Before 2020 it was the Winter Flu
Or common cold
By Dr Catherine W Dunne MSc. D. (Hon), RGN, Reiki Master (RGMT), M.H.I.T: Master Acupressure, Practitioner of Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Deep Tissue/Myo-fascia Massages, Infrared Treatments, Vibrational Sound and Colour Therapist, Tissue Salt Advisor, Pendulum Healing Dowser, Chakra Practitioner , Tao Cosmic Healing Practitioner, Practitioner of Plant and Herb Medicine and Nurse.
Seasonal viruses
Before 2020 we were all aware of the Winter Flu and it would come three days, stay three days and go three days. We never took a week off work because of this. We maybe took 2 to 3 days max off. We treated the symptoms with paracetamol or Lemsips or Ibuprofen, cough syrups, hot water bottles, and bed.
Then something strange happened. Something, so it seems, has been in the making since 2005 or earlier. The Holistic side of medicines was getting too strong and instead of the pharmaceutical industry to become part of it, they declared war on us. Why? No €€€ to be made of what is naturally present.
In Ireland 2016 we were told from now on we are not allowed to claim we can heal you from cancer. Not long before that Homeopathy was made illegal as not licensed and so on. And now it difficult to practice homeopathy. Nature’s Apothecary. Herbalism is next. Ginko Baloba is illegal. Wintergreen is illegal. In Ireland that is.
Viruses
Today we still have winter flus. Except they are now called covid, rsv, Influenza A, …..
Influenza A is not new. It has always been around and GPs and Paediatricians alike have always treated children with it. Parents were never put into a panic zone because your child could die. This is what the industry is throwing out into the media today.
Herbal treatments for sinusitis
Sinusitis. Blocked sinuses. What did we used to do? Steam inhalation with salt and water. I’m surprised at how many either don’t know about this or simply have forgotten. Quick fix is required today. Patience left in 2020.
Thick mucous and raised and high temperatures: avoid dairy. Why? Dairy thickens the mucous further.
Why did our mammies cook stews in the winter? Because oregano and thyme could be added. Sage also. Sage is anti microbial. Thyme is a great antiviral healer. Oregano great antibiotic.
If you have stuffy nose, increased mucous flow and a sinus headache ache, don’t use Vicks Vapour Rub for steam inhalations. Why? The menthol within this salve, will offer temporary sinus relief but the rebound effect is twice as bad. So what to use instead? Eucalyptus Salt
But rub Vicks onto the soles of your feet every night and wear socks to bed. Safe for children from 12 months and adults. In case you didn’t know, our body and organs are mirrored in the soles of our feet. Reflexology and aromatherapy.
Drink plenty tea made with fresh lemons, ginger or dehydrated ginger roots. Local honey. Local honey is sooooo important. Not only because you are supporting local bee keepers but you are taking local pollen in. Great healer. Do this 3x daily.
Or if you own one, Infrared lamp treatment for sinuses. Every household in Germany owns one. No more than 10 min sessions. Keep eyes closed! Do this 3-4 x daily.
Cough
But, I’m coughing! I hear you say. Next question is: dry cough or productive cough?
Dry cough caused by tickle in back of throat? Blame yourself for having stoves and central heating on without a source of water beside it. Start now. Add moisture back into the air. This also helps heat up rooms faster than dry air. Take an antihistamine. This will stop the tickle, which stops the coughing.
Productive cough. What colour is phlegm? Green-grey? Antibiotics plus steam inhalations with salt or eucalyptus or thyme essential oil.
***Thyme is aggressive as an essential oil. So use no more than 2 drops when doing steam inhalations.
Clear to yellow phlegm: if liquid like, as in runny, bubbles, make your own cough syrup with thyme, onion, cloves and honey or unrefined brown sugar. – boil one onion in skin in about 1-1.5 inch of water. Best cut onion horizontally in half and face down into pot. Put lid on and bring to a boil. Boil for about 3 minutes, reduce heat, continue to simmer. Add 3 cloves and 2x tbsp dried thyme or one twig of fresh thyme. Simmer for further 10 min. Remove heat. As it is cooling add the honey or brown sugar to taste. Stir till dissolved. Poor through a sieve and drink as warm as you can. Keep your chest warm. Don’t do this before bed time. You won’t thank me for it 🤪
Phlegm is clear to yellow and thicker: drink plenty ginger tea with local honey. Ginger is warming and helps break up mucous. One additional note: make sure the country of origin of ginger is NOT China. You do not want to know how or in what or with what the grow garlic, ginger …..
Raised, high temperature, fever
I have the shivers, feeling cold but also have a fever.
***Fever is defined as body temperature of 38.5C and higher.
Hot water bottles come in handy. If you have Schüssler Tissue Salt number 4 (in UK and Ireland number 4 is 3 in Europe) this can help. Sage for children too. Ginger and Clove tea and local honey. Or fresh lemon and local honey tea 3x daily. Plus if you have collected Meadow Sweet and Self Heal during the summer, add to tea.
Remembering old sayings
Remember the old saying: colds (most called them flu but it wasn’t influenza) come 3 days, stay 3 days, and go 3 days. Influenza on the other hand, has you “ nailed” to the bed and not even a sack with loads of money would make you get up!
Hoping this was of some use to you. Get well Stay well Keep family well.
Warm Wishes
Catherine 8th January 2024
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