REMEDIES
My goal is always to spend at least 1 hour outside each day. As you can imagine, this can be a lofty target with everyday life, heat, rain, and let’s face it, sheer laziness (why is it so hard to get out of bed? And why is it still dark when I wake up this time of year?). Not too long ago I found myself starting the day with a run, working for a bit outside, grabbing lunch at Stir Crazy, and hanging out on the back deck all evening – it was a good day. However, I woke up the next day feeling stuffy and in true Aliza form, fear that I may have come down with a case of Covid was the first thing that came to my mind (happen to read my last article about anxiety?).
I think a lot of us, as we join society again and are getting exposed to more germs/getting sick, we are so acutely aware of the pandemic, and we automatically think it is something more than it is. I’m in no way, shape or form saying not to get tested if you are worried or showing signs of the virus, but it is possibly another virus, a cold, or in my case just seasonal allergies.
As we fall into fall, the changing of seasons as well as seeing family and friends over the impending holidays in November and December (i.e. seeing more people = spreading more germs = catching more illnesses), it’s good to have some remedies to alleviate your…, well whatever you happen to get.
- Allergies –> Butterbur. This herb has antihistamine qualities that can aid headaches and seasonal allergy symptoms.
- Sinus Congestion -> Neti Pot. This is a little contraption that looks like a mini teapot where you mix warm water and non-iodized salt. Then, you pour half the mixture through one nostril letting it drain out the other one – and then vice versa.
- Sore throat –> Honey. For a cough, honey works just as good as over the counter cough medicine. You can enjoy by the spoonful or in tea.
- Nausea –> Ginger or Olives. In Asian and Indian medicine, ginger has been used for thousands of years to treat stomachaches, nausea, and diarrhea. If you are feeling nauseous, add ginger to your tea, drink ginger beer or ale, or have ginger chews on hand. Because of the tannins in olives, they can help dry up your saliva to alleviate the wet feeling in your mouth
- Burns, Cuts and Scrapes –> Aloe Vera. You can have this succulent as a houseplant. If anyone in the family gets hurt, just cut off a leaf and use the gel inside to sooth the burn or cut.
Having these few items around the house makes me feel more equipped for a possible ailment after not being around people, and their germs, for so long. Hoping you enjoy your time outside, family over the holiday season, and are able to stay safe and healthy out there as we get into cold and flu season.
