Natural Pharmacy

Despite your efforts to eat well, rest and drink plenty of water, you catch the latest “bug” from your kid or co-worker and now you feel awful.  What is your game plan?

I keep a few natural germ-fighting go-to’s handy to keep me on my feet or at least shorten the life cycle of the un-invited bug.

Drink water

Duh.  We all know this, but did you know it’s the minerals we need for the vitamins and nutrients to assimilate?  I add Cell Food to my water or reach for natural spring water like Crazy Water.

Olive Leaf Extract

A natural anti-biotic (anti-fungal/anti-bacterial) also known for anticancer and anti-inflammatory benefits and to lower blood pressure.  I like Gaia‘s product for it’s concentration.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Nutribiotic makes a tablet and nasal spray that kill a whole host of anti-microbials!  (They make drops, too for the very brave!  Caution: this stuff is potent.)

Probiotics

If you have mucus as one of your symptoms, you should avoid yogurt as a source of probiotics and take a supplement instead.  There are several good brands available, but I find Pearls to be easy for their size and stable shelf life.

What NOT to eat

Disease cannot exist in an alkaline environment.  Bring as much live food into your daily life to avoid those nasty bugs!  But we live in the real world and occasionally get sick.  To avoid feeding the infection, put an all-stop on these foods.

Sugars (this includes fruit juices,) white rice, wheat-based bread, russet potatoes, bananas, dairy…detecting a color theme here?  Also steer clear of alcohol, processed or fried foods – and not just when you’re sick!

Eat as much LIVE, REAL FOOD as you can!

Plant-based food in it’s most natural state will bring you healing nutrients and speed recovery!  Soups and broths to comfort and nourish are easy to digest.  Here’s my favorite, simple soup.  I make a lot and freeze it in pre-measured portions.

Butternut Soup

1 Butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1″ pieces

4 carrots, peeled and cut into 1″ pieces

2 red potatoes, peeled and cut into 1″ pieces

1 small Onion, loosely chopped

1 tsp red curry

1-2 Tbsp Minced Ginger

4 cups Vegetable stock (avoid MSG and other enhancers.  Keep it simple and organic or make your own)

sea salt

red pepper (optional)

In a large pot, sautee onion in a bit of oil then add cubed vegetables.  Sprinkle with 1-2 tsp sea salt.  Add vegetable stock, ginger, curry a dash of red pepper and simmer for 20 minutes or until vegetables are soft.  Use blender (hand blender works fine) to puree.  Season with salt and pepper to taste and enjoy!

Eat well.  Live well!