Here We Go Again

"ATCHOOOOOOOO. CHKKKKKKKK TOOOO!" Oh man. Fall is beautiful. Flu season isn't. We all know lots of ways to prevent catching the nastiness. Hand washing, sleeping, eating right, not running around in the rain; all good ways to not get sick.

However, should those little beleaguering bugs make their way to your membranes, what can you do to get rid of them, and fast, without taking things that will make you worse in the long run? I did a little bit of quest, because I too, like many people this month, am feeling invaded. I found some tips on naturalholistic.org that I'd like to pass on to all of you soon to be sickies.

• Garlic: Keeps more than just the Vampires away. It helps to ease that sore throat and boost your immune system. Garlic will protect the body against infection, and detoxify, all while tasting delicious. Sulfur compounds in garlic are responsible for making it a super food. Garlic soup is easy to make, and will get you feeling better faster than you can say Gilroy.
  
  

• Marshmallow: I was disappointed to find out this was something other than that puffy white pillow of deliciousness. It is, in fact, an herb, whose use goes back to Roman times. Both its leaves and root contain a gummy substance called mucilage, which, when mixed with water, forms a slick gel that is used to coat the throat and stomach. It relieves the symptoms of many ailments, including those of cold and flu.
  
  

• Slippery Elm Bark: This is one of the few herbal remedies for a sore throat, cold and flu symptoms that has actually been acknowledged by the FDA.
  
  

• Ginger: The antiviral properties in ginger can relieve pain and fever, reduce coughing, and make it easier for you to sleep. Too bad this doesn't apply to gingerbread cookies.
  
  

• Mullein: Another herbal decongestant and sleep aid.
  
  

• licorice: Finally something sweet that's good for you...if you like licorice. (I don't think RedVines count.) Oh, you're just talking about the root? What about Jagger? No? Ok. Any way, licorice root is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its ability to improve mucous quality.
  
  

• Onions: Onions are closely related to garlic and share the precious antiviral properties. No wonder they taste so good together. One folkloric remedy suggests steeping raw onions in honey overnight, and taking it as a couch syrup.
  
  

Ok. Three course meal? Garlic and ginger stew, spinach salad with a honey onion vinaigrette, and a gingerbread house with sticky marshmallows and black licorice on top. (This last one is a bit of a stretch.) Either way, hope this helps you all relieve the discomfort and get back on your feet quickly. When you do, come see us at The House of Bamboo for your holiday needs. CHHHHHKKKKK......TCHOOOO.

Song of the Day: Here It Goes Again-OK Go