Aug 26, 2009

What Is In Your Arsenal?


I've been struggling a bit with my health lately - nothing serious - just a touch of some bug or another. Feeling achy, run-down and generally blah.
What I find interesting, is that when I take an active role in chosing things to improve my health, with positive intent, I heal faster than if I just dose myself with some over-the-counter cure all.

These are a few things in my Health Arsenal: *Manuka Honey - bee hives are placed in Tea Tree orchards where the bees collect pollen that is high in antibacterial properties. Combined with the natural healing power of honey, this is a super way to attack any bug that is invading your system! I'm told it's great for wounds as well, but I've never used it this way. I take one teaspoon a day and it usually fends off whatever cold is going around. This honey is also available in lozenge form, mixed with ginger and echinacea. (A side note: I like to make sure I'm taking Acidophilus to put the 'good' bacteria back into my system, when I'm taking this highly anti-bacterial honey!) 

*St. John's Wort - a proven stress-buster and very helpful for someone like me who suffers from occasional bouts of insomnia. If you have access to the plant itself, you can make a tincture that helps fight viruses. 

*Crystals - I use crystals for many different reasons. I carry a Hematite with me when I need to feel more grounded. For emotional upheaval, I have Lapis (usually stuffed into my bra, near my heart.) And for general feelings of icky-ness (my 'state' of late) I carry Amethyst for it's strong healing, cleansing, and protective energies.

*Peppermint Tea - cures a host of ills, but I mostly use it for an upset tummy. I find that my Arsenal changes a bit, from season to season - I add some stronger immune-boosters in the winter, and try to lighten up in the summer, adding plenty of fresh air. Two other things that are essential for me are exercise (which I don't often get enough of) and laughter (see previous post.) If I can get in some yoga or a walk, and catch up with the girlfriends for a good laugh, or find a good movie, or great music to groove to - my health blossoms.

I'd love to know what everyone keeps in their Arsenal.

Blessings of good health to all!


*picture via creative commons (link)

9 comments:

Laurie said...

I am sorry you have not been feeling well.
I try to avoid over the counter stuff if I can help it. Most of it just disguises your symptoms anyway. I love peppermint tea when I am stuffy or fluish (is that a word?)
I am a big believer in crystals. I especially love my rose quartz and my clear crystals.
Feel Better!

Teacats said...

I can also recommend B6 vitamin to help with sad times ..... thanks for your ideas -- I must wear my amethyst ring more often!


Jan at Rosemary Cottage

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Whenever I feel a cold or sore throat coming on, I swear by big doses of Vitamin C. Works for me!

VintageSage said...

For me lots of Vitamin C. I also eat at least one cup of steamed soy beans a day and Chamomile for relaxing. :) I didn't know about the Manuka Honey! Thanks for the info. :)

xoxo

P.S. Thanks for the encouraging note on my

Rue said...

Thanks for all your ideas! I always forget about re-stocking my Vit. C - but I will have to do that for the Winter, for sure!

The Artful Gypsy aka Wendy the Very Good Witch said...

Love the idea of the Manuka Honey. I wonder if they carry that at my local health food store? And as a photographer, I must say that I am really fond of that great photo you put with this post...how very tranquil, feminine and lovely. Oh...and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is my favorite Disney movie too....LOVE IT! We even went and visited Sleepy Hollow, N.Y. 2 years ago while in New England. I'll have to do a post about it one day.

Bridgett said...

Great suggestions. Manuka honey is amazing stuff.

We always build up our immune systems at the end of each summer with vitamin d-3, vitamin c, elderberry extract, zinc, and good probiotics.

I'm going to start using crystals more for this reason.

Feel better!

XOXO

the wandering broom said...

Yes, I definitely advocate for more vit-C just like everyone else did.

But St. John's Wort never helped my insomnia! I sometimes have really really awful insomnia, that lasts for weeks/months where I'd sleep only about 3-4hrs every couple of days. I'd be extremely tired but I still wouldn't be able to fall asleep. I've tried SJW, valerian, hops, mugwort, kava kava, and passion flower (in various mixtures) but I don't feel like it helps beyond the first few doses. :-(

Rue said...

I know what you mean about how nothing works for insomnia. It's always trial-by-error with me. Melatonin used to work, but gave me awuful nightmares -so in the end it wasn't worth it.

Sometimes if I'm tossing and turning, a drop of lavender on my pillow is what I need to settle down. And I toss a smoky quartz under my pillow too to keep away the nightmares if they've gotten bad again (I've been a sufferer of those my whole life too!)

Sleep is a tough issue for some of us, though!