Northern Michigan Woman - Jan/Feb 2024 Fitness Issue
My Favorite Natural Remedies for Winter
Amanda Sloan 2023-12-21 13:10:08
I’m not sure why Michigan winters tend to sneak up on me. Every. Year. The seasons rotate in the same order each time, so why am I never fully prepared for that first Arctic blast?!
I suppose I get too distracted with fall sports and holiday planning, but I know winter is right around the corner once that first illness materializes in my family. The declining sunlight hours in addition to increased indoor activity set the stage for the body’s reduced immune function. It’s typically not long after “the time change” that someone in the house is complaining about a sore throat, headache or congestion.
I absolutely hate being sick. Moms don’t generally get to take sick days, so I do everything that I can do to avoid it. This past sick season I compiled a list of my favorite natural immune-boosting tips along with products my family and I use regularly in the winter to treat and prevent illness. I recommend you use these at the first sign of illness for anyone and everyone in the household!
Vitamins & Supplements. In addition to your daily multivitamin, pre/probiotics, and fish oils, temporarily increase your intake of vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc. (Lysine is also beneficial for those who suffer from cold sores!) Use electrolyte powders (with added vitamins and minerals) to flavor your water and help keep yourself hydrated.
Nutrition. You are what you eat and the last thing you want to feel like when you are down is a french fry so avoid sugar, alcohol and processed foods. My go-to wellness meal is homemade chicken noodle soup. I use a whole chicken, organic carrots and celery (save the peels and ends to make bone broth from the chicken carcass later!) and cayenne pepper (to help clear your sinuses).
Exercise. Depending on your wellness status, keep up your exercise routine, but at a reduced effort. If you are feeling 70% normal, strength train with 70% of your normal weight. Adjust your run to a brisk walk or instead of a 90 minute yoga session, settle for 30 minutes. The goal is to stay active and mobile without pushing yourself to exhaustion.
Rest. Get eight hours of sleep per night (or as much as you are able). Essential oils such as lavender and cedarwood, melatonin and magnesium can all aide in sleep. Find what works best for you because sleep is essential for proper recovery!
Address Symptoms. Naturally. The problem with most over-the-counter cold and flu medications is that even if they temporarily ease symptoms, they frequently have negative side effects. Natural alternatives often eliminate side effects and reduce the duration of illness. Elderberry syrup, for example, is made with dried elderberries, clove, cinnamon, and ginger — ingredients all known for their potent antimicrobial properties. We take this once daily as a preventative and up to four times a day when ill.
Other examples include raw honey for a sore throat, pineapple juice for a cough, and eucalyptus for congestion. I personally love diffusing eucalyptus essential oil when congested though using a shower disk is a great alternative.
Even if you find it impossible to do all of these things, incorporate what you can to improve your health and well-being.
Amanda Sloan resides with her family and puppy in Belmont, MI where she pursues her passion of crafting and marketing A Mother’s Nature all-natural health and beauty care products. Learn more at amothersnature.biz. For more inspiration and wellness ideas follow Amanda at @amothersnatureproducts.
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