Winter Wellness
As we approach midwinter, the days shorten, the light softens and nature slows down. Yet, while the Earth rests, we often find ourselves swept up in one of the busiest periods of the year. Alongside all the festivities, December often brings its share of coughs, colds and other Winter ailments. Here are a few simple steps to help us stay well.
Keep moving ~ When it’s cold and grey outside, it’s tempting to stay huddled up on the sofa. But making space for even a short burst of movement each day can do wonders. Regular physical activity not only lifts our mood, it also supports a healthy immune system, helping us stay resilient throughout the colder months.
Sleep tight ~ Good sleep is the foundation of a strong immune system. It allows our bodies to repair and restore, keeps our blood sugar levels steady and helps us manage stress and stay balanced. So gift yourself an early night and develop healthy bedtime habits to encourage a deep and restful night’s kip. Consider reducing caffeine and limiting screen time later in the day. Add some relaxing evening rituals such as warm baths, soft lighting and calming tea to help you drift off.
We are what we eat ~ What we eat has a powerful impact on our overall wellbeing, both physically and mentally. Winter is the perfect time to enjoy hearty, seasonal dishes packed with flavour and nourishment. Filling your plate with colourful vegetables, especially leafy greens, and adding warming spices such as ginger, black pepper, turmeric and cinnamon can keep us healthy and energised.
Try homeopathy ~ If you do succumb to coughs, colds or the flu, there are several homeopathic remedies to help get you back on track. Homeopathy is a natural, safe and gentle system of medicine that is designed to work holistically for each unique individual. Remedies stimulate the body’s own healing mechanism to restore the entire system to health and harmony.
Here are five remedies to help with common ailments:
Aconite - the go-to remedy for the earliest stages of an infection, especially when symptoms come on suddenly after exposure to the cold. There may be a high fever, flushed face and restlessness or anxiety. Aconite is good for coughs that are dry and croupy, which may be accompanied by hoarseness and a dry throat. Symptoms tend to feel better from fresh air and cold drinks.
Arsenicum - this can help with a range of respiratory issues such as coughs, colds and sore throats. Symptoms often include a burning sensation, constricted airways and difficulty breathing. There is weakness and exhaustion, yet the patient will still feel restless and anxious and may even pace about. They will be chilly and shivery with symptoms worsening around midnight.
Bryonia - think of Bryonia when there is a strong theme of dryness across the symptoms – dry cough, dry lips, dry mouth and a great thirst. Symptoms are worse for movement and coughing can be so painful that the patient needs to hold their chest or head. Even deep breaths, eating and talking can aggravate. Headaches are also a key symptom for this remedy, often with a bursting sensation around the forehead or behind the eyes.
Gelsemium - this remedy can help relieve classic flu symptoms when the patient is dull, heavy and weak with droopy eyes and fatigue. The fever causes chills to run up and down the spine and there may be trembling and shaking of the body. Headaches tend to be seated at the back of the head and heat or pressure may be felt in the face and nose too. The Gelsemium patient will want to lie down to rest as any physical activity makes them feel worse.
Pulsatilla - may help with colds where there is thick, yellow-green nasal discharge and coughs that are dry in the evening and productive in the morning. The typical Pulsatilla patient feels worse in warm, stuffy rooms and improves in fresh air. They are likely to be weepy and want company with lots of attention.
Please note that these are just five of many remedies that can help with coughs and colds. For best results, please consult a professional homeopath for personalised care. And if symptoms persist, please seek medical attention or call 111 for further advice.
Contact Jo to discuss your needs or to book a consultation:
Photo by József Szabó on Unsplash