Is it just me, or does allergy "season" seem to be lasting all year lately? I used to think sniffles and sore throats were reserved for the colder months, but nowadays, I'm not so sure. When I was a kid, I would get sick once a year. In the past few years (probably since about 2020), I find that I'm getting sick more often, and even though I'm doing my best to support my immune system, I still seem to get sick or get a bad allergy attack a few times a year.
When that happens, I go to the cabinet and break out my arsenal, which is what I'm posting about today. I strive to use all natural, homeopathic medicines, and I will say that while they usually take longer to start working than traditional medications do, the benefits are undeniable. Unlike side-effect-ridden pills and dye-ridden syrups that simply mask symptoms, these remedies actually help remind your body how to fight infections and viruses. So, with that said, here's what I like to call my Sick Regimen.
My Sick Regimen
Elderberry Tincture
Take 1 dropper 4 times per day on sickest days, then reduce to 1-2x per day once symptoms are improving.
Oil of Oregano
Not to be confused with oregano essential oil, which is much more potent and could harm you if overdosed! Oil of oregano is fresh or dried oregano that has been infused into olive oil over a few days to a few weeks. Take 1 tablespoon of oil of oregano 2-3 times a day to fight infections.
Viracid by Ortho Molecular
This is an all-natural immunity booster that works best when taken multiple times a day for a few of days at a time. Take 2 capsules 4 times per day until symptoms fully resolve.
D-Hist
This natural anti-histamine will alleviate a stuffy nose and sore throat when taken consistently. Take 2 capsules 4 times per day until symptoms fully resolve.
Allergy Calm
Melt 2 tablets under the tongue every 15 minutes for 1 hour, then 2 tablets 3 times per day until symptoms resolve.
L-Lysine
This underdog of an amino acid can pack a punch against viral infections. Take 1 capsule 2 times per day until symptoms resolve.
Hot Tea
Lemon Honey Ginger Tea: Add fresh or powdered ginger, a generous amount of honey, and juice from 1/2 of a lemon to hot water and stir well.
Cinnamon and honey tea: For sweet but healthy relief, boil fresh or powdered cinnamon and honey in a pot, and enjoy!
Enjoy elderberry tea from dried elderberries.
Aromatherapy
Inhaling the vapors of essential oils can come with some great health benefits. Here are my favorite oils to drop into my diffuser:
Frankincense oil relaxes the mind and opens up the sinuses.
Peppermint oil "peps" you up, relieves a sore throat, and clears clogged sinuses.
Lavender oil calms the muscles and mind while providing relief from constant coughing.
Eucalyptus oil clears the sinuses; I find this oil to be especially effective in a steamy shower.
I love to diffuse these together to create a sweet, earthy scent with a zing. Even when no one in the house is sick, the blend is still very nice to smell!
Soup
One of the best ways to recover from sickness is to eat soothing, easy-to-digest soup. Fill up a big pot with carrots, celery, cilantro, green onions, white onions, turmeric, seasonings, potatoes, and red meat if desired. Eating this for most of your meals while you're sick is very beneficial, so that's why you'll need to make a big pot of it!
Fever Watch
Keep an eye on your temperature. If you're running a low grade fever (below 103 degrees), do your best to sweat it out during the night. The fever is your body's greatest defense against infections, as those nasty little germs can't survive in hot environments. If your fever gets above 103 degrees, though, seek medical help right away.
Rest
This is the best medicine because it's free, it's effective, and it makes you feel great! Resting and sleeping helps your body to heal, so be sure to do plenty of that when you're feeling under the weather.
Disclaimers
* Not all remedies or bodies are the same. Use discretion and read the ingredient labels to make sure there are no contraindications with any medications you're currently taking, or any conditions you're currently diagnosed with or have a predisposition to.
* These remedies may not always start working right away. The key to discovering the power of natural medicine is being consistent. Within a couple of days, you may feel that your body is beginning to fight much better than before, and those are side-effect-free results worth waiting for!
* Be sure to monitor your symptoms closely. If they are getting worse or not improving at all after a week, or your fever doesn't resolve within a few days, seek medical help; there may be something more going on than a common cold.
* Stay away from caffeine, sugars, and alcohol while sick. Your body needs every resource it can use to get better, but an excess of these things can cause decreased immune function. Think twice before reaching for that comfort coffee!
* Read my related post for more information about how to survive allergy and flu season like a boss!