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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 18, 2018)
in other words january18 2018 19 An Unusual Culinary Column: That Pesky Cold and Flu Season By Karen Kain This has been a mild winter so far, but a terrible cold and flu sea- son. I have traveled from California to Illinois and back. Everywhere I go, people have been sick with the flu, coughing and sneezing. I thought this would be the perfect time to share some natural flu remedies that may help combat these pesky germs and keep you healthy. Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that effects the respiratory sys- tem. Symptoms typically present with a sudden onset of a high fever, dry cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, and fatigue, combined with a loss of appe- tite. You may also experience nausea, a stuffy nose, and congestion. The differences between the cold and the flu are minimal. They are both respiratory illnesses caused by dif- ferent viruses. Because they have similar symptoms it is hard to tell them apart. It is said that the flu is more common than the cold but with more intense symp- toms. The cold typically does not result in serious health problems. The flu can turn into pneumonia which can lead to a hospitalization. It can be very difficult to decipher whether you have the cold or flu without a test, which must be given within the first few days of symptoms. When I am under the weather I do my best to stay away from over the counter sugary syrup medications. There are many different flu fighting alterna- tive concoctions available; I am shar- ing just a few. The most obvious way to stay healthy is to eat a good diet and get plenty of rest. I believe it is critical to always listen to your body. Of course, hand washing is the best way to protect yourself from germs. I want to make it very clear that I am NOT a doctor. These are tips I have learned from parents and wellness professionals. I have listed several flu rem- Where do you read the Voice? Show us where you have traveled. Submit your photo with a brief description by email to: scott@ vernoniasvoice.com edies. Many of my friends stock their cabinets with these ingredients to help get through the winter. During this time of year it is wise to practice one or more of these protocols daily, especially a few days before any air travel. I have also included a not so popular “Witches Brew.” I would be a phony if I didn’t share my favorite Hot Toddy drink with you. I always take this before bed at the onset of any cold or flu symptoms. Winter Survival Tips • Drinking Matcha green tea daily boosts your immune system. • Taking activated charcoal helps to get the toxins out of your body. • Energetix is a company that sells ho- meopathic remedies. A few cold and flu recommended products are Inflamma- tone and Belladonna. • Turmeric helps to boost the immune system. • To help fight the flu - take 4 grams of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), mixed with juice or coconut water. Bronson makes a great vitamin C powder crystals ascorbic acid product. • Take two tablespoons of elderber- ry concentrate 3 x per day. • Mince a raw clove of garlic and mix it with organic honey. This combo has been said to knock out anything. During cold and flu sea- son it is a great idea to eat this a few times a week to maintain overall health. Just a warning, eating raw garlic might make you a bit stinky. • Drinking peppermint tea helps with headaches and the sniffles. Pepper- mint oil helps with migraines and head- aches. • If you feel that you may be coming down with the flu - take elderberry every 4 hours, liposomal C 1000 mg 3 x a day. D3, 10,000 IUs 3 x a day for 2-3 days. • Another great protocol for overall health is to drink the juice of 2 freshly squeezed lemons, mixed with honey and hot water every day. The lemon and honey “throat coat” recipe, listed below, is referred to as a seasonal rock star tincture. Lemon oil and Thieves Vitality Essential Oils are very helpful in supporting a healthy immune system and body function dur- ing times of stress. Raw honey contains disease-preventing and disease fighting flavonoids, and it is effective at allevi- ating allergies. Coconut oil also helps improve immune function which makes this an awesome addition to your winter- time routine. Kids love taking a spoon- ful, the sweetness helps to support their little bodies. DIY Flu Recipe: Lemon Honey Throat Coat Ingredients: ¼ Cup raw, local honey 2 Tablespoons unrefined, organic coconut oil 3-5 drops Lemon Vitality essential oil 2-4 drops Thieves Vitality essential oil Directions: Mix all the ingredients together and store in glass jar with a tight lid. Use this a few times a week; it gives you a yummy body boost. It is a great addition to your hot tea or coffee, too. If you are a doTERRA user, OnGuard has 4 of the 5 ingredients in Thieves. Witches Brew Ingredients: 6 Cloves garlic, split in half 5-6 chilies A chunk of ginger, sliced 6 Anise stars 5-6 Cinnamon sticks The rind of a lemon or lime 1 Bunch of fresh coriander Honey Directions: Simmer one hour in 8-10 cups of water. Let stand one hour. Serve in a cup with honey and the juice of half a lemon. Hot Toddy Ingredients: 1 Ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 Teaspoons honey 1½ Ounces Jack Daniels Directions: Heat up a cup of hot water and add all the ingredients together and sip. Burgers & Fries 9 Beers on Tap Home of the Bear Creek Pub Growlers To Go Check us Out on Facebook Do you believe that people and communities have a basic right to healthy environments and economies? Then come check out Clean Columbia County! We hold meetings the second Thursday of every month. Columbia Soil and Water Conservation District (Old Warren Grange) 35285 Millard Road St. Helens, OR 97051 (503)-799-6968 info@cleancolumbiacounty.info and check us out on Facebook! 503.429.0214 831 Bridge St. Receive a $5 off coupon Bighorn Logging since 1981 Contract Logging 503-324-2422 Free Estimates Timber Purchases Timber Management Oregon Professional Logger certified since 1996 New Day Massage and Bodyworks Theraputic Massage Specializing in • Auto/Work Injury Rehabilitation • Medical Massage Cupping • Manual Lymph Drainage • Nutritional Counseling • Post Mastectomy Care • Oncology Support • Sauna on-site Heather Lewis, LMT, LMP, CLT, NT 847 Madison Avenue, Vernonia For appointments call: 503-429-4677 Insurance accepted #10732
