We are all sick. . .

So many calls these weeks, like every late winter since I started taking care of folks who get sick.  The kids are sick, the parents are sick, the grandparents are sick.  Cough.  Fever. Upset stomachs. Crying, restless babies. And the kids seem to get sick again every 2-3 weeks.  I am not spared this year.  It's hard.  

The calls I get are from people who have illnesses that will resolve in days to weeks with supportive care. I care for lucky, hardy folk who take good care of themselves, have great home remedy medicine cabinets,  and who put lot of stock in the body's ability to heal.  

What am I recommending?  Mostly reassurance and encouragement to keep up what they are already doing.  Sometimes I have some other ideas of things to add.  Here's the list I run down when I am talking to folks:

1. Rest.  There is something really healing in clearing the calendar for 48 hours and going to bed with fluids and a good book.  I don't think screens are a part of rest
2. Fluids.  Mostly water, herbal teas, and broth soups.  Drink to thirst
3. Simple diet.  Vegetables, especially onion family, simple grains, and some fruits.  Meats, dairy, nuts as tolerated but mostly not.
4. Ask for help.  For most of us to do this, we need others to do all the amazing and generous work we do the rest of the time.  
5.  Immune supporting herbs.  Garlic (raw).  Echinacea. Astragalus.  Olive Leaf Extract, Goldenseal, Elderberry.  
6.  Wash your hands
7.  Stay home and away from others until you feel solidly well. 

You can implement most of these if you want to avoid getting sick, too.