As I type this post, I have two children asleep with fevers, another just waking up moaning after having fever, headache, and throwing up today. We have a virus, and it seems it's just another thing that I see that while I am fairly well prepared for, I still have room to be more ready in the future.
Modern medicine can do little to nothing for a virus, but there are herbal treatments that work. While one herb might work for one person though, please do NOT assume it will work for you. There are certain factors to consider - age, health, medical conditions, etc... If you are unfamiliar with herbs or essential oils, PLEASE consult a trained herbalist.
When our first *virus victim* got sick a few days ago, we treated with herbs and oils and he was 90% better the next morning. Pretty quick! What I didn't prepare for wisely was building up everyone else's immune systems, and so now they are sick. :(
Here is a link to several beneficial herbs to have on hand - for the "just in case" moments that could always happen - http://www.organicnutrition.co.uk/articles/colds.htm .
Lemon, peppermint, tea tree, and wild oregano are good oils to have on hand. Cinnamon is also good for sickness. Be aware that you MUST use a carrier oil when using essential oils, they will burn your skin if not diluted.
Besides the medicine cabinet, we should also be prepared in the kitchen (which I wasn't). We had 1 can of chicken noodle soup, and one bottle of Powerade left from our last throwing up adventure. This doesn't go too far... And orange isn't the best color coming up (don't ask how I know).
I know that some people make homemade soup, but that's one thing I have no clue how to do!
And while I normally don't like using store bought cleaners and disinfectants, we did take advantage of a recent sale of 34 cents to stock up on these type products. You can also use essential oils and basics like vinegar and baking soda to disinfect.
If anyone has anything you can share with us on being prepared for sickness - for one person or many - in times of when we might not have access to supplies or doctors, please share in the comments!
I'm also happy to answer any questions you might have about herbs or oils, and would be happy to order what you need - with a 15% discount off retail!
Candace
Around here, I always reach for some type of probiotic (I like either tummy tune up or gr8dophilus) for a virus. I believe there are differences of opinions on whether or not it is good to stop the vomiting, but I personally hate to myself and I hate cleaning up after someone else. As you stated, this does not always work for everyone and it doesn't always work every time. So far the best way to administer it here is in a medicine cup of powerade or gatorade. I open the capsule and mix it in as little liquid as possible to get it mixed and then have the patient to drink it all at one time. Let me pause right here to say that a pediatrician told me once that water is the worst thing to give someone who is vomiting so I never give water until all sign of vomiting have ceased. I usually keep canned gingerale (bought on sale) on hand. It doesn't matter if it goes out of date, because it works just as well flat.
ReplyDeleteI also make my own disinfectant spray. A naturopath once told me that lysol spray is one of the worst things you can breathe for your health. She advised me to get all of it out of the house and insisted that even if it is not in use, the chemicals leak into the air through the can. So after some research, I found this spray made with essential oils: http://blog.gaiam.com/blog/nontoxic-virus-defense-make-disinfectant-sprays-with-essential-oils/ I use it at home and even take it in the overnight bag for traveling. I don't trust the cleanliness of hotels.
I will put a disclaimer on here that this is what I do for my family. It may not necessarily work for yours, and I am not a professional. Try at your own risk. None of my suggestions should pose any risk, but God made each of us different and therefore each person's immunity is different.
I've always been intimidated to use oils, I wish I knew more. I DID learn how to make chicken soup this spring and it's soooo easy! Just buy a whole cut up chicken (skin and bones on - most important) and fill a big pot with water, the chicken, onion, celery and carrots. Plus salt and pepper (I like to add some minced garlic too) And boil 1.5 hours. When done, take out the chicken remove skin and pull meat apart and off the bone. Put the meat back in the pot. At this point it's done, add rice or noodles if you like, or dumplings. It's even better the next day!
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