Why It’s Important to Switch to Aluminum Free Deodorant

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Newly immersed in the plant based lifestyle, one of the realizations that led to further change was this one: what I put on my body affects my health as much as what I put in my body.

My health and wellbeing improved dramatically eating fruits, vegetables, simple gluten free grains, nuts and legumes. The chronic pain and inflammation I experienced for more than 20 years healed. I walk now without a cane. So many symptoms and disorders cleared up, one by one.

Achieving that level of health, my attention turned outward to the products I put on my body and use in my home. As I read labels I grew concerned. The lotions, shower gels, cleaning and laundry products I used put me in contact with chemicals and additives that impacted me in a negative way. How? Because what comes in contact with the skin, the body’s largest organ, passes through and enters the bloodstream.

First on my list, I eliminated a common product that most people begin using in their early teens. In fact, 95% of the adult population in the US use antiperspirants, to control sweating and odor. It’s understandable. We’ve been taught that it’s not okay to smell sweaty. However, that antiperspirant has far reaching health consequences that may surprise you, due to the inclusion of the heavy metal aluminum.

Here’s why it’s important to switch to aluminum free deodorant.

Why Its Important to Switch to Aluminum Free Deodorant title meme

Aluminum in Antiperspirant

Antiperspirants contain a host of chemicals and additives that aren’t healthy for the body. Most concerning is the presence of the heavy metal, aluminum. This metal is included in antiperspirants to help prevent perspiration. Aluminum disrupts the body’s natural ability to perspire by blocking sweat ducts. The aluminum forms a temporary gel-like plug that prevents sweat from exiting the ducts.

Let’s talk about sweating for a moment. Why do we sweat, anyway?

Perspiration is a natural process. Sweating cools the body, regulating internal body temperatures. While our bodies are covered in sweat glands, those beneath the arms are thicker and contain proteins that bacteria loves to feed on. It’s the bacteria feeding on the proteins in sweat that creates odor.

Antiperspirants eliminate odor by preventing sweat, which interferes with the body’s temperature regulation. That’s not healthy. However, it is the aluminum plugging the sweat ducts that poses the greatest health risks. Aluminum from antiperspirants is absorbed by the skin and enters the bloodstream. From there it can settle and accumulate in tissues and organs such as the brain and liver, where it does harm. Additionally, viruses such as Epstein Barr, shingles and herpes strains love to feed on heavy metals. The toxic excrement from viruses accumulates as well, contributing to the stress the body is experiencing.

Why Its Important to Switch to Aluminum Free Deodorant Sweat
It’s perfectly natural, and even desirable, to sweat.

Why It’s Important to Switch to Aluminum Free Deodorant

These are the symptoms and disorders associated with an excess of aluminum in the body:

  • damage to DNA, abnormal cell function and gene changes
  • reduced mental function including ADHD, brain fog, problems concentrating, difficulty learning and poor memory function
  • dementia and Alzheimer’s
  • depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder
  • chronic fatigue
  • neurological disorders
  • insomnia
  • anemia
  • skin rashes and irritation
  • tremors, chronic aches and pains, muscle weakness, fibromyalgia
  • digestive issues such irritable bowel syndrome
  • greater risk for heart attacks
  • impaired vision, hearing, speech and motor control
  • autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis, ALS, Lyme’s disease, Parkinson’s

That is a formidable list associate with heavy metals. I personally do NOT want to struggle with those disorders. Eliminating aluminum (and mercury) from my life is a small price to pay for greater health and wellbeing.

I’ll offer a follow up post soon on the damaging effects of mercury and how to eliminate it. For aluminum elimination, stop using antiperspirants, aluminum foil, baking powder with aluminum in it, aluminum cookware and aluminum cans.

Aluminum Free Deodorant work out
A healthier you includes preventing chemicals, toxins and metals from entering the body.

Aluminum Free Deodorants

There are a variety of excellent aluminum free deodorants available. In fact, more and more have come onto the market just since I became aware of the dangers of aluminum.

Look for products with natural ingredients such as baking soda, essential oils and coconut oil. Read the label. Make sure chemicals and aluminum are not listed. I’ve used several brands, with great results. You can find those listed at the end of the post.

Another alternative is to make your own deodorant from simple, wholesome ingredients. See my post HERE for DIY deodorant.

When switching from an antiperspirant with aluminum to a deodorant without, your body may go through a detox time. For a couple of weeks you may sweat more and experience body odor as your body recovers and begins functioning as it should. This is natural. As your body adjusts you will experience less sweating and odor. And I promise you, eliminating animal products from your diet impacts the body’s natural smell tremendously. Want to know why we are so stinky? Hint. It’s what we eat that smells so bad as it leaves the body.

Aluminum Free Deodorant healthy exercise
Why it’s important to switch to aluminum free deodorant – the body naturally perspires during exercise to cool itself.

Eliminating Heavy Metals

After preventing more heavy metals from entering the body, it is necessary to remove the accumulation. Otherwise, they continue to do harm. Diet is crucial for flushing heavy metals, including aluminum, from tissues and organs.

Eat plenty of these foods:

  • avocados
  • bananas
  • blackberries
  • celery juice
  • cilantro
  • coconut oil
  • flax seeds
  • oranges
  • strawberries
  • wild blueberries

Add these herbs and supplements to your diet as well:

  • Atlantic sea dulse
  • B12 with methylcobalamin & adenosylcobalamin
  • B complex
  • barley grass juice powder
  • EPA & DHA – plant based, not fish based
  • ester C, a potent vitamin C
  • GABA – gamma-aminobutyric acid
  • gingko biloba
  • ginseng
  • lemon balm
  • magnesium
  • melatonin
  • probiotics
  • spirulina
  • zinc

I highly recommend drinking the heavy metals detox smoothie, created by Anthony William, to help eliminate aluminum from the body. Start the day with one of these smoothies several times a week. Check out my post about this amazing smoothie HERE.

Heavy metals detox smoothie

Purchase aluminum free deodorants below:


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10 Benefits of Owning a Pet

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In honor of National Love Your Pet Day, I continued research on the benefits of pet companionship. I started down that trail earlier this week when I read about the connection between caring for pets and better brain health.

Most households in the US have at least one pet. Cats outnumber dogs in the United States, however, slightly more households prefer dogs as their favorite furry companion. And of course, pets include more than dogs and cats. Pet ownership includes birds, reptiles, spiders, insects, fish, frogs, rabbits, pigs, horses…the list goes on and on.

Whether you love on a dog, a cat or another animal…or practically run a zoo in your home…check out these 10 benefits of owning a pet.

10 Benefits of Owning a Pet title meme

Pets Help You Exercise

If you own a dog especially, one of the benefits is exercise. Dogs love going for a walk. My big girl, Payton, a Lab/Rottweiler/Chow mix, brought her leash to me twice a day, which was her way of asking to go for a walk. If I ignored her for too long, she’d fetch my shoes, in case I misunderstood her request. Some of my favorite memories with Payton, who passed away from old age years ago, included long walks through my neighborhood.

Walking, jogging and biking with a dog in tow…or perhaps we are the ones in tow…are great ways to stay in shape and get the heart pumping.

10 Benefits of Owning a Pet Exercise
Exercise is one of the 10 benefits of owning a pet. Granddogs Abby and Xander.

Pets Provide Companionship

One of the primary reasons for bringing home a pet is companionship. People who live alone and older adults especially benefit from a loving relationship with a pet. Connecting with a pet improves emotional health, contributes to a more active lifestyle and eases loneliness. Plus, pets are supreme examples of showing unconditional love. We can learn much by journeying through life with them.

Unconditional love
10 benefits of owning a pet – companionship. This is one of the cats that adopted me, Shy Boy. He is huge and so sweet.

Pets Help You Socialize

Pets owners can socialize while their dogs play at the park. Or host an adoption event and watch people connect over the animals there. I end up in conversations at the grocery store with the cashier as she rings up another big box of cat food. Mention in any group that you have a pet or post a photo of one on social media and I guarantee you’ll make new friends.

People with common interests tend to connect more easily. Pets help to create that connection that can turn into a bond of friendship.

Pets Help you Socialize
My granddog Beatrice.

Pet Ownership Offers Health Benefits

Studies show that caring for and loving a pet can improve health. Benefits include lowering stress and blood pressure and decreasing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Pet companionship can help keep the brain young. Plus walking the dog improves cardio health as well. Some studies even suggest that people who enjoy the love of pets live longer.

A connection may exist between a strengthened immune system and pets in the home. Babies who grow up with pets experience fewer infections than those in pet-free environments.

Properly caring for pets is crucial here. Neglected animals not only suffer but can contribute to poor health in their human companions. Healthy pets equal healthy humans.

10 Benefits of Owning a Pet Health
Grandcats Lemon and Lucca.

Pets Help to Teach Children Responsibilities

Allowing children to help care for pets is so beneficial. The child learns how to feed, water, walk, train and comfort a pet, while receiving adoration and companionship in return. Three of my grandkids, who have a new puppy in the house, devised a chart to track who is responsible for what and when with their young black lab mix, Charles.

They’ve learned to do laundry so they can wash Charles’ bedding and how to give him a bath. Charles is growing quickly so that task requires two of them to accomplish, creating teamwork.

And caring for a pet, whether a dog, cat, hamster or snake, helps children develop empathy and compassion. These are important traits to carry into adulthood.

10 Benefits of Owning a Pet Responsibility
10 Benefits of Owning a Pet – responsibility. Pictured Aubrey, Oliver holding Charles and Joey holding Carl.

Pets Can Provide Safety

Some breeds of dogs are excellent protectors of their humans. My dog Payton made me feel safe, even when we walked at night. People saw her and crossed the street to walk on the other side, due to her size. In reality, she was a sweetheart, but I didn’t mind that people showed her…and me…respect.

Even small dogs and animals other than dogs are protective of their human family members. At my daughter’s house recently, caring for her four fur babies while she was out of town, I heard her cat Lemon growling. Looking around I found her at the open back door, watching a man in a neighboring yard. Lemon growled until the man went back into the house. I’m sure she thought she successfully warned that intruder away!

Protective pets
Granddog Agnes thinks she’s fierce!

Pets Can Sense Danger or Detect Illness

Animals have a strong intuitive nature. They can sense impending danger, whether from storms, earthquakes or negative energy. After the EF5 tornado devastated Joplin in 2011, I heard so many stories of animals that took shelter or became anxious before storm sirens ever sounded.

And some pets have saved the lives of their humans by detecting cancer or disease. They sniffed, pawed or licked at a spot, indicating the presence of a tumor beneath the skin.

10 Benefits of Owning a Pet Safety
Granddog Abby and grandcat Mister Darcy. They prove that dogs and cats can love each other.

Pets Offer Comfort

Children with autism and similar learning disorders can experience isolation and disconnection from people. With pets, however, they feel more at ease. Animals offer love and acceptance, don’t compare and live in the moment. A child or an adult who finds the world a confusing place can receive great comfort from hugging on a dog or cat.

Comfort animals are a big thing right now. Many people feel that they handle difficult life situations better with a canine or feline companion at their side. Animals sense when a person is sad or upset or afraid. They instinctively know when to play and when to quietly cuddle and comfort.

10 Benefits of Owning a Pet Comfort
10 Benefits of Owning a Pet – Comfort. My cat Angel loves to be close. Shy Boy seems unsure.

Pets Make Us Laugh

We know that laughter is good for the body and the soul. And the antics of our pets generate plenty of laughter. A good laugh reduces stress and releases feel good hormones into the body. Is it surprising then that people love watching funny pet videos on YouTube? Or what about those adorable photos that pet owners post, of their naughty dogs and cats? A handwritten note usually accompanies the photo, stating what the dog or cat did. I love those.

My cats keep me laughing. They are clever and seem to put some thought into how they interact with me and Greg.

Pets Make Us Laugh
Angel says, “Who, me?”

Pets Bring Us Joy

Most pet owners consider their fur babies family members. And well they should. We laugh over their games, look forward to seeing them after a time apart, worry about them when they are sick, grieve for them when they die. It’s all part of life with a loved one, any loved one, pets included.

Pets require attention. They create messes. Surprises may occur. My cat Shy Boy brought me live mice several times recently as gifts…to my bed in the middle of the night! How thoughtful of him.

However, what incredible joy these pets bring. They ask for little in return…food, water, shelter and love.

I complain about my cats sometimes. It seems like one is always on my lap or asking to go out the front door when there is a cat door in the utility room. However I love them. They are precious to me and fill my heart with joy.

Garden Cat
10 Benefits of Owning a Pet – Joy. Rilynn is my garden cat. She loves flowers and herbs.

Be a Responsible Pet Owner

I must add these cautionary words. Please be a responsible pet owner. Pets require basic care, love and attention. Do not bring home a pet that you cannot take care of or have no time for. And please have your pets spayed and neutered as part of their health care.

Shelters are full of animals waiting for loving homes. Consider adopting or fostering a dog or cat from a shelter rather than purchasing from a pet store.

My sisters and my niece and her husband are all involved in dog rescue and fostering. My mother adopted two rescue dogs. All three of my children rescued pets, adopted from shelters, or took in animals needing a home.

Our three cats came to us. Their momma brought them to the front door. Born in the wild a couple of years after the tornado, these little babies were feral at first. It took months of feeding them and talking soothingly to them before we could pet them. Now, they love to be in our laps or follow us around the house and yard. Angel invents games and plays them with Greg.

Pets are indeed a joy. They enrich our lives and offer amazing benefits.

Puppy Love
10 Benefits of Owning a Pet – Bonus: rescuing puppies to love. Some of the many dogs my niece Ashley has fostered.

Looking to adopt a pet or foster one?

Legacy of Hope Dog Rescue in Broken Arrow OK

Carthage Humane Society

Joplin Humane Society

Check out these finds for pets from Amazon:


 

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Best Tips to Keep Your Brain Young

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Perhaps because of my age I am more aware of brain health than ever before. All brains change with age. That’s inevitable. And as our brains change, cognitive decline is common. It’s so common, in fact, that losing brain function is the number one fear among older adults.

Fortunately, we don’t have to just sit around and wait for cognitive function to decline. Here are the best tips to keep your brain young and healthy.

Best Tips to Keep Your Brain Young title meme

Nutritious Diet

A nutrient dense diet is not just good for the body, it is good for the brain as well. The brain is an energy intensive organ, using about 20% of the body’s calories. Those who eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, unsaturated fats and plant based proteins such as legumes are less likely to develop dementia.

Omega-3 fatty acids help build and repair brain cells. And foods high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories reduce cellular stress and inflammation, which are linked to brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s.

Additionally, reducing blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels and blood pressure contributes to heart health, which in turn benefits the brain.

The following foods are the best for supporting brain health:

Fruits – apples, apricots, berries of all kinds, coconuts, dates, grapes, mangoes, melons, papayas, pomegranates

Vegetables – Atlantic sea vegetables, celery juice, leafy greens, potatoes, radishes, sprouts/microgreens

Herbs – cat’s claw, cilantro, ginger, licorice root

Omega-3 fatty acids – salmon, sardines, walnuts, flaxseed, chia seeds and hemp seeds or oil

If you are experiencing brain fog avoid: tobacco, alcohol, dairy products, eggs, wheat and MSG.

Mixed Berries for Brain Health
Best Tips to Keep Your Brain Young – Berries

Move the Body to Benefit the Brain

Regularly moving the body boosts brain health. Studies show that frequent exercise increases the number of tiny blood vessels that bring oxygen rich blood to the region of the brain responsible for thought. Exercise also creates new nerve cells and increases the connection between cells.

A well oxygenated brain is more adaptive and operates more efficiently. Combined with a nutritious diet, exercise helps to lower blood pressure and high cholesterol and balance blood sugar levels, which reduces mental stress while supporting the heart and the brain.

Suggestions for moving your body:

  • walking, hiking, jogging, biking, aerobic exercise, low impact sports
  • dance, zumba, stretching, yoga
  • swimming, water aerobics
  • gardening
  • muscle training twice a week
  • playing with grandchildren
  • walking the dog, as long as your pet cannot overpower you and pull you off balance
Best Tips to Keep Your Brain Young
Best Tips to Keep Your Brain Young – Walking

Mental Stimulation

Doctors find that stimulating the brain creates fresh connections between nerve cells and helps the brain generate new cells. The brain ends up with a reserve that protects against future cell loss.

This is the fun part of keeping the brain young. Any mentally stimulating activity boosts new connections. Try these activities regularly:

  • read, especially in new genres or subject areas
  • take a class, learn a language, cook different foods
  • work puzzles, play games, solve word or math problems
  • enjoy hobbies and learn new ones, especially those that require thought and dexterity such as painting, drawing, sewing and crafts
  • have fun, play, create, make up songs, write poems or stories
  • my favorite – try new experiences, do a familiar task in a fresh way, drive a different way to the store, listen to an unfamiliar genre of music, learn about technology
Best Tips to Keep Your Brain Young Painting
Best Tips to Keep Your Brain Young – Learn Something New

Emotional Wellbeing

Anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation and exhaustion contribute to cognitive function. When those conditions become chronic the risk for cognitive decline increases. Good mental health and getting enough rest, lowering anxiety and managing stress help maintain a healthy, youthful brain.

For chronic conditions, seek medical help. To support and maintain emotional wellbeing, try these:

  • meditate/pray
  • journal
  • get enough sleep, at least seven hours per night
  • nap during the day, if needed
  • do what makes you happy
  • find joy in life
  • practice gratitude
  • live in the now rather than regretting the past or worrying about the future
  • talk to a trusted friend or family member about minor fears, anxiety or depression
  • express emotions in healthy ways
Best Tips to Keep Your Brain Young Rest
Best Tips to Keep Your Brain Young – Getting Enough Sleep

Social Interaction

Strong connections to family, friends and pets lower the risks of dementia and increase life expectancy. Isolation can have a negative impact on some people and especially on older adults.

Positive emotional bonds contribute to a more active lifestyle, better eating habits and greater emotional health. And caring for pets and loving on them helps to reduce stress, lowers blood pressure (unless you have naughty pets!) and increases social interactions.

Try these suggestions:

  • volunteer at schools, shelters, hospitals, charities
  • spend time with family, friends and pets
  • expand your circle of acquaintances and meet new people
  • join a club, attend church, take lessons in a classroom setting
  • go on group outings such as field trips, nature walks, museum tours
  • encourage grandchildren to teach the latest technology or slang
  • attend group activities such as dances, yoga sessions, bird watching, quilting
  • offer your wisdom and teach a class
  • mentor one on one with youth or young adults
  • travel with a group
Connection for a Younger Brain
Best Tips to Keep Your Brain Young – Connection

Aging Well

There are many benefits from aging well, aging gracefully. One of those benefits is a mind that remains sharp. Awareness and putting these tips into practice gives the brain a much better chance of aging gracefully as well and remaining agile and healthy.

And trust me, it’s not too early to put these health practices in place. A healthier body equals a healthier mind equals a higher quality of life.

What tips will you adopt?

Having fun contributes to a healthy mind
Best Tips to Keep Your Brain Young – Have Fun

 

Check out Lumosity, the brain training app that improves memory, increases focus and helps you feel sharper.

Order these brain boosters below:

 


 

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Vegan Pot Pie Soup

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

Traditional pot pie, topped with a flaky crust, is not on my plant based diet. I haven’t really missed it. However, when I found a recipe on social media for a vegan pot pie soup, I looked forward to trying it. This crustless pot pie version offers a mix of fresh veggies in a rich, dairy free broth. It is so delicious and ready to eat in about 35 minutes.

Vegan Pot Pie Soup

Vegan Pot Pie Soup

Unfortunately, when I snapped a photo of the recipe, I didn’t get the name of the person who created it. Actually, the woman shared that her husband prepared this yummy soup. If I ever find that social media post again, I’ll update with the info.

I adapted the recipe slightly, adding extra veggies and creating DIY Spike seasoning, rather than purchasing it. That original seasoning contains a few ingredients that I avoid. The recipe for this simple yet flavorful blend of spices is listed below the recipe for the soup.

Vegan Pot Pie Soup Ready to Eat

Vegan Pot Pie Soup

Vegan, gluten and dairy free pot pie soup.
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp DIY seasoning blend or Spike Seasoning
  • 1/2 cup cashews, soaked for half an hour
  • 1 16 oz can cannellini beans
  • 1 cup plant based milk, such as almond or coconut
  • 2 cups frozen or canned peas

Instructions
 

  • Add cubed potatoes to a large pot along with the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil
  • Add carrots, celery and onion. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Add seasoning and simmer another 10 minutes.
  • Combine cashews, cannellini beans and plant based milk in blender. Blend on high speed for 60 seconds, or until smooth. Add cashew mixture and peas to soup. Stir well and simmer for 5 more minutes. Serves 6.
Keyword Vegan Pot Pie Soup
Veggies simmering
Veggies simmering, on their way to becoming vegan pot pie soup.
Rich, dairy free broth
The cashews, beans and plant based milk create a rich broth.

DIY Seasoning Blend

This blend of spices contributes to the soup’s amazing flavor. And it is easy to make with spices you probably already have on hand.

In a small bowl combine 2 tbsp sea salt, 2 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper (reduce amount for less heat), 2 tsp onion powder, 1 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dry mustard, 1 1/2 tsp dried thyme and 1 tsp dried basil. Combine well. Store in a cool area.

I combined the spices in a small mason jar and then capped it for storage. The vegan pot pie soup recipe calls for two tablespoons of the seasoning.

Use this DIY seasoning blend in soups, sauces, stir fries, salads or on roasted veggies.

DIY Seasoning Blend
The blend of seasonings is an important ingredient in vegan pot pie soup.
Mason Jar Storage
A small mason jar is the perfect size for storing seasoning.

Enjoying Vegan Pot Pie Soup

Admittedly, I love all kinds of soup, year around. However, this one is incredibly good. The seasoning adds a bit of a kick to the broth, making this vegan pot pie soup better, in my opinion, that those others with the crusts. For even more richness and health benefits, use DIY vegetable broth instead of purchasing it.

The freshly prepared vegetables contribute nutrients along with goodness. The soup adapts easily. Add whatever vegetables are on hand. I had left over carrot and celery sticks from my Oscar night snack tray. Chopping them up for soup prevented wasted. Throw in an onion, peas, non GMO corn, turnips, green beans…the only limit is imagination.

This warming soup is so good, Greg and I each had another half a bowl. And there is still plenty left over for lunch tomorrow. Let me know if you try this healthy version of a traditional favorite.

Vegan Pot Pie Soup in the Bowl
Vegan pot pie soup ready to eat.

Check out these soup making finds at Amazon:


Journey With Healthy Me is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program provides a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.

The Best Herbal Teas for Cold and Flu Season

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This post is inspired by real-life events. A few days ago, Greg exhibited cold symptoms including sneezing, sniffling and itchy eyes. Like me, he doesn’t typically take over the counter meds. He does not need to. I know exactly which herbal tea to prepare for him.

After only one cup of hot tea, he felt better. His eyes stopped itching and I didn’t hear a sneeze the rest of the evening. The next day, after two cups of herbal tea, one in the morning and one in the evening, his cold symptoms completely disappeared.

I love healing naturally, especially when it takes the form of a cup of hot tea.

Check out the best herbal teas for cold and flu season. When dealing with bugs, colds and flus, reach for one of these soothing drinks to speed healing.

The Best Herbal Teas for Cold and Flu Season title meme

The Best Herbal Teas for Cold and Flu Season

We are currently in the midst of cold and flu season. In fact, it is quite severe in my area. This year scary reports of a new strain of flu, the corona virus, is creating alarm.

When the sniffles strike or the flu causes you to curl up under a blanket with a box of tissues nearby, create one of these ultra-healing teas. The hot herbal drinks relieve congestion, soothe a sore throat and ease headaches and tense muscles.

Add a spoonful of raw, organic honey to combat coughs. Squeeze fresh lemon or orange juice into the tea for a boost to the immune system. And sip on these teas all day. Another important benefit from drinking tea is hydration, which helps clear mucus from the nose and lungs and restores health more quickly.

Chamomile

This tea, made from the flowers of the herb chamomile, is well known for helping the body relax into sleep. However, chamomile’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties fight against cold and flu bugs while eliminating head and chest congestion. The herb soothes sinus headaches associated with the flu and it really does relax the body. While healing from a cold or the flu, a good night’s rest is helpful and restorative.

Steep two teaspoons of dried chamomile in a cup of very hot water, for 15 minutes.

Chamomile Tea
The best herbal teas for cold and flu season – chamomile

Echinacea

A member of the daisy family, this flowering herb is also known as purple coneflower. It is commonly found growing in fields, fence rows and flower borders. I grow this flower in my backyard garden. Due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, echinacea reduces the risk of catching a cold by more than 50%. During cold and flu season, drink a cup of this herbal tea every day to minimize the chances of catching a virus.

Echinacea helps the body to heal more quickly if it is under attack from a cold or flu bug. It eases sore throats, relieves sinus and chest congestion and soothes an ear ache. And it provides natural pain relief for the achiness that accompanies the cold or flu.

Steep two teaspoons of dried echinacea, or a couple of fresh blooms, in a cup of very hot water for 15 minutes.

Echinacea Tea
The best herbal teas for cold and flu season – echinacea

Ginger

This flavorful herb is a powerhouse of healing benefits. It soothes the body struggling with the cold or flu. Ginger’s anti-inflammatories and its antiviral and antibacterial properties fight against infection. The herb relaxes tight throat muscles and eases muscular pains throughout the body. Additionally, ginger relieves headaches and heals sinus and ear infections. And because ginger aids the entire digestive system, if nausea is present due to flu, this herb helps calm the stomach.

Add one teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to a cup of very hot water. Steep for 10 minutes. Add a dollop of raw, organic honey and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a powerfully healing hot drink.

Ginger Tea
The best herbal teas for cold and flu season – ginger

Peppermint

Ahhh, peppermint, my go to herb for almost everything! Peppermint is a member of the mentha family, along with spearmint. The menthol in the herb’s leaves soothes a sore throat while calming a cough. Menthol relieves congestion as well, while its antiviral properties fight cold and flu viruses…and symptoms.

Like ginger, peppermint restores the entire digestive system, a bonus when the flu causes an upset stomach.

Add two teaspoons of dried peppermint to a cup of very hot water. Steep for five to ten minutes. Or use a sprig of fresh peppermint instead of dried.

Peppermint Tea
The best herbal teas for cold and flu season – peppermint

Nettle

When Greg’s cold symptoms appeared, I immediately grabbed this herb. Nettle, also known as nettle leaf, supports a body under stress. When attacked by cold or flu viruses, the body goes into reactionary mode. This potent herb is packed with phytochemicals, anti-inflammatories and alkaloids. They calm the reactionary symptoms in the body, relieving itchy, watery eyes, sniffles and a scratchy throat.

Nettle fights infections of all kinds and it is a natural pain reliever. At the first signs of flu or a cold, brew a pot of nettle tea and combine it with other herbs for the most benefits.

This is my favorite cold remedy:

Add two teaspoons dried nettle leaf, two teaspoons dried peppermint and two teaspoons dried lemon balm to a mesh tea ball. Drop into a teapot and add boiling water. Cover teapot and allow tea to steep for 15 minutes. Add raw, organic honey if desired, and freshly squeezed lemon or orange juice.

Sip on this tea throughout the day. I rarely catch a cold, however if I show symptoms this herbal tea eliminates them within 24 hours.

The Best Herbal Teas for Cold and Flu Season Nettle
The best herbal teas for cold and flu season – nettle

Fight that Cold or Flu and Win

Ginger is available in the produce section of most grocery stores, such as Natural  Grocers or Walmart.

Pick up dried herbs below, to make your own herbal teas. Fight the battle against the cold and flu and win, while naturally boosting your immune system. A strong immune system is the best defense against the viruses that create those miserable symptoms.



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