It’s been about five years now that I’ve been on my journey to better health. Not only has this involved cleaning up my diet but also switching from man-made medicines to as many natural health products as possible. I’ve also cleaned up the products I use on my body and the cleaning and laundry products we use, but that’s a post for another day.
In the beginning of this change, my knowledge base was to take Emergen-C powder at the sign of an impending illness. But did I need to take in the extra sugars? As my herbal and essential oil knowledge began to increase, I found a regimen that has worked wonderfully for myself and my family members who are willing to join me (a few think I’m overboard, but hey, it works!)
So here goes! At the first sign of a sniffle, sore throat, achiness, etc. the protocol begins:
Supplements
Vitamin C – 1000 mg – 3-4 times daily
Elderberry Complex – 575 mg – 1 every few hours
Selenium Complex – 1/day
Essential Oils
Ingest a capsule containing 1-2 drops each of lemon, peppermint, oregano and Fighting Five. One capsule is a maintenance dose for me throughout flu season. If I’m feeling illness coming on, I will take one capsule three times a day.
Diffuse Purify, tea tree oil, lavender and orange oils. Again, if I feel like germs are trying to invade, I will add Fighting Five to the diffuser as well.
Infection roller bottle – I add the following oils to a roller bottle and roll on to the inside of my wrists and the base of my skull a few times a day, and especially before bed. Add 15 drops each of Fighting Five, lemon, tea tree and oregano – fill up with a carrier oil of your choice. Again, I suggest oils from Eden's Garden.
Trader Joe’s Grapefruit & Lemon hand sanitizer spray made with essential oils. I use this all year long, but especially on days I’m running errands in public. First thing I do after climbing back in my car is spray a few sprays on my hands, and the rejuvenating scent just makes you feel cleaner and healthier!
Drink
Yogi Echinacea Immune Support tea – a few cups a day and you can literally feel the difference.
As much water as you possibly can. I add a drop of orange essential oil to my water for added taste and another extra boost. (Be sure you’re drinking out of a glass or stainless cup when using citrus oils as they will break down the plastic.)
In combination with these additions to my regimen are the standard ones your mom has probably always told you … get at least 8 hours of sleep per night (we all need a minimum of 7), avoid unnecessary sugar and increase your vegetable intake. Homemade chicken or vegetable soup with lots of garlic and onion never hurt anyone either.
Knock on wood—so far these tips have gotten me through any cold or flu viruses for the past several years. I hope they help you and your family stay healthy as well. Share your favorite tips in the comments below.
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