Virus, Virus, Go Away!

I must apologize that I am slacking off just a bit lately. A few days before Easter, my little one caught a little bug-a virus, that is. I immediately started loading her up on my Go-To List of natural remedies...and a couple days later she was feeling great. Then I woke up with a nasty sore throat, so of course I too, reached for my Top Immunity Boosters.

I fought off the virus for a couple days, and all seemed just dandy. Ah, but a few days later...it was back with a vengeance! So, I had to change things up a bit. You see, sometimes even your most trusted regimen may not work against all illnesses. If one thing isn't working, you may want to switch it up. Thankfully, I have a lot of natural remedies to turn to. I loaded up on a few super-duper remedies, and within 24 hours, I am now feeling just on the verge of normal.

So add these to my list of favorites...and then add them to yours!

Garlic

Garlic has been used for centuries and is proven to suport the immune and cardiovascular systems. I often cook with garlic, and incorporate it raw into sauces and salad dressings. If you really want to boost your immunity, especially while fighting off those nasty viruses, a little garlic just won't cut it. Unless you want to smell like an Italian kitchen, concentrated garlic tablets are the way to go. I recently found Garlic Factors by Natural Factors. It is a highly concentrated dose of garlic, odor controlled, and enteric coated (which means it will only release in your stomach, and not on it's way down). After taking just one dose, I immediately saw improvement. Keep this one handy at all times!

Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaf extract has been getting a lot of attention lately. Many natural lifestyle followers have been swearing by it for years. "Medical use of olive leavesdates back to ancient Egypt and is referenced by Hippocrates and now in modern medical texts. Olive leaf is used around the world as a health tonic and powerful antioxidant." It supports a healthy immune system, healthy blood pressure, healthy cardiovascular system, and healthy joints. And it boasts more antioxidant power than Vitamin C, Grape Seed Extract, Vitamin E, Green Tea, and many others. You can buy it in the pill form, but I highly recommend Barlean's Olive Leaf Complex. Barlean's Organic Oils is a trusted source of superb natural products.

Colloidal Silver

Another great immune support getting lots of attention in the health industry. The most popular brand and the only choice for me is Sovereign Silver. It has no odor, almost no flavor, is easily absorbed, and is a safe and effective way to boost immunity. You might be wondering a bit about this one...silver? For more information on how it works, visit www.soverignsilver.info.

UMKA

Once you are sick, boosting your immunity is very important, but it is also nice to have a natural product to sooth those uncomfortable cold symptoms. The sore throat, the cough, congestion, etc. I recently tried Umka Cold Care, by Nature's Way, and I am impressed. Umka is made from Pelagonium sidoides roots and has its origins in traditional Southern African folk medicine. A leading remedy in Europe, Umka works differently than other over-the-counter cold medicines. It doesn't just mask symptoms. It shortens the duration and speeds recovery. And the best part? It is all natural, sugar-free, and absolutely safe for kids.

Being sick is no fun. When you feel the symptoms of an illness coming on, be sure to get lots of rest, hydrate, and boost your immunity. If a sore throat persists, it may be a sign of infection, and you should seek proper medical attention. Always consult a physician or holistic health practitioner before something new and especially before giving it to a child.

Here's to kicking that virus, and here's to your health!

Got Aches and Pains?

(Sigh) It is so good to finally sit down and relax! Running errands around town, taking care of a home, and keeping up with one very busy three-year-old, I feel like I hardly ever sit during the day. Somehow I manage to squeeze in a bit of Pilates, dance, running, and other fitness into the mix. Oh yeah, and a few massage clients here and there.

It seems now that my little one is becoming a bit more independent, I have a smidge more freedom to enjoy the things I love, like ballet class or Pilates...but I find myself adding more and more into my daily routine. And the laundry still has my name on it! With all of this activity, my muscles can feel pretty achy and sore.

I cannot get a massage every night (wouldn't that be nice?). Instead, I look forward to my evening ritual of taking a nice, hot bath. My quick remedy for sore muscles? I add a cup of good old-fashioned Epsom salt! You can find Epsom salt pretty much anywhere-Target, your local grocery store, or drug store. Epsom salt, or hydrated magnesium sulfate, is a natural anti-inflammatory, bringing a soothing relief to mild soreness, swelling, and bruises.

Another product I use is Arnica cream. Arnica is a natural analgesic. You can rub the cream directly into sore muscles, bruises, and minor sprains for relief. It is a great one for what I like to call "mouse arm"-the result of hours of clicking away on the computer mouse. My forearm gets pretty sore if I am at my keyboard or scrolling with the mouse for long periods of time.

Two great choices for Arnica cream are Arnicare and Traumeel. Both contain the homeopathic ingredient, Arnica montana. Generations of athletes, trainers, and others have benefited from the relief Arnica provides. Doctors and pharmacists recommend it as a safe and natural remedy for pain relief. Arnica is also available as an oral homeopathic medicine. You can find Arnica creams, gels, or oral medicine in health food stores or online.