Getting well doesn’t need to be complicated

Photo: supplied

It’s that time of the year when Melbourne’s winter shows its ugly teeth. Work environments become time bombs of who will be off work next and for some of us this cycle of getting sick time and again can last all winter.

So how can you change this cycle?

Be aware of hygiene

Use a tea tree based antibacterial hand spray or wipes and regularly wipe down common phones, computer keyboards and after you sneeze. Have your own cup and wash this regularly with very hot water.

Drink herbal teas

This will support your digestive system, which is our first line of defence at preventing infection. There are so many amazing thermos tea vessels now that having herbal tea’s at work is easy. Some of my favourite go-to’s are:

Echinacea; stimulates your defensive immune system, decreases swollen glands and reduces pain
Thyme; reduces cough spasm, clears sinuses and stimulates your defensive immune system
Elderflower; supports your natural fever mechanisms to stimulate your immune system, stimulates defensive immune system and great for blocked ears

Any herbal teas used must be part of your treatment plan and are best used raw, 4 cups a day and make it strong, 1 teaspoon per cup.

Know your “I’m getting sick” signs and make sure you rest when this occurs

For some, this is the sore throat or blocked ears or a headache; whatever your indicators are listen to your body and get to bed early. You may need to repeat this rest pattern several times until your body has cleared the impending infection.

Kitchen remedy to ward off colds

5 cm piece of ginger (peel and slice, crush slices with the handle of a knife)
1 stick of cinnamon (broken)
1 teaspoon of coriander seeds
3 cloves
1 lemon
1 clove of garlic crushed
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Tablespoon of Manuka honey (or 1 teaspoon of honey per cup)

Add 5 cups of water and these ingredients into a pot and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain and drink 1 cup every 2 hours. Be aware that the cayenne pepper will be spicy hot and can support your natural fever so this is good to do at night or when you can rest in the day.

You can also add fresh thyme to this (a handful of stalks).

Getting sick frequently is exhausting, depressing and frustrating so if this is occurring often and you feel you are doing “everything right” then perhaps it’s time to see a Naturopath to get the guidance you need for a full recovery.