Healthy Living; Staying Flu Free

Flu season is hectic! Strep, flu and colds are rampant during the winter months, so how can you stay healthy? We have gathered several healing recipes using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen pantry.

Prevention and Immunity Building Recipes
Keep your overall health nourished and strong against any illness with some of these home remedies.

Fruit Boosters
Fruit is an overlooked but powerful tool to boost your immune system and keep it strong all year long. If you seek ways to prevent colds, flu, or any other infections without medical supplements, you must include fruits in your daily meal plan.

Most fruits are low in fat, sodium, as well as calories, with none having cholesterol. Fruits are rich sources of many vital nutrients that are under-consumed, such as potassium, vitamin C, dietary fiber, and folate. Here we have listed a few fruits names, which will boost your immune system without any kind of side effects.

Elderberries
The elderberry contains certain compounds and substances that might have a beneficial impact on health.

Here are some of the main reported health benefits of elderberries:

Elderberries have long been used as an ally against upper respiratory infections. They’ve been scientifically proven to be effective against at least 8 different influenza viruses! Which is pretty amazing.

There is some evidence to support the claim that elderberry can help treat colds and flu, though the available studies are small.

Elderberry fruit contains high levels of flavonoids, which means it might have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These help to protect healthy cells from harmful free radicals that play a role in skin problems.

Elderberries contain high levels of vitamin A. The ANA also say that elderberries may soothe the skin, help ease the appearance of age spots, and prevent or lessen wrinkles.

Oregano Oil
Discover the Power of Oregano Oil, an ancient healer & modern-day miracle! Oregano oil has been used for centuries as a potent remedy for a wide range of health issues like :

Immune boosting
Fights respiratory infections
Supports digestive health
Today, science has unlocked the secret behind its extraordinary benefits because it contains powerful compounds like carvacrol and thymol, These compounds give oregano oil it’s impressive antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, studies show that it’s even more effective than pharmaceutical alternatives!

Oregano oil is a true champion in the world of natural remedies.

DIY Oregano Oil

Dried organic oregano (about 24 oz)
Organic extra virgin olive oil (750 ml)
In a large mason jar, fill it halfway with dried organic oregano. Pour some EVOO inand stir in increments until jar is full. Allow the oregano to infuse into the oil for 2-3 weeks. Strain and store oil in a dark, cool place.

How to use it?

Use it topically for Nail Fungus, Athlete’s Foot,Insect Bites, Warts
Add a few drops to a diffuser for respiratory health
Take 3-4 drops of oregano oil up to 3 x daily
For children, 1-2 drops up to 2 x daily (Be extra cautious with infants and toddlers)
The best times to use oregano oil are when symptoms first appear or when you’re seeking preventative care during cold and flu season.

Ginger
For centuries, people in various parts of the world have used ginger as a traditional herbal remedy for common health problems. According to research, preliminary studies indicate that it may have beneficial properties, but clinical trials are necessary to further investigate them.

It is worth noting that studies tend to use ginger extract rather than raw ginger or ginger juice. However, ginger juice likely offers benefits that are similar in type, if not in magnitude. These include:

Reducing inflammation: The anti-inflammatory effects may help relieve the pain of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the wearing away of joint cartilage due to aging, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joints.

Relieving pain unrelated to arthritis: Ginger may help alleviate pain associated with the menstrual cycle and migraine headaches.

Improving gastrointestinal function: This includes enhancing digestion.
Decreasing nausea and vomiting: Ginger may help prevent and reduce nausea and vomiting that comes with chemotherapy and pregnancy.

Improve blood sugar control: Ginger may lower blood sugar and improve factors related to the development of type 2 diabetes, such as insulin resistance.

Reducing the risk of other chronic diseases: This includes obesity-related factors that increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease. It may also decrease risk factors of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Lemon ginger shot

This recipe produces 2 servings.

Ingredients
1-inch (in) piece of fresh ginger root
1 lemon
a pinch of powdered or raw turmeric
Instructions
Slice off the lemon peel.
Chop ginger, lemon, and raw turmeric into small pieces.
Blitz in a blender or food processor.
Divide into two shots and strain if desired.
Drink immediately.

The combination of ginger & lemon is a potent fat-burning formula that may help you lose weight in all areas of your body. This is not only excellent for weight loss, but also for treating a variety of illnesses, including colds, flu, fatty liver, and high cholesterol.

Ginger decreases inflammation, stimulates digestion, and suppresses your appetite.

Lemons contain a high amount of vitamin C, soluble fiber, and plant compounds that give them a number of health benefits. Lemons may aid weight loss and reduce your risk of heart disease, anemia, kidney stones and digestive issues.

If you’re feeling ill …
If you feel any symptoms of a cold or other illness coming on, there are powerful ingredients you can take to help your body fight them off.

Natural Antibiotic
The natural antibiotic you asked for. If you’re looking for something natural to help get better quickly, try this natural antibiotic recipe. It’s anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing, anti-bacterial, and packed with anti-oxidants.

1/2 cup of pure honey
1 tsp of ground turmeric
1/2 tsp of ground ginger
1 tsp of vanilla

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Take a teaspoon each day or even have it in your favourite herbal tea.

Stop a cold
Have you ever tried this combo for colds?

It’s packed with immunity-boosting ingredients to help your body stay strong and healthy. You can stir it into plant milk, warm water or juice, or simply eat it right off the spoon.

This recipe is great for cold and flu season, or anytime you want to boost your immunity.

It contains antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties which help to treat digestive issues, arthritis and skin conditions.

Honey Turmeric Ginger Bomb

You can double the amounts in this recipe. Yields a 1/2 a cup

1/2 cup raw honey
1-2 tbsp coconut oil
2 tsp turmeric powder
2 tsp cinnamon powder
2 tsp ginger powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
Mix all the ingredients together and stir well. Pour the mixture in a glass jar with a lid and store in room temperature. You can always cut down the portions of spices to 1 tsp if you find it too strong.

Enjoy 1 tsp a day and feel the power of this Honey Turmeric Ginger Bomb!

Mucus, Cold & Cough
Here is a natural remedy for mucus, common cold, flu or covid symptoms. This juice combinations really packs a punch, filled with antioxidants, it helps to boost our immune system.

It includes pineapple, celery, ginger, turmeric and lime. All of which have anti inflammatory properties meaning they help to reduce inflammation within the body.

In this cold and flu season, and whatever else is lurking out there, remember that prevention is better than cure! This is a juice combination that can be consumed daily to help fortify your immune system

Pineapple Celery Juice

1/2 of entire pineapple
8 stalks of celery
10 pieces of turmeric
2 hands of ginger
2 key limes
This batch provides 3 8oz servings.

Onion Tea

Remove mucus and lose congestion using only 1 ingredient–Onion! Onion has natural antibiotic properties that help you heal lungs, colds, and flu that causes bronchitis. This acts as a natural cough syrup and decongestant.

Cut up 1 medium onion with skins. Place in asauce pan with 8 – 10 oz of water. Boil until water is ‘tea’ colored

Cinnamon Bark Tea

Steep 2 sticks of cinnamon bark in hot water for 5-10 min. Remove sticks and drink up. You can add a tsp of honey if you want a little sweetness.

Cinnamon Bark Tea has several health benefits. Like any tea, it warms the body, but it also decreases sweating, soothes sore throats, helps with digestion and relieves cold, flu and viral infections.

Relieve congestion
Are you ready to breathe easy again? Try this steam recipe to open up your airways!

Steaming fragrant antiviral, antibacterial herbs , might be one of the greatest tricks to reduce symptoms of nasty cold, cough, flu and sinus congestion.The warm moist air, opens nasal passages and calms and relieves chest congestion. Studies have proven the effectiveness of this ancient practice and even shown that steam inhalations help reduce viral load.

Directions:

Heat water in a pot until it just begins to boil.
Take the water off the heat.
Add 2 handfuls of antimicrobial herbs like Holy Basil, Rosemary, Thyme, Mint leaves, Eucalyptus, Cinnamon, Clove , Fresh turmeric, 2 drops oregano oil optional . Cover with lid and let steep 5 minutes.
Keeping your eyes closed and maintaining a safe distance from the bowl, create a tent with a kitchen towel over your head.
Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose and mouth for at least two to five minutes.
Note: careful not to burn yourself and let cool longer if it feels too hot. Avoid with children under 12.

You can do this 2 -3 times a day. Always ask your doctor to be sure.

Reduce a Fever
Did you know that raisins can fight infections and reduce fever in children?!? It’s that simple! 😋

Raisins are known to have powerful anti-bacterial properties for fighting infection and reducing fevers in children! 👍They are also high in fiber, which is great for digestion.

Raisins can be added to any meal or snack and are a great way to add sweetness without adding extra sugars.

Step-by-Step :

Soak less than 1 oz of raisins for an hour
Mush them in a paste
give to your child when they are feverish
Focus on feet
According to Chinese reflexology—an ancient form of complementary medicine—the feet are covered in “access points” that connect to all other areas of your body, via your qi, or life force energy. Basically, treat the feet to treat the whole body.

If you have a cold or flu, there is a trick that you could try to reduce the cold. This is done by placing a thin potato or onion slice underneath your foot and covering them with socks.

Leave the socks on overnight as you sleep. In the morning, you’ll wake up feeling better.

How this works?
The nerves in the feet have been a focal point of Eastern medicine for thousands of years and are thought to act as access points to the internal organs.

Western medicine and science have shown that sulphuric compounds in potatoes and onions have the ability to kill bacteria and viruses—but only when ingested, and in very limited studies. When it comes down to it, there’s no solid scientific evidence that food on your feet can cure a cold. Then again, there’s also no evidence that they don’t, either.

Foods that can make your cold and flu symptoms worse

At the first signs of cold and flu, we all reach for hot tea to which we add lemon, squeeze oranges, add hot soup… But did you know that sometimes foods that are considered healthy can actually harm you when you are sick?

Of course, this does not mean that this food is not healthy, and it is important to note that every body reacts differently to food, so if something from the following list does not have a bad effect on you, then ignore it.

When you have the flu, fever or cold, there is a possibility that your symptoms will be delayed by the following foods:

Spinach
It is believed that spinach can stimulate inflammatory processes and worsen the feeling of fatigue, which accompanies the symptoms of flu and colds.

Nuts
Although they contain many nutrients that help against infections, still refrain from snacking on walnuts in the initial stage of the disease, especially if it is a fever or a stomach virus. They are rich in fats that the body burns slowly and for a long time, so it robs you of the energy you need to fight the disease.

Broccoli
Vitamins such as A and C that it contains are very useful for immunity, but in order not to irritate the body further and to leave room for it to successfully fight infections and inflammations, consume foods that contain less fiber and are easier to digest, unlike from the broccoli.