The question on families not getting the flu shot got me thinking... what natural methods or remedies do you use to prevent you or your family getting sick?
In the other thread, people mentioned hand washing, getting enough sleep, eating healthy, drinking lots of water, taking a Vitamin D supplement.
What else works for you?
This isn't really preventive, but whenever I start to feel like I'm getting a cold, I start taking Lysine, Garlic, Echinacea and Vitamin C. Most of the time, it keeps me from getting full blown sick.
A tea of Mullien, Self Heal, Wild Cherry Bark and Borage is my standard winter preventative. ORGANIC ONLY. Mix equal parts together and drink all you like. Sweeten with honey if you like.
I have never, ever, ever gotten a flu shot. I do not take any prescription medicines.
We have NEVER gotten the flu shot. Neither me, my husband or four kids (3,4,7,8)... the only family member that gets it is my grandmother because of her health and age.
I don't do anything at this season to further my immunity. I do the same stuff all year (and this goes for my family as well). We always drink a lot of water and always wash our hands... and we take a multi-vitamin. We also have very balanced diets, a wide range of healthy stuff- thank goodness my kids aren't picky! We have taken Airborne at the first sign of a cold... it has seemed to work on a few occasions.
The flu doesn't bother me. I know it can be deadly to an extremely small percentage, but what isn't? I also take darn good care of my family if someone is sick. Good habits prior and good care during makes for a great recovery. Generally, the flu is just a nuisance. I think this obsession for taking the flu shot is ONLY a way to put more money in the pockets of pharmaceuticals...
My hubby has been shadowing a doctor, and one thing he noticed is that the doc never touches his face with his hands. He'll scratch his nose with his wrist, or whatever. Germs get into you through mucus membranes (eyes, nose, mouth). It's super hard NOT to touch your face, but it's what makes the difference cause the hands are what we transport the germs with.
Lots of sleep is also important.
check out www.wellnessmama.com . She has TONS of great recipes and advice for natural homemade tinctures and treatments for illnesses. I've made her elderberry syrup (http://wellnessmama.com/1888/how-to-make-elderberry-syrup...) for a few years now and nobody in my house has gotten the flu...ever. My kids LOVE it on pancakes or waffles. I have never had the flu in my LIFE and was never vaccinated for anything.
Daily multivitamins, extra vitamin c, and a ton of damage control... wash hands, cover your mouth, lots of lysol and purell, and sleep and water :)
I don't do anything other than what you and the other thread already mentioned (hand washing, sleep, etc). It doesn't take a whole lot to prevent getting sick.
A tsp of Local Honey everyday and Immune Support Vitamins.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away!! :-) And oranges or orange juice.
I use Shaklee's Defend and Resist at the start of that tickle in the throat and it usually stops right there. Otherwise I add their Garlic and Formula I.
I don't use hand sanitizer. It is just like overusing antibiotics and it destroys the natural germ barriers on the skin.
My 2.5 year old washes his hands with soap, we give him the lemon flavored cod liver oil in the morning and a drop of vit d with breakfast. He goes to daycare, never gets sick and does NOT receive the flu shot.
As for me, I am a teacher, so I am around germs all day, but I too, am never sick. healthy foods, lots of veggies and water, and washing hands with soap.
Good luck and stay healthy!
Everyone has their favorites. Personally, we consume homemade probiotics (dairy and veggies) and fermented cod liver oil (contains A and D). I also HIGHLY recommend taking the family herbs class here. Next one is in December:
http://www.inspiredabq.com
GREAT tools to keep you safely healthy year round! I have been able to treat so many ailments confidently after this class.
I actually rarely use hand sanitizer. I prefer to wash the hands with soap and water instead. We use hand sanitizer when we are sick. We use it after we sneeze, cough, and blow or rub our noses. We dress warmer but make certain we are not sweating under our warmer clothes. When you sweat it opens our pores. If we participate in sports where we are prone to sweat or take swimming lessons during the colder weather we make certain we close our pores with some witch hazel applied to our skin and the lotion up as usual.
We also increase our vitamin C intake if we feel the slightest tickle in our throats in addition to getting plenty of rest, eating right, and drinking loads of water. We don't do the flu shot thing and we have been healthy for years. Oddly enough everyone I know that has gotten the flu shot has gotten very sick. What's up with that? I hope this helps.
UPDATED
Forget to add that we also take Cod Liver Oil in the winter and it really helps keep us healthier.
Apple Cider Vinegar, lemon and honey. A lot of sleep. I also don't use antibacterial soap.
My hubby and I take these vitamins/minerals http://www.GBGisIT.com The kids have always taken a multi gummy and an omega 3. I also take an iron supp because I'm anemic. We don't eat crazy healthy and we only use hand sanitizer after leaving stores and the park. We don't use it at home at all. I think if you get too crazy about germs then it actually backfires on you. I posted on the flu shot question that hubby and I havent been sick in 20+ years and the kids rarely miss school and if they do, its a sinus infection. I'm also not a clean freak but when I clean the counters, I use antibacterial cleaner. I think having some dirt and germs around helps our bodies naturally fight it. I'm actually shocked at how much my friends and their kids are sick. I don't have any kind of secret but just do things that I think are common sense. Good luck!
Turmeric is a spice often used in curry and is a natural immune booster - on the list of super foods actually. Last night we had Sheppards Pie and I covered the meat in turmeric. Its really not all that flavourful so if you're thinking "gross I dont want everything to taste like curry" it really doesnt - its just really really yellow and stains like crazy. We also do what you said the other post mentioned. Otherwise I just make sure to keep every sicky away from me until I know they are for sure better
