Listen to your body.

Sniffling… Sneezing…. Coughing…. ‘Tis the season! When we start dripping, as the cold weather sets in, the symptoms can be overwhelming! Time to listen in!

Our bodies all have unique ways of telling us what’s up, through seasonal illnesses, allergic reactions, and mood swings. When we realize what’s going on with ourselves, and acknowledge what our bodies are telling us, we can do much more than just treat the symptoms. We can begin to understand our our individual bodies and internal systems deal and cope with the seasons and the environmental challenges therein. With that knowledge comes greater understanding of our health, the maintaining of which will bring us closer to joy!

Our household has some unique and some not-so unique ways of dealing with these seasonal reactions. I’d like to let you know that I am not a medical professional, so any advice I give on this page is Here is a list of a few of the conditions, and how we deal with them;

Runny Nose – When I start to get a runny nose, I know I might be at the beginning stages of a viral infection (the common cold) The cold is the most common reason of a stuffy and/or runny nose. Other causes: allergies, influenza, other viral infections (like RSV) and sinus infections. Sometimes this symptom is referred to as “post nasal drip”. Here are some ways I have found to combat this common problem;

• Drink Plenty of Fluids. – This will help moisturize the linings of your nose and throat. My top picks are Orange juice, Apple juice, and water. Lots and lots of water!
• Herbal Teas and Tinctures. – Preparing a hot tea or adding an herbal tincture to your fluids will help fight infection, maintain your immune system, and keep you hydrated.
• Heated Broth. – Not only another hydration method, but eating broth means you are breathing in steam, which will help loosen congestion and aid in fluid movement inside your airways.
• Vitamin C. – Either from natural sources or processed means. I like adding Vitamin C powder to orange juice!
• Massage Your Nose! – Gently massaging your nose sinus with your thumb and index finger will help relive congestion and inflammation.
• Take a Steamy Shower! – Try putting a branch or two of Eucalyptus on your shower head via rubber-band, so the water will cascade through the herb.
• Herbal Vapor Rub. – Apply an herbal vapor rub either under your nose, or to your chest, or both. Camphor, Eucalyptus, and Menthol are all very effective.
• Hot Compress. – A washcloth, run under hot water, then applied gently on your forehead and/or upper nose.
• Rest. – Yes. Calm, relaxation goes a long way to help your bodies natural systems fight infection! Pick a good book, curl up under a blanket, and read it every chance you get!
• Blow! – Blow your nose gently and often. try holding one nostril closed at a time when blowing your nose.
• Eat Right! – Making sure your diet consists of plenty of known infection-fighters; bell peppers (vitamin C), cranberries (helps prevent bacteria from sticking to cells lining the bladder and urinary tract), mustard (helps break up mucus in air passages), onions and garlic (contain phytochemicals purported to help the body clear infections), hot peppers (contain capsaicin which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent), ginger (anti-inflammatory and antioxidants), and our secret spice for fighting infections: paprika (anti-inflammatory, helps promote restfulness, and decreases the risk of heart-attack!)

Hopefully, if you listen to your body as the seasons change, you can find healthy ways to avoid and fight the viral infections that plague everybody and find yourself living in Joy & Health!