This year I have really noticed the strong push to get a flu shot. I am encouraged to get the shot while watching the evening news, during staff meetings at work, and even from strangers who, while making small talk, ask if I have gotten my flu shot.
In some situations I explain that I don't believe getting the flu vaccine is right for me, but often times I just don't comment.
Click Read More to see the complete post.
According to Dr. Mercola's website there are risk factors associated with the flu vaccine that are not commonly known. But there are also risks associated with contracting the flu virus. The choice to get the flu shot is not an easy one to make. Each person should examine their lifestyle and the current state of their health to determine what is the right choice for them.
There seems to be an all or nothing attitude that either you get vaccinated and are protected from the flu or you don't and leave yourself vulnerable.
I believe that herbal medicine provides a better option. The flu vaccine is formulated to create antibodies for the flu strains that scientists anticipate will be most prominent for any given year. If you are exposed to a different strain, then you will have no antibodies and will not be protected.
The best defense against all the different bacteria and viruses that can make us sick is a strong immune system. There are many things we can do to boost our immune function including avoiding antibiotic use, consuming cultured foods and drinks, eating nutritionally dense whole foods, getting enough exercise and restful sleep, and limiting your toxin load.
In addition to a healthy lifestyle, herbal medicine can provide an added layer of protection.
One delicious substance that works especially well during the cold and flu season is Elderberry Syrup. Research has shown that elderberries (Sambucus Nigra) can disrupt the ability of a virus to replicate, contains antioxidants that protect cell structures, boosts immune function, and decreases inflammation.
Check out this scientific study .
Just 2 tablespoons a day for adults and 1 - 2 teaspoons a day for children over two years old can prevent or shorten the duration of colds and flu. Please note that children under 2 years of age should not ingest honey in any form.
Most elderberry syrup recipes call for equal parts elderberry juice and raw local honey. Raw honey is microbial and helps control harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungal infections. Herbs such as ginger, sage, and thyme are also microbial and are often found among the ingredients in elderberry syrup recipes.
If you cannot or do not want to eat honey, the beneficial constituents of elderberries can be extracted by making a tincture. Please check out my Herbal Tincture Making Basics post for detailed instructions.
Another great way to stop a cold or flu in its tracks is Fire Cider. This spicy medicinal brew is made by infusing onions, garlic, horseradish, ginger, and cayenne pepper in raw apple cider vinegar.
Echinacea is also great when used at the first sign of illness. I generally take one teaspoon every hour and rest as much as possible. The next day I feel much better.
Elderberries, echinacea, and the ingredients in Fire Cider can be grown or found in most areas of the US, which makes this backyard medicine both effective and readily available.
If you would like to make your own elderberry syrup, you can purchase dried elderberries at Mountain Rose Herbs, where you can also find dried echinacea root. Fire cider ingredients can be found in most grocery stores and co-ops.
Not quite ready to make your own medicine? You can find many elderberry preparations, "Fire Tonic", and echinacea extract at Mountain Rose Herbs.
There are also commercial elderberry products which you can find by goggling "Sambucus". The most prominent brand is Sambucol which is available at GNC and Walgreens.
I wish you health as we enter this winter season.
Please note: The objective of this blog is to raise awareness of alternative ways to achieve wellness and to empower you to take an active role in your health decisions. To accomplish this, you will need to explore these subjects in greater depth and then determine what makes sense for your life. My hope is that this information will inspire you to start your own search into ways to make your life happier, healthier and more fulfilling.
In some situations I explain that I don't believe getting the flu vaccine is right for me, but often times I just don't comment.
Click Read More to see the complete post.
According to Dr. Mercola's website there are risk factors associated with the flu vaccine that are not commonly known. But there are also risks associated with contracting the flu virus. The choice to get the flu shot is not an easy one to make. Each person should examine their lifestyle and the current state of their health to determine what is the right choice for them.
There seems to be an all or nothing attitude that either you get vaccinated and are protected from the flu or you don't and leave yourself vulnerable.
I believe that herbal medicine provides a better option. The flu vaccine is formulated to create antibodies for the flu strains that scientists anticipate will be most prominent for any given year. If you are exposed to a different strain, then you will have no antibodies and will not be protected.
The best defense against all the different bacteria and viruses that can make us sick is a strong immune system. There are many things we can do to boost our immune function including avoiding antibiotic use, consuming cultured foods and drinks, eating nutritionally dense whole foods, getting enough exercise and restful sleep, and limiting your toxin load.
In addition to a healthy lifestyle, herbal medicine can provide an added layer of protection.
One delicious substance that works especially well during the cold and flu season is Elderberry Syrup. Research has shown that elderberries (Sambucus Nigra) can disrupt the ability of a virus to replicate, contains antioxidants that protect cell structures, boosts immune function, and decreases inflammation.
 |
| Elderberry syrup |
Check out this scientific study .
Just 2 tablespoons a day for adults and 1 - 2 teaspoons a day for children over two years old can prevent or shorten the duration of colds and flu. Please note that children under 2 years of age should not ingest honey in any form.
Most elderberry syrup recipes call for equal parts elderberry juice and raw local honey. Raw honey is microbial and helps control harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungal infections. Herbs such as ginger, sage, and thyme are also microbial and are often found among the ingredients in elderberry syrup recipes.
If you cannot or do not want to eat honey, the beneficial constituents of elderberries can be extracted by making a tincture. Please check out my Herbal Tincture Making Basics post for detailed instructions.
Another great way to stop a cold or flu in its tracks is Fire Cider. This spicy medicinal brew is made by infusing onions, garlic, horseradish, ginger, and cayenne pepper in raw apple cider vinegar.
 |
| Fire Cider |
Echinacea is also great when used at the first sign of illness. I generally take one teaspoon every hour and rest as much as possible. The next day I feel much better.
Elderberries, echinacea, and the ingredients in Fire Cider can be grown or found in most areas of the US, which makes this backyard medicine both effective and readily available.
If you would like to make your own elderberry syrup, you can purchase dried elderberries at Mountain Rose Herbs, where you can also find dried echinacea root. Fire cider ingredients can be found in most grocery stores and co-ops.
Not quite ready to make your own medicine? You can find many elderberry preparations, "Fire Tonic", and echinacea extract at Mountain Rose Herbs.
There are also commercial elderberry products which you can find by goggling "Sambucus". The most prominent brand is Sambucol which is available at GNC and Walgreens.
I wish you health as we enter this winter season.
Please note: The objective of this blog is to raise awareness of alternative ways to achieve wellness and to empower you to take an active role in your health decisions. To accomplish this, you will need to explore these subjects in greater depth and then determine what makes sense for your life. My hope is that this information will inspire you to start your own search into ways to make your life happier, healthier and more fulfilling.
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