Cold and Flu season can be a challenging time.  Especially when people go to work, the grocery store, the gym and they’re sick.  Germs from the flu can linger a while so it is very important to do all you can to boost your immunity and keep your immune system as strong as possible.

It is important to be as diligent as you can when it comes to preventative care.  In the case that you do feel something coming on, you want to be totally prepared with an arsenal of the best natural remedies.  I am going to share some of my favorite ways to keep myself healthy through a strong immune system.

For the last three years, I have had Adrenal Insufficiency.  It is a rare and life-threatening endocrine disease.  It requires one to live off of corticosteroids, which naturally can comprise the system.  Also, when you have Adrenal Insufficiency, it puts you at risk for Adrenal Crisis- in short meaning any major stress to the body (including being ill) can cause you to go into crisis and if not properly treated can result in coma or death.

So you can imagine knowing exactly how to keep my immunity up and naturally fight off any signs of virus is THE most  important thing to me. It was extremely important to me doing this research and finding ways I stay healthy year round and fighting off anything, fast!

On a lighter note, I am super excited to share my list of essential oils, supplements, practices and more to keep you feeling great!  First things first…

1. Spicy Immunity Tonic:

This bright yellow drink is one of my favorites!  If I am feeling sick or was just around someone that was sick I whip this up.  And let me be clear, it is spicy!  You can sweeten it up with some raw honey however (which also boosts immune function) but I like the lil kick this drink has!  For this recipe I use a high-speed blender. This is my absolute favorite model of Vitamix. I use it for literally everyday for almost everything.

Ingredients:

1 cup or so of filtered Water

1 piece of ginger (the size of a thumb nail)

1 piece of Turmeric (the size of a pinky nail)

Lemon Juice (1/2 of a fresh lemon)

1 tsp of Apple Cider Vinegar

1 drop of DoTerra OnGuard

Raw Honey to taste (optional)

Star Anise (optional)

Instructions:

Add all ingredients except for the On Guard essential oil and honey into the blender.  Blend on high for 1 and half to 2 minutes (depending on how hot you want it).  Then add in the drop of the On Guard and raw honey and blend for a few seconds.

** Star Anise is something you can find at health stores usually in the bulk herbs section.  You can ground the seeds with pestle and mortar and then can add to a tea or hot drink and let it sit for several minutes covered.  It is very beneficial to fighting off cold and flu as well.

2. Vitamin D3:

If you are not already taking Vitamin D, you may have heard of it.  Many people are deficient in it.  Vitamin D comes from the sun.  I believes a reason people get run down more during winter months is because they are not outside enough in the sun.  If you are deficient in it, it can be very important to take to help your immune system response and fight off any infection.  It is important to find a good brand that has clean ingredients.  I have liked using Carlson, one drop on the tongue in the morning.  Depending on you Vitamin D levels, the amount you need will vary.

3. Probiotics:

Aka Gut health!  I am sure you have heard by now how it important it is to have a healthy gut, and why’s that?  Because almost 80 percent of your immune system lies in your gut!  These are some of my favorite probiotics and I will tell you why for each them.

Jarrow Formulas – These are a great every-day probiotic!  They are affordable and they have variations of how my billion strains per capsule.  I like these because I can take one a day with a meal just as maintenance or take several when I am feeling run down.  Also if I make a low sugar smoothie or toast, etc.  I like to one these up and sprinkle the probiotic on top with an extra boost because I prefer not to consume tons of veggie caps! *store in fridge*

Garden of Life – This Primal Defense is something I take only when I begin to feel run down and have something coming on.  They are really helpful in knocking out a virus. *store in cabinet*

Metagenics – I think Metagenics is one of the best brands when it comes to probiotics that I have tried!  They are delivered in a cool packaging (when you order online) to ensure the integrity of the probiotic. They have a bunch of different types of probiotics for different types of concern.  Personally, I have had issues with candida in the past, so my doctor recommended these to support a healthy gut and immune system. I still take these to keep my gut (remember most of out immune system?) in good, healthy order.

4. Self Reflexology:

Reflexology is a zone therapy when someone applies pressure on the bottoms of the feet in certain areas which corollate with certain organs.  We basically have an entire grid of our body in meridians on the feet.  When pressure is applied there it can help strengthen the target area.  For example, when you are congested, applied pressure to the sinus points on foot can help clear your breathing.  I have this reflexology tool that I have had for few years and use all the time.  It is a favorite self-care practice.

I use this wooden stick and simply google a “Reflexology Chart” apply pressure and massage the areas that you think need some attention and strengthening.  If you find tender spots, work into the area for several minutes, it usually means it could use some extra care.  You can work your way up to a pressure that feels right for you.  Overall, this can really boost your immune system when you are sick.  I like to apply some DoTerra On Guard essential oil, diluted in a little jojoba or coconut oil.  This will really help give your immune system that extra boost, trust me!  Also, if you are ever in Thailand I highly recommend seeking out some of the reflexology or the training schools that do reflexology- its cheap and soo good for you!

5. Oregano Oil:

When you are really sick, THIS will be your BEST friend.  Oregano is such a powerful herb, its antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and more!  It actually helps ease an anxiety to have this on hand when I am feeling run down.  It is amazingly powerful and I will never be without it.  Oregano oil or Oil of Oregano are just a must have on hand.  It is the first thing I recommend when someone tells me they are sick.  Before trying any antibiotics, I use Oregano. Oregano Essential oil can be taken in water or in a veggie cap, for this you only need 1 drop.  Oil of Oregano is basically a diluted version of Oregano Oil, you can usually have a few drops of that into some water or under the tongue.  Its a strong, spicy oil but it reminds me of pizza, so its not that bad! 😉

6. Virattack, Breathe and Tea Tree:

Here are few other of my favorite things I suggest if you have caught something.  First off, Virattack, this is an herbal formula that attacks viruses!  I put a dropper full in my water once a day and it really helps to knock it out.  If you don’t have fever, it is likely you have a virus, this stuff works wonders.

For sinus or respiratory congestion, DoTerra’s Breathe is very helpful to support a health respiratory system.  When I had bronchitis I applied this diluted on some carrier oil to my chest to help me….Breathe! It smells wonderful too, you can also get the benefits by diffusing and this is my #1 go-to for my allergies!

Another favorite all around oil is Melaleuca (Tea Tree).  This is the first essential oil I used and fell in love with the benefits.  It also promotes a healthy immune system.  I like to diffuse this year round to protect against any germs, during and after I am sick to purify the air.

7. Disinfectant Spray:

If anyone in your house is sick or you have people coming through, it is always wise to spray surfaces people are touching with my disinfecting spray.  After being sick, I spray the house with this as well to kill off any germs, as well as opening some windows to get fresh in the air for at least 20 minutes.  It is so important to make sure your home is staying healthy too!

This is my DIY disinfectant spray I use around the house. Or I will fill a spray bottle with OnGuard or Tea Tree oil and water, which will also help get the job done.

Last but not least… #8, Water:

This may seem like a no-brainer.  But sometimes we neglect how much water we are actually drinking.  Along with a healthy diet, plenty of water is very important for our bodies to stay hydrated and flush out toxins.  When our bodies are fighting something, we need to be extra careful to not get dehydrated.  Not drinking enough water, will make your body have to fight harder, you want to flush out everything when you are sick and stay hydrated.

For electrolytes, I add some fresh lemon juice and some pink sea salt.  This also keeps your digestion moving, so you are properly eliminating toxins.

I hope this guide keeps you healthy and feeling great!

A positive mindset and healthy affirmations, also keep the body in good order 🙂

In good health,

Justine

#shinefromtheinside