Dis-ease: Tips for feeling better, naturally!

Take a little time everyday to
relax and unwind.

 At some point or another we've all found ourselves tucked under four blankets, with a temperature, congestion, and discomfort among other things. Our western mind tells us, "Take a pill and feel better." But is this always the best answer? Does popping a pill really examine what is going on in our body?

   Our bodies are inherently smart creatures which aim to heal us.Sometimes doing what is convenient and taking a pain or inflammation reliever can numb our senses and interfere with the natural process of healing.

   It's hard to step away from conventional western medicine and think about natural remedies. All of these little fears start to pop up in our heads and out the mouths of our loved ones... What if it's an infection? What if I am really sick and don't know it?

   However, if you're really paying attention and listening to that intelligent body of yours you will know whether or not you need to rush yourself to the nearest emergency room or whether or not you can utilize natural remedies.  

   In the modern world, both western and eastern medicine have a place in the healing world.  One aims to treat the symptoms and one aims to treat the cause.  For example,  Ayurveda, an old eastern system of holistic medicine, does not place importance on labeling dis-ease. Following principles of Ayurveda practitioners treat the root cause of the illness and forget about all the technical details, treating every situation, every individual as unique.

At the end of the day, achieving health is about diving a little deeper into the discomfort you feel. Bring awareness in your body, your mind, spirit, emotions, physical, etc.  You may be surprised at how helpful and inexpensive some holistic health remedies may be. 

Fresh foods are full of nutrients
and digestive enzymes.  Which
help to nourish our bodies!  

For a fever:

- If your fever is low grade skip out on the pain reliever or anti-inflammatory and cool your body down by drinking cold water or taking a cold shower. A fever is the bodies natural response to fight off dis-ease so by allowing your body to invoke this response you allow it to heal itself. If your fever is high, (102 degrees Fahrenhit +) you know what to do - see a doctor.

- Rest and allow yourself to sleep as much as needed.  Don't push it!  Fever's raise the body temperature and this is turn uses more calories, therefore, draining your energy.  

For congestion and sinus pressure:

Fresh Mint:  Mint is a natural
pain reliever

- Use a sinus cleansing system, like the Neti pot or sinucleanse. You can pick up one of these at any pharmacy or health store. They provide instant relief from sinus pressure and reduce the occurrence of sinus infections.

- Steam inhalations: Boil water and then pour into a deep glass bowl. Add 3-4 drops of Eucalyptus and/or Tea tree or Lavender oil. Sit down immediately and breathe in the steam until all of the essential oils have evaporated. Note: Essential oils keep for six months if stored in a cool, dry place.

- Splash Eucalyptus oil on your shower walls and then take a hot shower. Be careful the floor may be a little bit more slippery than usual!

- Rub a thick layer of Vic's vapor rub on your chest, lie down and let the magic happen.  Some even suggest rubbing the soles of your feet with Vic's, putting on socks, and placing feet on a heating pad.  :-)

Coconut oil is a highly digestible,
healthy fat, and can be used in a
raw or cooked form.  

For sore throat:

- Heat a small cup of water on the stove. Add a 1/2-1 teaspoon of sea salt and stir to dissolve. Gargle with the salt water several times throughout the day.

- Make a hot cup of tea with a teaspoon of honey. Such as, Peppermint (a natural pain reliever),  Chamomile, etc. Drink several times throughout the day!

For cough:

-  Drink warm water, peppermint, or chamomile tea with local honey.

-  The old classic - honey and whiskey... this stuff really works.  

For any cold and flu type illness:

- Get regular and adequate sleep so your body can protect you and have time to recover.  

- Eat small amounts throughout the day of healthy fats, lean protein, fresh fruits and vegetables.  These nutrient rich foods will help get you back on your feet!

- Drink plenty of water.... if you can't drink water drink something like coconut water! If you're opting for gatorade or powerade to replace electrolytes then dilute it with water.

- Cut out mucus forming foods, such as: dairy, fried foods, highly refined grains, and sugar.

- Apple Cider Vinegar.  Combine two tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar with filtered water and drink daily for preventative health.  May sweeten with local raw honey and sprinkle with cayenne if desired.  When you feel a cold or sickness coming on drink twice per day.  

***None of the information found in this article is meant to replace the knowledge of your inner guidance system or your health care provider.  

Keri is an internationally Registered Yoga Teacher, Culinary Nutritionist, and Wellness Coach.  She owns and operates BAYA Wellness, LLC offering Yoga and Nutrition Services.  Keri teachers both privately and publicly around the Greenville area offering on-going classes and special events.  Her path as a nutritionist is all about making healthy living approachable... she teaches the components of healthy cooking, eating, and thinking while also offering specialized services like menu planning.  Healthy living is about the whole pictures of wellness... find your path to living well.

BAYA... Be As You Are!


Contact me for details: www.BAYAWellness.com 

BAYAWellness@gmail.com or 864-430-1275