Thank you for six wonderful years!

Prevention the True Universal Health Care---
Building the Foundation of Winter Health

By now, you are bored with how often you wash you hands, but please continue... Wash your hands in warm non-microbial soap (for at least the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice to yourself). Use essential oils such as spruce, pine, frankincense, lavender and rosemary, in cool air nebulizers, steams, or on a wet washcloth at the base of the shower. All lavender essential oil can be applied directly to the skin and is calming, sleeping inducing and highly anti-microbial. Enjoy Floracopeia Hand Sanitizer, which is so softening to your hands, can also be sprayed and surfaces, and contains a magical blend of essential oils.

Herbal Prevention:
As far as prevention, there are some herbs that you can take to strengthen your underlying immune system:

        Astragalus (A.Membranaceus)
o        Rebuilds and strengthens the immune system. Also, used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to reduce symptoms of chronic lung deficiency, lower blood sugar, and protect the heart.

o        Can be taken as a tea (Mountain Rose Herbs): 10-16 pieces dried root to 16 ounces of water, decoct 30 to 40 minutes, then steep 1 hour. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Drink 2 cups per day; OR Tincture (Herbalist and Alchemist): 40 to 80 drops, three times a day; OR Capsules (Vital Nutrients): 1,000 mg a day.

·         Elderberry Fruit (Sambucus nigra, S. Canadensis)
o        Elderberries are rich in Vitamin C, flavonoids and anti-viral proteins. Elderberry in the form of an extract, tincture or syrup can be taken both as part of a flu preventative or treatment regimen. In addition, its flavonoids strengthen the capillaries in the eyes and have an anti-histamine effect, reducing sinus allergies.

o        Tincture: 60 to 90 drops, four times a day (Herbalist and Alchemist); OR
Solid Extract: ˝ teaspoon , 1 to 2 times a day

         Reishi Mushroom(Ganoderma lucidum, G.sinensis)
o        This amazingly powerful mushroom is gentle enough to give to children (although the tincture takes extremely unpleasant). Medicinal mushrooms are wonders for the immune system---regulating and balancing our immune systems with their inherent wisdom, in conditions as diverse as cancer, lupus and the flu. Reishi is also an anti-oxidant, nervine, cardio tonic and liver protectant.
o        We recommend this wonderful mushroom be taken in Tablet format in a food-based blend by Megafoods or New Chapter.

Other immune strengthening formulas to research and consider:
-Chyavanaprash- --an ancient Ayurvedic remedy and delicious herbal jam. It is prepared in base of amalaki fruit, which is one of the richest food-based sources of Vitamin C and anti-oxidants. This jam is rejuvenating and strengthening to the entire body, also promoting digestion and metabolism.
-Local raw or manuka honey/garlic is excellent simple cough remedies. Also, you can cut up a garlic clove, let it sit for 15 to 20 enhancing its immune strengthening biochemistry, combine it with honey and swallow.
- Chrysanthemum tea- a pleasant, "do not harm", mild anti-viral - that can be prepared each day to help increase immunity

Herbs you might consider for your home apothecary for the flu season to help moderate symptoms:

Yin Qiao: an ancient Chinese anti-viral formula (sourced from out country), containing Honeysuckle and Forsythia
Anti-Viral Tinctures: such as Japanese Honeysuckle, Lomatium, Licorice, Chrysanthemum and Andrographis
Body Pain Reliever Tinctures: Boneset, Lemon Balm, Tulsi or Black Cohosh

Our Herbal Flu Symptom Reducer Tea: Containing Tulsi, Chrysanthemum, Elderflower, Lemon Balm, Yarrow and Peppermint

You have a precious body, treat it with care.
Best wishes for a healthy, vital fall and winter.