I have never been attracted to the use of prescription drugs, or any drug for that matter. The idea of planting a foreign chemical strong enough to obstruct my awareness and/or brain receptors has never intrigued me. Only when absolutely necessary will I take meds.
This past week I noticed a pain in the lower portion of my throat. I hoped that sleep and healthy eating would combat the potential illness, but after a full week of mild care I woke up on Saturday with the single worst throat infection/swelling/pain I’ve had in years. I could not speak, let alone even swallow. I was tempted to go to urgent care, especially as I sing on a weekly basis, but I resisted.
I decided to use some natural healing methods and wait until Monday to see how I felt.
This morning, Monday, I woke up feeling almost completely recovered! It has only been two days since I began taking action to overcome this sickness, and already, I feel great. I am still coughing a bit, but there is no pain and my voice is back. Here are the methods I used and would recommend for anyone with a sore throat, virus, or head cold:
Lots of FRUIT and Veggies!- When your body is weak, it is important that you give yourself food that is easily digested. Living, fresh fruit is packed with nutrients and can take as little as 20 minutes to digest. Fuel up with very little work from your body! It was difficult to eat solids when I was sick, so I made smoothies. One of my favorites: 3 bananas, 1 mango, 2 handfuls of spinach!
Warm Chamomile tea– Chamomile is naturally soothing and anti-inflammatory. Steeped in warm water, it immediately helped ease the pain. I probably drank a total of 4 cups of chamomile tea.
Gargle Salt Water– Gargling salt water can help reduce swelling (as it draws out the edema or excess liquid) and loosen mucus. It may not directly kill bacteria, but, due to osmosis, creates a less hospitable environment for bacteria.
Mix 1/2-1 teaspoon salt with 1 c. warm water and gargle solution for approximately 30 seconds before spitting out. I do this two times in a row and repeat at least 3x’s per day.
Essential Oils Blend (to drink) – My sister introduced me to essential oils after studying aroma therapy almost a decade ago. Whenever I am sick, injured, or just want a relaxing moment, essential oils are my go-to method. For this specific sickness, I wanted something I could drink.
Slowly sip on this blend:
1-2 cups hot water
2 drops Lemon essential oil
1 drop Lavender essential oil
Coconut Water– Fresh, raw coconut water from a young Thai coconut. The water is high in potassium and even higher in electrolytes! You can usually find these at your local grocery or health foods stores.
Oil Pulling– This is a traditional method of healing found in the Charaka Saṃhitā, the Ayurvedic text on internal medicine. This method is believed to cleanse the body by pulling out toxins from the blood. I had never heard of Oil Pulling until recently, but I must share that I felt immediate results after doing it and feel that this was very effective in my healing.
The first thing I did when I woke up (after brushing teeth) was take 1 Tablespoon of coconut oil (sunflower or sesame oil are traditionally recommended) and swish it back and forth, pulling it from side to side in my mouth for 15-20 minutes. I chose coconut oil for its health benefits and flavor. This is a great “how to” article.
Drink lots of water, and rest.
May healing be upon all those who seek it!
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