I know I said I was going to share my wedding photos this week on the blog but then I came down with an awful cold (like so many of you) and couldn’t open my eyes long enough to go through them all. Next week will be the week!
When I was younger, I was sick ALL the time. And I swear the doctors put me on antibiotics as soon as I walked into the clinic.
There wasn’t as much research on antibiotics as there is now, so we didn’t know that taking them on a frequent basis could cause your body to build resistance towards the antibiotic and disturb the good bacteria in your body. After a while of taking various antibiotics for ear infections, colds, sinus infections, etc, they started to quit working. As a consequence, I started to have issues with my gut, digestion and overall getting sick WAY too much.
Not only did I have to spend a lot of time (years) healing my gut, but I also learned how to keep up my immune system and resist going down the path of being prescribed antibiotics. I did this through incorporating gut friendly foods into my diet, including probiotics, ginger, yogurt, fermented foods, pineapple, etc. I also started working out on a frequent basis which for me is a game changer in the way my body feels.
These days I rarely get sick and in the times I do (mostly when I ride the red line Chicago train too much) I know what to do and what works best for my body. I thought I’d share it with you today, because not only do I believe in using natural medicine and herbs to heal when possible, but I know a lot of you do too!
I’m always curious what others do when they feel on the weather, so please let me know what you love and recommend too so we can all share, learn and chat with one another!
My Cold Fighting Routine:
1.) Eat anti-inflammatory foods: I incorporate more fresh ginger and turmeric, garlic, fermented foods, and oregano. I also love fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley and basil. I basically just make various versions of my turmeric chicken chickpea soup. Food is an incredibly powerful tool that can be healing.
2.) Essential oils. I recently got a diffuser and like to use eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender and lemon are my favorites right now. I also like to put drops of eucalyptus in my shower so that I can inhale the steam. It works wonders when you have chest congestion.
3.) Tea. Lots and lots of tea. There’s nothing better than a warm cup of tea to soothe your throat.
4.) Hydrate as much as possible. Pure H2O is the way to go. I recently got an amazing water bottle that I’m obsessed with because not only is it insulated, but it also comes with a straw (which helps me drink more)!
5.) Enjoy broth. LOTS of broth. Chicken broth. Bone broth. Vegetarian broth. All the broth.
6.) Raw honey. I freaking lot honey in soup, in my turmeric lattes or stirred into my tea. Read more about raw honey benefits here.
7.) Immune Boosters. This includes echinacea, elderberry, zinc, magnesium and lots of rest. Finally I’m going to start incorporating oil of oregano more into my immune booster rountine after all of your recommendations! Thank you.
8.) Lots of warm baths with epsom salts & essential oils! This is my favorite way to rewind when I’m not feeling well. Even if it’s just a warm bath, I find it soothing and relaxing. I ususally add 1/2 cup of baking soda and a few drops of lavender. Just make sure you hydrate before and after.
I hope if don’t incorporate some of these into your wellness routine that you’ll start soon.
Now onto some weekend favorites from this past week:
Bakery style brownies from my bestie!
When I’m not thinking about chocolate, I’m dreaming about this dreamy broccoli.
In love with the back of this cute sweater.
I just got this diffuser and love it. I’ve been using different oils and would love to know your favs!
Cannabis infused bath products. Are you into it? Let me know your thoughts!
Don’t throw out your clementine peels just yet… there’s a good use for them.
These big candles are perfect for warming up any room.
If you like a lil’ ruffle this sweater is perfect for pairing with your favorite jeans.
These baked jalapeno poppers are my favorite appetizer on the planet.
Hope you all have an amazing week ahead. I’ve got an epic garlic bread recipe coming for you next week so stay tuned! xoxo.
Don’t forget to follow AK on Instagram and use the hashtag #ambitiouskitchen whenever you make a recipe. xo!
22 comments
This post came at a perfect time for me!! I recently made a body scrub with eucalyptus essential oils and it has been great for my cold. Also I’ve heard the Medicine Ball drink at Starbucks is great!!
Oh my gosh that body scrub sounds amazing!! Hope you’re on the mend, too!
Coconut oil rubbed in your hand, mix with peppermint oils, and rub on your feet-add socks.
Ooo that sounds like a spa treatment! Must try 🙂
You should do some research on doterra for your essential oils. They are the real deal!
Awesome – I’ll definitely look into it!
Love this! A few years ago I realized my cold fighting routine (ingesting lots of vitamin c, eating lots of cough drops, etc.) was making my gut miserable! I’ve gradually switched to a more natural approach, so I love reading other people’s tips too!
My savior has been nasal spray – I’m so prone to sinus infections, so I start taking this asap before it gets out of hand and I need to take antibiotics.
It’s so interesting how the cold-fighting world has been changing! Noted on the nasal spray, too – might have to check it out if this cold turns more sinus-y.
Great tips, thanks! I do most of these things already. One thing to note for your readers- if you have a grass allergy, you may also be allergic to echinacea. I found out the hard way taking some for a cold and had a pretty severe reaction. My allergist said that echinacea plant is biologically close to grasses and that most people allergic to grass are also allergic to this. Just wanted to give a heads up.
Oh wow I had no idea! Thanks for the tip, Susan!
What kind of plant is that in your picture? I love tumeric lattes and am thinking about getting an oil diffuser.
I’m actually not sure! And yes absolutely love turmeric lattes. You should definitely get a diffuser, too – they’re awesome!
Lavender is my favorite essential oil of all of them! And tea tree has antibacterial properties, so is good when sick!
I love, love lavender! Have to try tea tree next (I find it so strong smelling!)
Hope you fell better soon. Just wanted to let you know that some essential oils in a diffuser can be very toxic to pets so please, please make sure you check out the ones you are using so as not to make Millie a very sick kitty.
Thanks so much, Carol! I’ll definitely triple check them for Milly!
What a great post. Thanks for all the great tips! Side note — who makes those great jeans and what style are they?
Cheers,
Maureen
You bet! I get a lot of my jeans from Revolve (and love the brand GRLFRND, like these). The ones here are a destroyed skinny and a destroyed slim boyfriend!
Thanks for the tips! How do you make your turmeric latte?
You bet! I have a recipe for it here 🙂
Ugh, I also get sick if I take the red line too much! Or the bus… basically public transportation is no bueno for cold/flu season 🙁 Loving these tips though! Definitely going to try that turmeric chicken soup.
Right?! It’s crazy! Lots of hand-washing required. That soup is the BEST hope you love it!