You know all those common sense tips that are on tip of your tongue when someone else is sick? Sometimes it all leaves you when you are under the weather yourself. With that in mind, I thought I'd add these little gems here, in case you (or I!) run into a nasty cold or flu.
Usually, a cold or flu can be weathered with good rest, nutritional and herbal support, however, if you have more serious symptoms, it is essential to seek medical help. These include if,
- You have trouble breathing or chest pain.
- Your fever doesn't get better.
- You are at risk of dehydration because you can't keep anything down.
My top 3 tips to help you recover well are:
Steam Inhalations
Steam inhalations can be very soothing and help ease congestion and soothe inflamed airways. Try a few drops of eucalyptus in the bottom of your shower or lean your face over a sink of warm water and drape a towel over your head (the old fashioned way!) to gently inhale the steam. Even without the addition of essential oils, a warm shower or bath can help ease congestion before bed and make sleeping easier.
Lots of Fluids – Try this Savoury Broth
Drink lots of warm fluids, keep warm and eat easy to digest foods. Soups are great at this time and drinks like lemon and Manuka honey are particularly helpful for sore throats. You can make an easy savoury broth by boiling together in water some common kitchen herbs, especially sage, thyme, a bay leaf, rosemary, ginger and sliced fresh garlic. This makes a tasty broth that is very nourishing between meals. Garlic and ginger help break down mucous, and sage and thyme are soothing respiratory antiseptics and are great for sore throats.
Soups for Recovering from your Cold or Flu
Soups are also a great, easily digested food for when you are unwell. Lots of red, orange and green vegies help to supply you with lots of Vitamin A and C to help repair your airways and support your immune system. A couple of easy recipes include my favourite pink Sweet beetroot, pumpkin and red lentil soup and this fantastic sweet potato, cauliflower curry. It's very easy to make, although if you can ask your friends, partner or family to make it, even better:
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add sweet potato to pan; sauté 3 minutes. Decrease heat to medium. Add cauliflower, onion, and curry powder; cook 1 minute, stirring mixture constantly. Add broth and next 3 ingredients (through tomatoes); bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
Both of these recipes can easily take some baby spinach or whatever greens you have on hand to boost up the healing power.
Rest
Remember to rest! This is the most important tip. Going to bed early and having naps throughout the day is essential to your recovery. Keep this in mind after you recover too – completing a period of post-illness follow-up strengthens your resilience, which reduces the chance of relapse. Make it your mission to get to bed earlier than usual for the next two weeks also. For some tips on staying well in the winter, check out this article here.
Remember, I offer existing clients ten minute, over the phone consults for acute conditions like colds and flu. Herbs and nutritional supplements can help you recover well. Book online here or call me on 0402 097 028 if you need an appointment today.
Hopefully, you won't need this advice for some time, but if you do, it's always here for you to look back on!