How to Prevent Colds and Flu Naturally (And How I Use Oscillococcinum)
Nobody wants to spend the winter sniffling, coughing and feeling rubbish! While we can't avoid every bug that comes our way, there are plenty of things we can do to support our bodies and give ourselves the best chance of staying well.
Here are some of my favourite ways to prepare for cold and flu season, including a homeopathic remedy I never travel without!
1. Feed your body well
Your immune system needs good nutrition to function at its best. Focus on fresh, seasonal vegetables, fruit, good quality protein and healthy fats. I particularly love warming soups and nourishing meals during the colder months. Sunday roasts aren’t always just on Sundays in my house!
Don't forget to drink plenty of water (I love to experiment with new herbal tea flavours in winter) and get enough sleep. Your body does a lot of its repair work while you're resting!
2. Get outside!
Fresh air and regular movement are wonderful for our overall wellbeing. Even when it's cold, try to get outside every day. A brisk walk, some daylight and a change of scenery can do wonders.
Just remember to wrap up with a hat, scarf, warm socks and a cozy coat!
3. Keep your important areas warm
Traditional Chinese Medicine places particular importance on protecting the body's energy (Qi) from cold.
Pay special attention to:
Your kidneys: Keep your lower back covered and warm.
Your feet: Avoid cold feet, wear warm socks and don't walk around on cold floors barefoot. Find some fun slippers to add some winter flair.
Your head: Wear a hat when you're outside, particularly in cold or windy weather.
It's a simple habit that can make a real difference to how comfortable you feel during winter.
4. My winter essential: Oscillococcinum
Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic remedy that I keep in my cupboard all winter, and it's something I always pack when travelling.
I personally use it twice daily when I'm around people who are unwell. Before getting on a plane, I'll take it twice daily and continue for the following three days. Planes are notorious for bringing together people from all over the world, so I like to be prepared!
If I do start developing symptoms, I change my approach and take it three times daily, following the product's directions. I find it's a useful part of my homeopathic toolkit when dealing with flu like symptoms.
Homeopathy isn't necessarily about making a cold, cough, sore throat or flu disappear overnight. It's about supporting the body as it moves through the illness, with the aim of a quicker recovery, more energy and less time feeling under the weather. To learn more about how homeopathy helps with acute illness, click here.
This is general wellbeing information, not medical advice.
A little preparation goes a long way!
We often wait until we're ill before thinking about our health. But supporting our bodies is something we can do every day.
Eat well, get outside, keep warm, rest when you need to and have your winter essentials ready.
Your health deserves a little attention before you need it!
If the change of season leaves you feeling a little blue, read about how homeopathy can help with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
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