Keeping your Immune System bouncing back

I am coming across a lot of people getting colds and flu, this winter.  To some degree, it is unavoidable, as we get more cold and tired, and bacteria and viruses have the opportunity to take hold.  The big thing is not letting the illness linger.  

I have had two colds this year.  I usually get one or two, and generally, I think that this is my immune system showing up, and building up my army of white blood cells, to fight off invaders.  The big difference between when I get sick, and when most others succumb to lurgies, is that I get better more quickly.  My usual pattern of illness is to feel symptoms, have a running nose, sore throat for two days, then I am a little stuffed up for 3 days, then I am well.  

The reason that I am able to get over being sick so much more quickly than most people, is that I do the following things:

1. I take a herbal tonic, the minute that I start feeling symptoms.  This is something which I usually make up myself, and may contain herbs like Echinacea purpurea, Thymus vulgaris, or Pelargonium sidoides, along with other immune supportive, or depurative (clearing) herbs.  I take a slightly higher dose than I do with normal herbal remedies, during the acute phase.  
2. I rest.  I stop exercising.  I go to bed early, and I allow myself to repair.  
3. I eat warming, comforting foods, such as soups, curries, herbal teas (Yarrow, Elderflower, and Peppermint is great for fevers and clearing mucous – I can make this up for you), and warming drinks such as fresh ginger, orange or lemon, and honey in hot water.  
4. I take immune supportive vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D.  

This is a basis of what I do.  There is more sometimes, and I will review whether I think I am doing too much (pretty common for me!) and need to aim for better sleep, and to manage stress more effectively.  But I find I am able to get over the cold within 5 days, which for a person who runs their own business, and also who visits an aged care facility, is important that I am not continuing to be unwell.  

If you would like help with supporting your immune response, please see me in clinic.  I usually suggest having a bottle of herbal medicine sitting waiting in your cupboard, for when you do get sick, so that you can start taking it the minute that you feel unwell.  I do also have more efficacious versions of the usual tablet forms of immune support, which include having Hydrastis canadensis, alongside the usual Echinacea and Astragalus, as these are a little stronger, and tend to have more effect.  It may be worth getting a bottle, if you are feeling you are fighting off a cold, so that you can take half the bottle now, to stay well, which leaves half a bottle for the next bout.  

For those who are concerned about taking a harsh tasting herbal medicine, it is worth noting that several of the herbal medicine liquid tonics which I use are common culinary herbs, such as licorice, thyme, rosemary, and fennel.  These smell amazing, and are incredibly effective in their medicinal form for soothing, clearing and supporting.  I even make an amazing Elderberry and Cinnamon blend, for some specific conditions, which is honestly, just like a delightful sipping drink, and incredibly effective at supporting deep seated immune response.  

Please book in for a Naturopathic consultation with me, to discuss how you are feeling this winter.