Colds run rampant from October to 4th of July…yes that’s right 9 months of the year! Which means at this point, we’re NOT even halfway through the cold season.
Here are some natural tips to get you feeling better, sooner.
Remember diet plays a HUGE role in the amount of congestion and how long it sticks around. At the FIRST signs of sickness eliminate:
- alcohol
- sugary beverages (such as juice, soda, etc.)
- dairy (look for alternatives such as almond milk, soy cheese, cashew yogurt)
- gluten (sub gluten free options like rice, quinoa)
Do drink lots of water, bone broth and herbal teas.
Bone broth can be made by putting organic chicken or beef bones in a crock-pot on low for 24 hours covered, or bought at your local store. Trader Joe’s has a nice, travel friendly one.
For herbal teas I like raspberry leaf, chamomile with lemon and honey, peppermint and decaf green tea.
REST. Your body needs this in order to ramp up your immune system to fight off the virus.
DIY congestion conquering tips:
Alternating Hot and Cold Towels: 🚰🌡❄️
In applying a hot application, circulation is increased and blood nourishes the affected tissue. In applying cold, the blood vessels constrict and toxins and wastes are carried away from the area.
To do this treatment, simply place a hot towel (a cotton washcloth works well) over your nose and cheeks, then cover it with a piece of wool (if available). This will help keep the heat in. After 3 minutes, apply a cold washcloth or rub vigorously for 30 seconds. Repeat this 2 more times, making a total of 3 cycles of alternating hot and cold. Always end your treatment with the cold application.
Alternating Nostril Breathing 👃
This technique is especially good for those who suffer from chronic sinusitis, allergies and lung infections.
- Press the thumb of your left hand against the left side of your nose blocking the air passage.
- Breathe in through your right nostril for a count of ten.
- Move your hand so that the side of your index finger closes the air passage on the right side of your nose. Breathe out of the left nostril for a count of ten.
- Repeat this five times.
- Switch hands. Breathe in through the left nostril and out through the right nostril for a count of ten.
- Repeat 5 times.
Eustachian Tube Massage: 💆
Starting at the base of the ear, massage down the neck along the muscles. You may use massage oil with lavender or any vegetable oil for the massage. This will help the Eustachian tube to drain as well as increase lymph drainage.
Drink plenty of fluids, get lots of rest, and avoid foods, especially dairy as it can be particularly mucus causing.
Please note: This information above is not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions, it is provided solely for informational purposes. If you have specific questions related to your treatment or are planning to change your medical plan, first discuss this with your medical provider. If you are interested in exploring integrative cancer treatment options please schedule a telemedicine appointment with Dr. McMurry.
Dr. McMurry’s goal is to increase access to naturopathic preventative medicine. She provides on-site workplace preventative health appointments to employees. As well as telemedicine (virtual video) appointments to cancer patients seeking integrative naturopathic cancer care. If you’re interested in learning more about what she does and/or who she is please feel free to email her at info@naturopathiccancertreatment.com. Naturopathic Cancer Treatment is a division of Mobile Medicine.
