WORRIED ABOUT THE INFLUENZA??

A lot of people are. Id like to add some common sense suggestions about keeping our immune systems in good shape, which, in turn, makes ones suseptibility to Flu and other illnesses less of an issue.

I know this is an unpopular stance, but the foundations for a healthy immune system are low cost items like: getting adequate rest, eating good food on a regular basis, and keeping hydrated.  Understanding how to recognize ones wellness and what brings one joy is also a fundamental part of a strong immune system.

What I mean by this is, we are so well versed in “ways we feel wrong” that many people overlook how to know they are fine. We are so sensitive to ways we are unhappy or offended etc, we forget to notice and appreciate things that make us feel loved, or calm, or just bring us a moment of joy.

I say this is unpopular because, even as you read this, you may be thinking: “yeah, yeah, but what should I be taking? What will I do?? I have to go here, do this, be on a bus/plane etcetc” When you get out of your own way with all the doings and takings, you may find your body actually is a very resiliant and clever vehicle and it has lots of mechanisms to keep harmfull bacteria, viruses and parasites moving out of

your system with minimal damage. So please, take an extra moment to really think about ways you can apply the prinicipals I just mentioned to help your body do its job of keeping you alive and well, before skipping to the “What to Take “ list.

WHAT TO TAKE:

Air. Breathe in deeply, slowly, several times periodically. The panic and anxiety of the situation often causes us to hold our breathe or breathe in a shallow way, which also hinders health. Reduce your intake of refined sugars, caffiene, and alcohol, because of these also keep you in a more nervous state and weaken your immunity.

HERBAL HELPERS:  FAQ: How do I know which one of these options is right for me?

Answer: Really, they are all wonderfull. Pick whichever resonates, or try one and

see how you feel, or try the one you already heard of.. ie: you cant pick a “ wrong”

option here, so read on, and get a feeling for it all….

TINCTURES ( Herbal concentrates)

Echinacea: Because one of its functions is to help increase the amount of Leucocytes, or white “defender” cells, this is a good thing to take for those who are worried about thier immune systems ability to fend off the bad guys. Echinacea also helps to keep the lymph nodes clear and operating optimally, which is important as well. Dosis: Echinacea tincture can be taken a dropperfull or a capfull or a half teaspoon in some water, 2 or 3  times a day for the next seven days or so.

I would not take Echinacea with goldenseal ( sello de Oro compuesto) unless you Actively have symptoms of flu, or sore throat , or respiratory stuff.

We also carry echinacea in the Capsulas para el Sistema Imunitaria , another good option: two capsules 2 or 3 times a day to keep up immune function.

Astragaulus: Tincture, same dosage as the Echinacea. Astragalus enhances the bodys own “ natural killer cells” and restores t-cell count and immune function in clinical studies ( Buhner, Herbal Antibiotics 1999 ) Its a wonderful immune enhancer and anti-viral.

We also carry Astragalus Compuesto, a tincture which combines Astragalus with Pau d Arco ( another wonderful anti-viral and immune function booster also available as a single tincture) ) Red clover, burdock, and dandelion ( blood cleansers and alkalinizers) ginseng and shisandra. Dosage: A dropperfull, or a capfull, or a teaspoon in water after meals twice a day for ten days or so.

Olive Leaf and Lomatium: Is another excellent immune enhancer, anti-viral, And anti-bacterial as well as cleansing and supportive of lymph system. Excellent Or swollen or sore throats, flus, or prevention. Dosage: Same as the other stuff-A dropperfull, a capfull or a teaspoon in water, 2 to 3 times a day for 10 days or so.

Garlic ( Ajo) : Is one of the most extensively studied herbs in the world: passes the tests as an excellent immune stimulant as well as anti-bacterial, anti-viral, Etcetc. Eat it raw, or try our tincture- doasage: 10 to 50 drops in water 2 times a day.

Shisandra or Shisandra Compuesto: The compuesto has lots of extra immune enhancing helpers in it, like vitamin C rich Rosehips, ( scaramujo. Also sold separately if you prefer) , Elder blossoms ( sambuco, specific anti-viral flu remedy as well as immune supportive and also sold separately  if you prefer)

Colloidal Silver (plata coloidial) Echinacea, Guapilla, and Astragalus round out the mix. Or the Shisandra by itself. Dosage: a dropperfull, capfull or teaspoon in water 2 to 3 times daily.

CAPSULES:

For those who do not like tinctures or drops, we have the Capsulas Immunitarias Which are helpfull to rebuild the immune function and tone the supportive organs as well as work as a “ natural antibiotic”: These contain Echinacea, Astragalus, Shisandra, Pau d Arco, Usnea, Oregano and Myrrh. Dosage: 2 caps 2-3 times a day

Pau d Arco and Oregano capsules: Two pills just once or twice a day as a preventative, or 2 caps 3 or 4 times a day if youve got a flu or respiratory or throat thing.

AROMATHERAPY:

You cant beat essential oils in general for thier concentrated efficiency in killing all sorts of bacteria, virus and microbes as well as for stimulating the bodies own defenses. I do not reccomend them for internal use. They are for EXTERNAL use. 3 to 10 drops in your infusor, in a spray bottle with 4 oz. of water, or in a carrier vegetable oil or salve, is plenty to protect and heal you.

So, here we have Tea Tree Oil, Oregano,  Thyme, Eucalyptus, Juniper, Peppermint, Grapefruit, Clove, Cinnamon, Myrrh, Frankinsence, Pine.Lavender…. just to name a few.

You can make your own blends, or just buy any one of the above mentioned, and use as spray on your bedding, in a sick room, on your “ surgical mask” if youre using one, around your person, etc etc. You can mix a bit in a vegetable oil and apply around your nostrils ( careful with that oregano or thyme oil.. it burns..)

Our recommendations in the shop is to use the Spray de Aire Fresco, which contains essential oils of peppermint, eucalyptus and grapefruit, and spray it liberally on the bus seat, airline seat, taxi, shopping cart handles..inside your face mask.. etc Wherever you feel unsure about your exposure to “ germs” etc. as well as to use it in your home or spray it around yourself .. it is not only a wonderful anti-bad guy spray, but it smells wonderful, clears out your airways , your aura, makes you feel energized and refreshed, and gets rid of pet or smoke or mold odors as well.

We also have a lovely Spray de Lavanda, spray alegria ( lavender, geranium and Orange oils) as well as the popular Spray de Dulces sueños ( chamomile and lavender) which also is protectant, and relaxing.

ANTIBACTERIAL HAND GEL – Ours has no chemical ingredients. We use instead, a base of alcohol and aloe gel, then add Olive leaf and Calendula tinctures, and pure essential oils. We have tea tree, lemon, mint, lavender, grapefruit, etc.. variety of essential oil options.

BACH FLOWER REMEDIES: - Sometimes its actually the anxiety over the unknown or out of control aspects or this outbreak that are wearing people down. They are afraid for thier loved ones, or stressed out about thier loss of income, etc. Being in a state of anxiety or fear is also very detrimental to the immune system. So, for some, maybe taking drops of Rescue Remedy ( rescate) 5 drops directly on tounge 3 to 5 times a day or as needed, is a good option.

We also have a formula called Miedo ( fear) for both specific and non-specific fear states, or even the drops called Sobrecarga (Overcharged) which adress states of overwhelm or overly stimulated or over satruated with information.

We also have a nice blend called Angel de la Guardia ( Guardian Angel) for states of vulnerablity and feeling one needs protection on energetic levels.

This is only a sampling of the many wonderful plants we have at your service to soothe and heal. Please stop by and get to know them. It is really such an amazing gift the plants share with us in so many ways, and you are welcome to explore a variety of them at our shop La Victoriana. Thank you, and be well.