AWARENESS by LIGHT & LOVE
We cannot avoid the winter season for it is just right around the corner from now. So, before the local or national news can inundate reports of the cold/flu “hysteria”, here we can discover how to approach the cold or flu and still enjoy the winter season holistically. A large portion of Naturopathic medicine is dedicated to the study of Mother Nature’s defenses which are produced each season for our sustainability onto this planet. We will also learn how to prevent the cold\flu by with the gift of nature through conscious, daily prevention and traditional herbs. 
A Holistic Health Guide on how to prevent the onset of the cold/flu, boost your immune system, reduce a fever, and to alleviate discomfort will remove the sense of worry so that you can focus more on the things or people you love. There is no match for what the bountiful gifts of what Mother Nature can provide for you this winter season. First, we’ll discuss a little more about the differences between a common cold or the flu. Colds can last between one to ten days, while the flu can last longer, twelve days or more, followed by a week or so of weakness and a residual cough. The medical terminology for the word flu is Influenza. Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. There are two forms, type A and Type B, both causing acute infection to the throat, nose, bronchial tubes, lungs, and middle ear (Balch, 2010). The common cold, also known simply as a cold, is a viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract that primarily affects the nose. The throat, sinuses, and larynx may also be affected (wiki). The reports are that 36,000 Americans die each year, and 200,000 are hospitalized during the cold/flu season. The cold/flu is unpredictable and can affect anyone at any age. There are more than 200 individual strains of viruses that can cause the cold or flu, and these strains are constantly changing, so the vaccinations against these viruses are always changing as well, which leads to minimal effectiveness for the prevention of outbreaks. Vaccines are available each year for influenza to reduce the likelihood of its spreading. If the strain targeted is actually the one that hits during the winter season, the vaccination is effective. As you should know the risk for healthy adults under the age of 65, the cold/flu is rarely dangerous, but this group is more susceptible to ear and sinus infections. The group of 65 and older are the fifth leading causes of death during this season. Preventative Tips
*Stay Away from Sick People *Frequently Wash Hands *Cover Nose and Mouth w\Tissue for cough or sneeze *Eat Nutritiously *Exercise Regularly *Do Not Share Items *Teach Children to Not Rub their Eyes/Nose, or place items in Mouth *Spray Keyboards at Work w/Disinfecting Spray *Clean Desk 1x/wk. with Disinfecting Wipe *Disinfect telephones, door knobs, light switches, T.V remotes, faucet and refrigerator handles, etc. w/ wipes every day. *Drink Plenty of Fluids, especially Organic Fruit Juices, Herbal Teas, Soup, Spring, Filtered, or Alkaline Water *Sleep\Rest\Relax as much as possible 
A Guide to Herbal Categories for the Cold/FluANTIBIOTICS- Kills Germs, Parasites and Bacteria. Boost Immune System. *Please consult with a professional Herbalists prior to usage Naturopaths and Herbalists list Echinacea as one of the most powerful flu-fighting herbs. Echinacea enhances the body’s own natural defenses and is extremely effective in combination with the herb Goldenseal. Goldenseal is a natural antibiotic and it also helps alleviate congestion. Alcohol-free Echinacea and Goldenseal combination extract is preferred for children; 4 to 6 drops into water or juice every 4hours x3days. *Do not take Echinacea for more than three weeks, or use if have an allergy to ragweed. Also, do not take Goldenseal internally for more than one week. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult with a Naturopath for a history of CAD, diabetes, or glaucoma before using either herbs. Green Tea is an immune booster, but to receive the antioxidant benefits, it is suggested to not drink it with milk. Milk may bind with the beneficial compounds, isolating the properties away from the body. *Green Tea contains a small amount of caffeine, and should not be used in large quantities for women who are pregnant/breastfeeding, persons with anxiety disorders, or irregular heartbeat but may consume up to 2 cups/day. Spirulina is an immune booster and produces twenty times as much protein as soybeans growing on an equal-sized area of land (Balch 2010). Spirulina has been clinically tested and has shown a variety of effects. Those with the common cold experienced less cold symptoms, others showed lowered cholesterol levels and blood pressure (Balch, 2010). Maitake, Shiitake, and Reishi Mushrooms pose special nutrients to strengthen the immune system. They are used to build resistance to disease and to treat fatigue and viral infections. Soak dried mushrooms in warm water or broth for thirty minutes before using. Also available in supplement capsule, pill, or an extract for convenience. Vitamin C protects against infection and enhances immunity. Vitamin C works synergistically with vitamin E and beta-carotene. There is a list of herbs that obtain Vitamin C, such as Alfalfa, cayenne, burdock root, nettle, raspberry and so on. (and of course, Vitamin C is found in a host of fruit as well) *If you are pregnant, do not take more than 5,000 milligrams of vitamin C daily.
Boneset |aides in both fever and pain, acts as an expectorant and eliminates mucus from the lungs. *Do not use on a daily basis for more than one week, as long-term use can lead to toxicity.
Hyssop | aides in fever, expel mucus from the respiratory tract, and relieves congestion: *should not be used during pregnancy Fenugreek| reduces fever and mucus Catnip tea with dandelion and lobelia, taken in tea or extract form is good for lowering fever. Like catnip, lobelia can be used on its own. Taking 1/2 teaspoon of lobelia extract or tincture every four hours helps to lower a fever. *Lobelia is only to be taken under supervision of a health care professional as it is potentially toxic. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with high blood pressure, heart, liver, and kidney disease, seizure disorders, or shortness of breath should not take lobelia (Balch, 2010). ***Click the Information Below for Additional Resource "How to Boost Your Energy in 7 Natural Ways" "How to Resist Seasonal Allergies" "The Power of Visualization" ANALGESICS- relieves Pain by reducing the signal to the brain/acting to relieve pain
Paul D’ Arco | fights bacterial and viral infection, reduces pain
Mullein | acts as a painkiller Dong Quai | pain reliever, a mild sedative Chamomile | good for pain; a traditional remedy for stress, anxiety, indigestion, and insomnia Essential Oils | wintergreen, jasmine, peppermint, juniper, rosemary, thyme, rose and lavender has been effective in the treatment of a variety of types of discomfort 
Naturopaths and Herbalists advice to avoid taking Aspirin. Aspirin will attach directly to mucous membranes, does not reduce fever, and act as an irritant. Researchers believe that the combination of Aspirin and viral illness has been linked to several ailments, like Reye’s Syndrome.
One of the body’s main defenses against a virus is a fever. If you have a fever, do not suppress it unless it is over 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Be aware if you’re taking Tylenol and drinking alcohol for it will lead to liver damage.
Thank you again for staying in tuned to reality in consciousness on this week’s segment on A Holistic Health Guide to the Cold/Flu Season ! Please be sure to Check-Out All of My Other Social Media Platforms Linked Below. Until the Very Next Point in time, Be Well & Heal in Peace…Peace!!! Written by: S.J ***Stay Tuned in to reality in consciousness by simply Clicking on the Links Below! ~The Traditional Modalities for Healingby: Reality S.J Fields ~Reality in Consciousness.com ~YouTube ~IG ~PayPal ~Blogger Source Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC Natural Health and Wellness: The Consultant Manual, by Dr. Akua
About the Author:
S.J is a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Health & Wellness Consultant, Author of “The Traditional Modalities for Healing”, Blogger & owner of www.realitynconsciousness.com. In her Blogs, she enjoys writing Inspirational Tips regarding the utilization of Holistic Modalities, such as Mindfulness, Awareness of the inner-self & its environment, weekly Affirmations for Sexual Abuse Survivors, & Afrikan Spirituality. She also loves reading, travel, fitness, & creating new vegan recipes.
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