Day #16
“I speak mainly on the authority of tradition and common sense.”
- In Defense of Food
I am not a doctor.
I am not a pharmacist or naturopath.
I don’t have any letters behind my name, but I have discovered a natural way to cure colds. This is one vegan, all-natural, granola thing I did before this experiment. I don’t have anything to prove it works other than my own experience, but believe me, it works.
As a teacher, I catch my fair share of colds, and over the years, I have developed six rules for getting better. These rules are based on the common sense notion that when your body gets sick, it is fighting a battle to get well again, and we can arm our bodies with proper weapons to win.
1. ADMIT IT – Start curing your cold the minute you feel a tickle in your throat. Most people deny that anything is happening until they are awake in the middle of the night, coughing, sneezing, and reaching for the Mucinex. By this point, it’s too late for natural remedies. You are in pain, and you need instant relief. Early detection (i.e. avoiding denial) is the best strategy to shorten the effect of the cold.
2. GREEN TEA – If you feel that twinge of a cough, heat the water. From now until you get better, you will be drinking green tea. This is the main ingredient in my all natural cure. The antioxidants help your body fight back and the warm water feels nice going down your throat.
3. BERRIES – For more antioxidants, eat berries all day. Sometimes, I eat an entire container of blueberries in one sitting. Fill your body with dark berries that are rich in nutrients.
4. SLEEP - This is the most difficult part for many people. Give in to your cold early. Sleep in a dark room when you get home from work. You won’t get the same healing effect by sitting awake in front of the TV. I actually think this will make you feel worse. Take a quiet nap in your bed and then go to bed early each night until you are well.
5. FRESH AIR – Get out and walk through the neighborhood or sit on your porch to inhale air that’s not stale. I have no idea why this works. I tried it after watching a lady on television who shared how she cured cancer naturally. One of her tips included sitting on the porch and breathing fresh air for two hours a day.
6. LIGHT MEALS – Finally, avoid heavy meals. Don’t give your body extra work to do by stuffing it with roast beef, french fries, and a chocolate shake. Keep your food intake light.
Easton and I both have a cold right now, and I am implementing my natural cure… minus the sleep thing. Since I am waking up with Easton three of four times at night, I won’t be able to give in completely to my need for sleep. That will slow down the process considerably.
But I am drinking my green tea right now. Let me know if you have stumbled upon any natural remedies I should try.
By the way, the winner of Michael Pollan’s book (from the Freebie Friday) is Lindsey Ramsey! Check out the blog each Friday for new give-aways.
