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‘Tis the Season to Be…Well!
Janet Jacks
The weeks leading up to the Christmas
season are hectic and demanding.
Not only do we have all of our regular
responsibilities, but our days are filled with
extra tasks and we often set unrealistic
expectations for our time. Of course, much of
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what we do is fun, but still our body feels the
demands. And for some, the holiday season
brings sadness and stress.
No matter our situation, we are at risk of a
depressed immune system. We definitely
don’t want to get sick: we don’t have time
for it, and we don’t want to waste our holiday
“under the weather”. Yet we often succumb.
Plan now to take charge of your immune
system, your energy, and your wellbeing so
that you can stay healthy right through the
busy season.
There is a multitude of ways to improve your
immune system. We know it is important to avoid sugar, yet we eat a lot of rich food when
we go out. Balance that by eating
a lot of vegetables, adequate
proteins, and generally
lighter eating between
those special events. You’ll
find below an immune
soup recipe that you can
keep on hand to nourish
your immune system
and support your efforts
at staying well throughout
December. Astragalus root,
burdock root, nettle, garlic and
onions each have their own specific immune
boosting properties, and they come together
with plentiful vegetables and the humble
lentil to create a satisfying yet nourishing
meal.
Another simple but healthy immuneboosting
habit would be drinking a daily cup
of Clef des Champs Resist Tea which provides
wonderful tonic herbs to warm you and build
your resistance.
Do you get sick often? Your adrenal glands
may be overstressed. Support them with
adaptogenic herbs such as licorice, Siberian
ginseng, relora, or rhodiola. Also include
magnesium and vitamins B and C to
strengthen your adrenals’ ability to keep you
well, and use Rescue Remedy to calm any
moments of panic. Ask our supplement staff
if you think your adrenals need additional
support.
If you do succumb to sickness, the most
important thing to remember is to act
aggressively and quickly. Viruses have a way
of multiplying exponentially, and you must
remember that the first symptom of runny
nose or sore throat is a sign that your immune
system has been fighting as hard as it can
for 24 to
48 hours,
and losing the
battle. As soon as you notice any symptoms,
take action immediately. I take lots of antiviral,
vitamin C, and garlic every two hours
until my symptoms start to improve. I also
use Ferr Phos frequently during the first day
to bring oxygen to the area of need. It can be
a marvelous help! A cup of Cold/Flu Tea will
be an excellent addition. And keep on hand
the homeopathic remedies that you will
need to give you quick results: Goodness Me’s
Winter Care Kit, which includes the popular
Oscillococcinum, is a winter necessity.
Lastly, it’s really important to slow down
and enjoy the gentle, quiet, meaningful or
spontaneous joys of the season. Take time for
a cup of Christmas tea. Listen to Christmas
carols. Take a walk in the crisp air with the
snowflakes flowing down. Light the beeswax
candles. Read touching Christmas stories:
one I recently enjoyed is Gideon’s Gift by Karen
Kingsbury.
Wishing you good health and most of all
good memories and special moments this
Christmas season.
Janet Jacks
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