Are you one who always gets a cold
or two during the winter time?

I used to have one cold after the other. It seemed I only was surprised when I did not have one.
I was constantly at the doctor getting one prescription after the other. That was quite some time ago at this point.
Now, I got my immune system boosted. I learned how to read the signs of early symptoms. And, I got my arsenal together of herbal tinctures, homeopathic remedies, and nutrient-rich foods to help me out.

The result?
I cannot remember when I last had a cold that lasted more than a day or two. Actually, I have probably had only 2 or 3 colds for the past 10 or so years.

So here are some of my tools, secrets, and ways to deal. These are of course not the only solutions, but I like these.

The everyday nurture is of great importance.

It is really easy to deplete yourself and your body day in and day out. It is therefore of utmost importance that you keep the constant balancing effect of choices in mind. Everyday you can do something to help your body and your immune system.

Let's first talk about what depletes you because you might find that you can make your first adjustments right there.

Stay warm - ha... you thought I would not be so basic and start with saying that did you. Keeping your feet and neck (this includes your head) warm and covered is the first step to keeping your body temperature more stabile. 50% of your body heat escapes though your head alone!

Stay hydrated - just like in the summertime, we also need to stay hydrated in the cold of the winter. All the artificial heat inside is very drying. But also because we are mostly made of water we need to keep our cell-system nurtured, that means water; no matter if it is summer or winter. And don't drink cold water. Choose room-temperature or a nice warm cup of tea.

Be mindful of the sugar - especially in the cold of winter we want "comfort food". The sugar depletes your immune system so don't go overboard and only use non-processed sweeteners instead of refined sugars.

Get your sleep - the wintertime is time for hibernation. That is the tradition of all living species, including us. During winter we need more sleep. If we don't get our sleep the cravings for sugar goes even higher. Sugar it is a way for our body to pack on fat to keeps us warm. And when you are tired your body feels colder and then ... yes - you crave more sugar.

Limit caffeine - you can really do a number on yourself and exhaust your natural energy levels and immune system by drinking coffee. Green tea does not have the same draining effect.

Snuggle up - there is nothing more nurturing than some good snuggle time. Get under the blankie with a good book and a cup of tea. Don't deplete yourself in front of the TV every night.

Stuff that helps when it hits.

Herbal tinctures:

Minerals:
Zinc and Selenium. Zinc is needed for white blood cell production and helps boost the immune system. Selenium helps get "stuff out" and can make the cold and flu less harmful. It is also an antioxidant.

Homeopathy:
Oscillococcinum is difficult to pronounce but very efficient if you take it during the first signs of the flu. It might not cure you but it will help lessen the otherwise full-blown leave-you-in-bed-for-days-flu.

The same company also has homeopathic medicine for the common cold. And there are other homeopathic remedies from other very good companies, ask in your health food store.

For your nose:
You can try the Neti pot with some salt water to rid of mucus and congestion.
Lavender and Eucalyptus also helps on your pillow or in a handkerchief. Back then I used to have a pot of boiling water with eucalyptus on the stove and a towel over my head to catch the steam. Just be careful with the flames and your hair ok. When I did so it was on an electric stove.