It’s that time of year again….winter!
Yep….even up here in beautiful Darwin. It’s also school holiday time which often means travel for lots of families….with many of us working hard & then when we get time off…. & BAM it hits us!
Photo by Brittany Colette, via Unsplash
So – a cold or flu (ie influenza) are actually caused by viral infections. Both can start out with a runny nose, scratchy throat, congestion & a cough. What distinguishes them apart is the presence of fevers, fatigue, muscle aches & pains with the flu. Either way….you can still feel miserable. A upper respiratory infection should clear itself up within 3-5days if your immune system is up to fighting off the infection.
This time of year it’s great to consider taking some Vitamin C & possibly zinc to give your immune system an extra bit of support – ie 500-1000mg day Vit C & 15-20mg zinc . If you do become sick…then boosting the vitamin C up to bowel tolerance (where bowel motions becomes a bit looser, then back the dose down a bit – generally 2g 2-3x’s day). Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin….so you need to take it at least a couple times a day to keep your levels up when sick.
Rest is also very important. If you’re sick – stay home & give your amazing immune system the opportunity to do its job!! Don’t go spreading it around the workplace or school environment. Get a good nights sleep…you may need to use some eucalyptus or tea tree essential oils vapourising in your bedroom to aid clearance of congestion.
Eat warm, nourishing foods such as chicken & veggie soup, or bone broth of choice to help heal your body with the boost of nutrients & ease on your digestion during this convalescing time. Up in Darwin – a veggie/fruit juice with some ginger, garlic & turmeric will boost your immune system too. Add these herbs & spices along with some chilli & onion to your broths too.
Don’t forget to keep up the water intake as a runny nose & congestion can dehydrate us quickly. Herbal teas are great for this too…try my “Protect Me” organic herbal tea with thyme, ginger, peppermint & echinacea to boost your body, & is lovely cold if you prefer. I will also have my new “NT Flu Fighter” tisane avaialable in the next couple of weeks…so stay tuned!! Available online here or from Avalon InLa’kesh in Berrimah, Mad About Coffee & Tea in Parap, Saltwater Floatspa in Bees Creek or Starwin Shopfront in the city next to Darwin Entertainment Centre.
If your symptoms persist…or shift to your chest – give me a call on 0411 378 997 to get you back on track quicker with herbs & nutrients.