This is a timely blog in the Northern hemisphere, as we now fully embrace Autumn.
What a lovely, warm time we have experienced in the Northern Hemisphere over many months this year… possibly too hot at times for some, dare I say! But hopefully we are aware that if summers ARE to be getting hotter, then we can know to prepare ahead for them so that we can cope more easily.
And in the same way, as we know the Winter is approaching, so we are best to prepare for that and starting with our immune systems is always VERY important!
In the Southern hemisphere, Spring is establishing itself and we may be realising the ‘building back up’ we need to be doing as we start to move and ‘Spring forward’ into the upcoming longer days and summer months. To be waking up and refreshing the parts that need it, to be in a welcoming and positive state that we can embrace these lighter months ahead both in our mental and physical health.
In both hemispheres, our immune systems need some checking-in on and probably a bit of pro-active preparation and rebalancing. So let’s get started!
I have done a few posts recently on embracing our health and immune systems. So do keep up to date with the little gems I try and feed through my social posts and newsletters.
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And now, let me continue!… 🙂
I often write that KNOWLEDGE IS POWER… and so I feel it remains as relevant here too.
Firstly, I would love to introduce awareness of the negative influence of FEAR on our health.
And there is no doubt that when we are in fear of our health failing us, our immune system can also take a knock!
…We can become susceptible. In homeopathy, we understand this as the Principle of Susceptiblity.
But here too is a little research outside of homeopathy: CLICK HERE
If we can simply understand the effects of our precious energy being distributed too much in the wrong areas of our body /life / health, then we may be able to agree that a good starting point to building and maintaining an effective immune system is managing this. We need to understand just WHERE we put our energy and whether we then see exactly where we are draining it rather than building it!
I am talking about areas such as SLEEP, DIET, ATTENTION TO HAPPINESS, WORK / LIFE BALANCE, RELATIONSHIPS, HOBBIES, ENVIRONMENTAL COMFORT (I would even consider things such as a suitable chair to sit on at the desk or table, a comfortably supportive bed, fitting and supportive shoes, appropriately warm or cool clothing, effective washing and self-care equipment)
There are so many areas we could actually look into while we consider what actually works well for us and is important, and what doesn’t… which will then be likely considered a ‘drain’ as we try and make do with it when perhaps we should re-prioritise its value?
So, the purpose of this blog is to highlight the importance of understanding and nourishing our own immune systems, as naturally as possible and the need to develop a tool box to draw on, certainly at certain times of the year or around certain events in our everyday living.
Here are MY favourite top tips for that tool box!
- Essential oil anti-viral/bacterial combinations – You can often find them in a small rollerball stick. Dab them on your pulse points when out in busy places or environments where germs may be lurking! I have used a blend called ‘Air guard’ for a few years now, made up by a local aromatherapist. Ask around and see what you can find!
- Epsom salt baths – restorative and detoxing. 1 large mugful in bath, soak for 15-20 mins max. For calming, de-stressing, muscle relief and detoxing. A wonderful way to end the day. Children with Autism or struggling with meltdowns often benefit.
- Good sleep – no phone in bedroom if possible. Calm period beforehand, some deep breathing and lavender spray or balm. Know how many hours you actually need and try to focus on keeping that time sacred!
- Timetable to keep life in balance – knowing what you are doing, what you need to do and what therefore may simply have to be de-prioritised is SO important. MAKE TIME FOR YOU in this. Point the family towards it regularly as a reminder! I wouldn’t be without mine!
- Using a timer to remind you for these important organisational habits that you are trying to prioritise! If you manage to stay on track in your lane, then things and those around you will flow better too!
- Quiet / restorative time – Yin yoga is my fav. Experiment and find out! Puzzles or colouring in books/painting by numbers can also be very good to try! What is yours?
- Exercise – building a daily walk or exercise session 3 x weekly that does not leave you feeling worse, is helpful in keeping the body well mentally and physically. Balancing levels of serotonin, dopamine and endorphins versus reducing a build up of the stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline, is important for keeping our mood and aptitude towards life in check!
- Dressing to fit the weather – dressing up or down according to the climate is so important to help keep the body balanced and not ‘over stressed’. If we are constantly too hot or too cold we can be left susceptible to chills and fevers etc… we do not want to be over stretching the body’s natural temperature management at this time of year. In the northern hemisphere, layer up when needed, feet included!
- Clean eating – Following 80 / 20 rule… having the right things in the cupboard ahead so that you can keep on a good roll when possible. AVOIDING STIMULATING FOODS such as caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and understanding the benefits of an alkaline diet is always helpful. When we eat well 80% of the time, our bodies and minds can usually cope with the less strict 20%! And we can usually notice our cravings for the worse foods/drink are less so they are easier to then stick to keeping limited.
- Water and roughage… keeping our digestive tract clean and moving is important and the input levels usually dictate the success of the output! If things are not feeling comortable and regular, some gut and hydration work needs to be done! Pay attention daily, if not at least weekly!
- Immune boosting food and drink: ginger, turmeric (curcumin), garlic, green veg, Vit C rich fruit and salads, Manuka honey, black elderberry syrup, echinacea. There are many more too! This is where some lovely old family or traditional cultural ‘well being’ recipes come out and are usually a wonderful thing to turn to when you think you may be going down with something! I always have a bottle of Sambucol ImmunoForte in my cupboards! (easily available in chemists, food stores and health food shops).
- Vitamins and Minerals: I am not a qualified nutritionist, but I do recommend finding out about some good basics to keep boosted if you know you are a little run down and cannot rely on a good diet/food source to take them in otherwise. Vit D3 (with Vit K2), Vit C, Zinc are the top favourites and always should be sourced from a good place… so find out more if you think you can manage. Speak to someone in the know and again, get good quality products and do not just keep on repeating… take them for a few weeks and then pause and see if you still need them; the body may be re-fuelled and circumstances may have improved! We always need to know what we are putting in out body, how much and why! Look at Tissue salts too for mineral boosting. (https://schuesslertissuesalts.uk/)
AND FINALLY… SOME HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES TO HAVE TO HAND!
Of course, if you have your home remedy kit, many of these you will already have! This is my favourite kit: https://www.ainsworths.com/The-Essential-Kit/
And some extras:
1) Ainsworth’s Anti Cold and Flu combination 30c, 2026/7. – As per instructions, this is often used as an alternative to the flu jab and taken as per instructions, 1 pillule, 2-3 times on the same day each fortnight during the winter flu season, can be such a help to keeping you healthy through this time ahead!
People often take a single dose when about to get on a bus, train, go into a busy place, hospital or where the winter bugs may be lurking! TRY IT THIS YEAR AND SEE!
ORDER NOW: +44 (0)1883 340332
2) Eupatorium – great flu remedy, especially where there is intense bone ache, chiefly in the back, as if broken, and there is pain in eyeballs.
3) Anas Barbaris / Oscillococcinum – for the general flu picture with the body aches, chill, fevers, and fatigue, including body and bone aches.
My top favourite 6 from the kit when it comes to viruses and winter bugs:
1) Gelsemium – viral symptoms, including the headaches, gastric flu symptoms, body ache and weakness/dizziness. Also for the anxious state of mind.
2) Ant Tart – great for getting phlegm up and out when the cough rattles but no expectorating is happening easily. Great preventative action to lung infection/pneumonia
3) Kali Bich – sinus and post-nasal congestion. Where there is much ropey and stringy discharge and the throat can therefore become affected too. Headaches, migraines and a low, despondent mood picture.
4) Drosera – such a helpful cough remedy; when it starts at bedtime on laying down in particular. A painful, repetitive, choking, persistant and barking cough which can also result in vomiting. Often used to support Whooping cough – like symptoms.
5) Ars Album – when there is diarrhoea, vomiting, chestiness and bronchial symptoms, anxiety, fear of health and germs/contamination, desire for order and restlessness.
6) Bryonia – for inflammation and pain both in lungs and joints. Helps avoid pneumonia if used in time. Worse for movement, dryness in mouth yet + + thirst, and hard dry stools, constipation. Headaches can also be relieved with this remedy.
I hope this has been of help!
With a tool box set up, you can feel ready for the next few months!
Please do get in touch if you have any questions and would like some support in mastering your optimal health at this time of year.
Many clients see me seasonally as a proactive measure, giving them confidence they are mentally and physically prepared during periods of incresed vulnerability.
HAYFEVER: at this time of year, it is always a good time to work with our auto-immune systems and this is very relevant for hayfever sufferers where, if we tackle things now, in the winter months BEFORE the season starts, we are much less likely to suffer as badly.
If you have been treated before, you will hopefully see the truth in this and over a few years consistent treatment, hayfever can so often become a thing of the past with Homeopathic remedies!… and all done naturally!
As you set up your toolboxes, do remember to also browse my website on the ‘Useful Information’ page and through the blogs, where hints on storing your remedies etc may be found.
Happy Homeopathing!
And with love,
Ali x
Ali Lomax
LCHE
R.Hom.Int