Winter is not over yet.

North wind, rain, snowfall, and sub-zero temperatures are forecasted.

How pleasant is a heated home when it's cold and wet outside! However, if you want to protect yourself from colds, it is a good idea to dress warmly and go out into the fresh air from time to time. This helps the mucous membranes after dry-heating air and lifts the spirits. Fresh air is one of the home remedies to prevent colds.

Viruses have a better chance of settling on the nasal mucosa if one's immune system is somewhat weakened. With recommendations and ideas from your medicine chest, you can often avoid going to the doctor or the emergency room.

One's winter walk becomes a pleasure when warmly wrapped up from head to toe.

With hair or without, the head and its vital organs, such as the eyes, mouth, nose and ears, and relatively thin facial skin, are sensitive to temperature. A warm cap or hood, headband, and mouthguard are a must when it's cold.

High heels and sneakers should always be kept in the shoe closet during the cold season. Cold feet particularly weaken the female bladder. Warm winter shoes made of Gore-Tex, with thick soles, keep the feet and toes warm. Choosing one size larger (with air cushion) is recommended so warm socks or stockings have room, and the toes can move freely for circulation.

It is essential to wear layered, warm (sports) clothing made of breathable, natural fibres. Depending on the temperature inside, tying a warm sweater around your waist at home or work is suggested. You should also always put a light blanket over your body when reading on the sofa during the colder months.

Cold is often the result of unpleasant, involuntary shivering and freezing. When the temperature is low, the human body operates at maximum level, uses much energy, and in the worst-case scenario, can be weakened. Susceptibilities to pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, increase. This is one of the reasons why the flu season peaks in winter.

Fortunately, nature has much to offer to strengthen the immune system and cure colds.

A healthy diet all year round, enough fluids, enough sleep, and exercise are the foundations of a robust immune system. The need for vitamin C increases, especially in winter. Anyone concerned about getting sufficient vitamins is urged to pay more attention to citrus fruits and seasonal vegetables. For example, kiwis, oranges, and pomelos are naturally rich in vitamin C. And if possible, prepare carrots, celery, and beetroot raw. Sprinkle some cumin over your salads to improve gut health, which has a long-lasting impact on the immune system. A rose hip tea warms you up and can also increase your vitamin C reserves.

Coneflower (Echinacea) is mainly used to prevent and heal ailments.

The best-known products are immune-boosting tinctures made from this medicinal plant. The coneflower perennial comes from America, belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae), can grow up to 150 cm tall, and flowers in different colours from July to September. The purple sun hat made of the same plant is also trendy.

Echinacea drops (e.g., Echinarom from Spagyros) can be taken in the fall to strengthen the immune system as a preventive measure.

To strengthen the throat and mucous membranes, sea salt nasal sprays are helpful in dry air and heated rooms. If you have a cold, it is advisable to take Echinacea drops (mixed in water) several times a day. You can also rub these drops (pure) on your forehead, chest, and back. Echina sore throat lozenges are also helpful when used with essential oils. (Echinarom of Spagyros is paid for by basic insurance if prescribed by a general practitioner.)

Alfred Vogel is a pioneer of new plant medicine. His book “The Little Doctor” is a fascinating, educational leisure read and can hardly be surpassed in practicality. In his book, one learns that a new plant preparation, Echinaforce tablet, is made from the latest flowering herb and the fresh roots of the purple coneflower. Echinaforce tablets are traditionally beneficial for those susceptible to colds and help with the following healing process. The Echinaforce Hot Drink is a hot drink from Vogel's work and does wonders for colds and flu.

Not to be forgotten are the linden blossom tea with freshly squeezed orange juice for fever and the tried and tested vinegar sock “therapy”. For this remedy, soak cotton socks in vinegar water, squeeze them out, put them on, and leave them well covered.

By the way, wearing a face mask in shopping centres is still a good idea during flu season.

 


    2 replies to "Staying Warm and Taking Care of Oneself"

    • Tea_lover

      Thanks for the good recommendations here!

      I agree with this “A healthy diet all year round, enough fluids, enough sleep, and exercise are the foundations of a robust immune system.”
      Immune system is the best fighting chance we have against various diseases. Especially in cold seasons, I take care of my immune system by eating healthy, getting enough sleep, taking my VitC, and getting sunlight as often as I could.

    • ikaria lean belly juice

      Your posts always provide me with a new perspective and encourage me to look at things differently Thank you for broadening my horizons

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