Is WINTER faking you out? This morning I was driving my son to school on the icy roads and he said:
"Sheesh, really Boulder? "
These crazy weather patterns we experience here in Boulder are a little hard on the system and hard to predict at this time of year. One day it is springy and warm and I feel my spring fever bubbling up, and the next we are shoveling 2 feet of snow off of our driveway and I am back in hibernation mode.
Even though my son was born and raised here in Colorado, it still boggles his mind to witness the Colorado weather patterns. It is a confusing time of year for the body and immune system and so many people have been struggling with cold and flu this year.
There is a saying in Chinese Medicine that says:
"Dress for the season, not the day."
I have adopted this moto and added my own little spin:
"Eat for the season, not the day."
It is still winter for most of us, and although I am excited about the upcoming spring season and enjoying the occasional warmer day, it is still helpful to stay warm and well nourished for the remaining days of winter.
February and March are often the months with the most irratic weather. Our bodies are going through a lot to keep ourselves strong and healthy.
We have to be sure to stay AHEAD of the weather.
How you may ask?
When we stay in the season with our eating, our self care, body care, we will naturally be more attuned to the season, and strengthen our immune systems for this final push of winter.
Want a few immune boosting tips?
Keep reading...
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Winter Immunity Insights
1. Stay warm.
Keep your kidneys and bladder warm (and the rest of your body as well). You can use warming foods, teas, topical essential oils, sesame oil, and warm clothing to insulate and nourish the your core. Scarves are a nice addition to protect the windgate – the space at the back of your neck – where pathogens can enter.
Even if the weather is warmer than an average winter day, which often happens in my home state COLORADO, be sure to “DRESS FOR THE SEASON, NOT THE DAY”. Stay insulated to keep the immunity strong.
2. Oil of Oregano
Are you fighting the common winter cold, or flu this winter? Oil of Oregano is one of my favorite treatments for both immune boosting and anti-bacterial and anti-viral support.
Did you know just a few drops of Oregano Oil in the diffuser or vaporizer can give you some relief?
Even better – add a few drops to your cooking and enjoy the delicious flavor and immune boosting qualities with your dinner.
Because this potent oil is so strong, make sure you dilute it substantially or take it in a protective capsule. With my big pot of homemade chicken soup I only use 2 drops…3 is too many, and too strong. (See recipe below)
(avoid if you are pregnant, or breastfeeding or an infant)
3. Ritual Baths
There are many many benefits to baths at this time of year. Aside from the warming and relaxing qualities there are also deeper support from certain types of baths. You can always resort to the simple Epson salts bath if you like, but here I am going to provide you with some specific and unique baths to use to synch up with winter – mind, body and soul.
- Add a teaspoon of coconut oil for a warm and insulating
- Add some chunks of fresh ginger. Ginger is a natural immune booster and when you soak in a ginger tea bath you absorb the ginger and allow the body to purify and release the pathogens. Stay warm and get right in bed after.
- Feeling a little down in the cold days of winter? Sweeten up your mood with a "sweet like honey" bath. Add a cup of raw honey to your bath and watch your seasonal funk slip away. Honey baths remind us of the sweetness of life.
