With fall in the air, the trees changing, the wind stirring, and the clouds coming in, it is important to stay healthy this season. Here’s a few tips on how to ditch the pharmacy drugs and go ALL- NAT-U-R-AAAL. What better time to detox our bodies than while fighting off a bug. Many of us have used things like Ibuprofen, Advil, Tums, cough syrup, and nasal spray, but some of these can be harmful with repeated use. So instead, try some of these natural bug fighters.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a super herb. You can take it in capsule form, or as a tincture, or as a tea two times a day at the first sign of illness to reduce sick time. Tinctures are made by placing herbs in 40-50% alcohol. This helps draw out the herbal properties. To use a tincture, dilute about one dropperful in two to eight ounces of water several times a day. This will help with cold or flu by boosting your immune system.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree oil is a powerful essential oil. It is an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and disinfectant. Use it to kill bacteria and germs in the house by putting several drops in a diffuser. This will help keep germs away and clean air throughout your house. Try looking online or going to Target to get one for under $25. You can also put several drops in a spray bottle with distilled water and white vinegar as a disinfecting spray for kitchens, bathrooms, and countertops. Be careful around your skin and eyes, as it may cause a slight burning sensation.
Water
While the weather changes it becomes harder to remember to stay hydrated. But being hydrated means toxins are being flushed out of your system, which helps create a healthy internal environment. Try to remember to drink 8-10 cups of water each day. Your skin will thank you too. Keep the environment safe as well by using a reusable water bottle. Say goodbye to plastic.
Essential Oils
Ditch the heavy medication when you get a headache. Try combining 1 drop peppermint oil and 2 drops lavender in 1Tbs of coconut or olive oil and rubbing into temples, forehead, and base of the neck to relieve headache tension. You can also rub some under your nose to inhale the combination.
Make sure you are getting 100% theraputic grade, or pure essential oils to use.
Wash Your Hands
We all learned how to do this in preschool, so don’t forget it now. Wash your hands frequently to keep germs away. Don’t underestimate the power of some water and soap! Scrub your hands with soap for thirty seconds frequently throughout the day.