Preparation for the Flu Season

Preparation for Flu' season

As I sit here in glorious October sunshine it is hard to accept that the colder days and nights will soon be upon us

Does the approach of winter and the flue and cold season fill you with horror? Whilst flue can be very distressing and unpleasant it is rarely life-threatening for the majority of people. You can boost your immune system naturally and ward off potentially nasty viruses.
To understand the effects a virus has on your brain, AKA flu brain, you must first understand the very basic response the immune system sets off when it senses a pathogen. The body’s response to being infiltrated by any kind of foreign substance causes the immune system to become activated. The immune system is the defence mechanism to prevent an infection or pathogen from getting out of control and causing serious damage to the body.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much to be done as your body fights off a viral infection. However, there are some ways to help your body along and make you feel less foggy and more functional during your days of recuperation.
There are some very basic steps to boosting your immune system so that you don’t enter the season with fear.

• Take regular exercise even if it is only a short walk in the fresh air. You have many muscles and cells in the body and they all need exercise to keep them strong and to help cells regenerate.
  
• Sleep is your immune system secret weapon. Sleep lets your body focus its energy on fighting the virus and wash away the waste products in your brain and body. Make sure you are getting good rest and sleep. It is best to have at least 8 hours continuous sleep but it needs to be quality and not restless or interrupted sleep. Lavender essential oil can be a great help in preparing your mind for sleep.
  
• Take a fresh look at your diet. Are you having sufficient fruit and vegetables in your diet on a daily basis
  
• Avoid as many toxins as you can as these affect your immune system.
  
  
  
• Never underestimate the power of positive thinking.. STRESS undermines the immune system through cortisol release ( stress hormone) and makes the body and the brain more susceptible to illness.
  

Best Essential Oils for Colds and Flu.

Cooler months bring a unique set of health challenges. When this time of year sets in, I like to use essential oils as part of my first line of defence.

Immunity Blend.

I make an immunity blend using equal parts of the following essential oils: clove, lemon, orange, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary.
I store in an old essential oil bottle that has been sterilised. Now I’m ready to go.

I use this blend in my diffusers around the house. It’s great to spray in the car or put into your car diffuser. You can mix in with your hand cleaner and body products.

These oils are not expensive oils like rose or melissa, so they are very cost-effective to use.

Best Essential Oils for Colds and Flu

• Thyme
  
  
  Has antibacterial properties and powerful anti-viral properties.
  
  Helps clear coughs and drain congestion.
  Apply topically to chest and neck.
  Use in your diffuser.
  Put 6 drops into a bowl of steaming water, place towel over your head and inhale the vapours.
  Don’t use a plastic bowl. Do use filtered water.
  Warning.
  
  
  
  Don’t use if you have high blood pressure, epileptic fits or during pregnancy.
  Toxic to pets.
  
• Tea Tree
  Antiviral.
  Diffuser for 10-15 minutes.
  Sniff the vapours directly from the bottle.
  Dilute 2 drops in a teaspoon of coconut oil and massage into the chest.
  Warning.
  Never take this oil internally.
  Always dilute the oil before applying to the skin.
  Toxic to pets.
  

• Lemon
  Is a natural disinfectant and antiviral.
  Helps clear mucus and phlegm and clear the lymphatic system.
  Great immune booster.
  Use 1-2 drops topically over your lymph nodes.
  Use in your diffuser.
  Add 2 drops to a teaspoonful of coconut oil and rub into the chest.
  If used topically, avoid direct sunlight for 12 hours.
  
• Eucalyptus and Peppermint.
  These are anti microbial and detoxifying.
  Use as a Steam Inhaler.
  Place 10 drops of eucalyptus oil and 10 drops of peppermint oils into a bowl of steaming water. Pace towel over your head and inhale the vapours.

• Ginger oil.
  This is a very warming oil.
  It has strong mucus clearing properties.
  Aids congestion.
  Apply topical to throat and chest.

Proper Preparations Prevent Problems!
That’s it!
Here’s to a great healthy winter!.

Judith