How do you prepare your family for the cold and flu season?

When Mathew was 4 months old, I was introduced to an amazing parenting group that I still utilize from time to time. During the first fours years of his life, I found the Hudson Valley Parents group to be invaluable. At first, I used the group to meet other parents of children the same age as Mathew and go on hikes. Then it became a huge resource for questions like – My kid does this, does yours, what do you do?” or where can I get …? However, one question really changed my life. How do you prepare your family for the cold and flu season? I had a couple of tools in my herbal tool chest but the answer to this one was the most powerful – Elderberry Syrup! Hands-down, I have never utilized a better immune system enhancer than elderberry syrup. Better yet, it is rather tasty too. We start taking it in the fall and throughout the winter, particularly when we travel. I have never found enough elderberries growing near my home to make the syrup, so I buy the syrup at the local health food store.

See how the virus cell is covered in spikes?

Elder (Sambucus nigra) is a fantastic antiviral and the way it works is really interesting.  First, you must visualize a virus, which is round and covered with spikes. The virus’ job is to invade the cell by using its spikes to puncture the cell wall.  Elder strengthens the cell wall while neutralizing the spikes on the virus, thus making it more difficult for the virus to invade the cell, BRILLIANT.  By taking elderberry syrup, you are strengthening your immune system so it can fight off cold and flu viruses when you are exposed to them, as well as lessen symptoms and duration of the illness. Elderberry juice was used to treat a flu epidemic in Panama in 1995.

Here’s to a healthy cold and flu season.

All information is shared for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

 

Relief from spider bites

One of the challenges of living in the country is living alongside critters that like to bite you. Last week, I woke up with a welt the size of a quarter on the inside of my arm. From previous experience, it appeared to be a spider bite. I could see two little puncture wounds in the center of the welt. They usually go away after a couple of days without treatment but this one seemed to grow bigger and redder each day along with getting rather sore and itchy. On the third day, I decided to put a plantain poultice on it. I found some fresh plantain from the yard, chewed it up and applied it. There was relief within minutes. I decided to leave it on over night. The next morning the welt had gone down and the area seemed to have dried up. I was rather relieved, as I have known people to get rather bad infections from spider bites.

Unfortunately, by the afternoon, the welt returned and was sore again. I decided to use baking soda this time. I made a paste by adding a little water to the baking soda and applied it for 20 minutes. The welt went down again and the itching and soreness was gone. I am grateful to say – baking soda did the trick! What I had was just a red patch left on my arm, which faded in a couple of days.

The reason why I tried plantain and baking soda for my spider bite was because; the venom from the spider was causing a reaction in my body. I needed to draw the venom out so my body could heal. Plantain and baking soda are known for their strong abilities to draw venom out. I am very grateful that this easy remedy worked.

 

All information is shared for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition.