Winter joys

Winter is a time of year that requires a bit more effort to feel happy. With shorter days, cold weather, and grey skies, happy vibes are harder to come by. Take all that and add the winter colds, viruses, and bacterial infections and you just about have the perfect excuse to stay in bed until March when spring comes.

With all the challenges, there are always silver linings of winter!

The phrase “you can laugh or cry” is very fitting for the kind of week that I had. With one sick family member after the other, I just felt that I could not get ahead. I honestly felt trapped in the house. With the walls of my house closing in on me, I made a choice. I would stop and appreciate the quality time I had with my husband and kids. I would be grateful that I did not get sick even though I was around kids that were coughing and sneezing in my face. I would be aware of what was good in my life and not just despair.

I also took the opportunity to take a holistic approach to healing my children from the flu. I made sure to keep a humidifier running in their bedroom to help them breath more easily with congestion. I also gave them many cups of tea with fresh ginger, manuka honey, and fresh lemon juice. All of these have natural healing components that can help boost immunity.

Manuka Honey:

This unprocessed honey comes from bees that pollinate manuka bushes found in New Zealand and Australia. Manuka honey is monofloral honey. This means it is made from the nectar of just one type of flower. Its antiviral, antibacterial as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components make it a must have in all homes. Costco sells it for $45 for 17.6 oz. from sore throats to wound and burn healing, Manuka honey can help boost immunity and bring on faster healing.

Fresh lemons:

There are numerous healthy benefits to drinking fresh lemon juice. for my winter sniffles, lemon juice’s vitamin c levels provide a necessary boost to help support the immune system. Its electrolytes also aid with proper hydration. While people have no appetite when sick, ensuring proper hydration and electrolyte intake is a must.

Ginger:

Fresh ginger is an herb that really aids with health and healing. It contains phytochemicals that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. When someone is sick, their body is working hard to fight of the illness. Getting an extra boost from this natural spice, adds a great taste and great long term effect.

Next time you are looking for some home remedy ideas try manuka honey, lemons, and ginger.

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