Not appropriate for children under one or if you suffer from reflux/ digestive irritation from garlic.. but a wonderful way to harness the super power of two common kitchen foods.
Rest & Recuperate
The cough, the sniffles, and the fatigue are all telling you to stop and listen. Our bodies are the wisest guide we have, it will tell us what we need to pay attention to. Taking a break from everyday demands and responsibilities can feel like the most difficult thing to do, but it may be what our bodies need most of all. Time, sleep, rest, and relaxation are powerful healers. While it can feel difficult to make the choice for a ‘time out’ for fear of loss of productivity, but in reality you’re
When your diligent dosing of Vitamin D isn’t enough to prevent infection, it’s nice to have a few things on hand, ready to go. As naturopaths, we know it’s unrealistic to avoid illness completely, but what we do hope is to assist with an easy and speedy recovery. Speak to your Naturopathic Doctor to find the remedies right for you and stock up your medicinal cabinet now so you’re ready for the next sniffle that goes through your home.