As promised in my last email. I have curated a list of things to help you and your loved ones if you've caught one of the nasty viruses that are going around.
Some of these are from wellness professionals, and some are from local super smart mamas that I know and love.
Please share and message me to add to the list if there's something great you know about that's not here.
Elderberry Syrup:
Find a local herbalist that makes their own for optimum potency. We are now carrying the Angel Wing Elderberry made by White Plains' own, Annie Innes, LMT. Purchase in office for $35/per bottle.
Yes, you can buy this at CVS but it can have lots of sugar and added crap that won't help you heal.
In one randomized study of 60 adults with flu-like symptoms, those who took 15 mL of the elderberry syrup four times a day saw symptoms clear up on average four days earlier than those who took a placebo syrup.
Another study tested its effectiveness in air travelers. Those who took the elderberry syrup had a shorter duration of cold symptoms that were less severe than the control group
Epsom Salt Baths:
This is my go-to for anything really, especially in the cold weather months. At the very least it feels great and gives you time alone.
Put a drop or two of essential oil in a handful of baking soda before dropping it all into the tub for an aromatherapy bath!
Essential Oils:
Caveat: Please note that essential oils are to be used as support- NOT cures.
I love and use doTERRA, but any high quality brand will do. (Just do not use the ones you can grab at TJ MAXX or Bed Bath and Beyond, those have been shown to have yucky additives and are from unknown sources)
These were my go-tos and must haves for the season:
Breathe Throat Drops
OnGuard
Peppermint
Lemon
Frankincense
For those who may be interested in stocking up, becoming a regular oil purchaser, doTERRA is having a big sale. The Winter Protection Kit is a great way to get started with essential oils. Not only does it come with some of the most effective oils for immune support, you can also get a Petal Diffuser which runs up to 12 hours! This kit includes the following: Manuka - which promotes healthy looking skin in these harsh winter months. Take advantage of Manuka’s cleansing properties by adding a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water and use to clean surfaces throughout the house.DoTerra's Breathe - supports respiratory function, helping to open airways, and can be diffused at nighttime to calm the senses and promote a restful sleep.Copaiba - an overall immunity booster, supports the health of the cardiovascular, immune, digestive, nervous, and respiratory system. Apply two to three drops to soothe sore, tired muscles after strenuous activity (like shoveling snow!)Rosemary - supports healthy digestion and internal organ function. It helps to reduce nervous tension and occasional fatigue. It creates an energizing aroma when diffused on dreary winter days you are stuck inside (I love it mixed with Wild Orange!), DDR Prime Softgels - gives added antioxidant protection against free radicals and oxidative stress.These products together would normally cost $225 however, with the promotion going on, you can get an annual membership to DoTerra and all these amazing products for $195. Click here to purchase the Winter Protection Kit
REST:
I cannot stress this enough. Stress is the #1 cause of dis-ease and has been proven to lower our resistance to illness.
Say no to that one extra event or task that puts you over the edge.
Go to sleep a little earlier if your body is telling you to rest.
Take a personal day if you can BEFORE you get sick.
Wear a Scarf:
Even though this Winter has been relatively mild, our bodies are particularly vulnerable to losing heat around our neck and tops of our head. According to Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) theory, colds energetically can enter our bodies through our upper backs and necks. Wearing a scarf keeps these vulnerable areas protected.
Massage & meditation:
Chances are if you are reading this ,you are already a fan of massage and know the plethora of benefits you receive from regular bodywork. Our modern lives cause most of our bodies to spend so much of our time in "fight or flight" or the sympathetic nervous system response. This causes jumpiness, anxiety, digestive issues, lower resistance to illness, disrupted sleeping patterns, the list goes on. Alternately, studies have proven that massage and meditation both allow the body to enter its more natural state of "rest and digest" or the Parasympathetic Nervous System Response. This allows the body's natural healing responses to take place.
What are your favorite or tried and true ways to keep healthy during this season?
Let us know by sharing on our Facebook page or Instagram.
Stay well everyone!
See you soon
Alyse Faith Shyne, LMT