So you’re in the last stages of recovery from a bad cold. The headache is fading, nasal passages start to run clear, body feels better, and even the cough is fading away.
Now that you’re on the mend, here are some tips to restore your health inside and out.
Household ~ Clean and Disinfect
Method 1: Enzyme Cleaner in the Bathroom and Kitchen
One of the best products to clean and refresh all surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen may be an enzyme cleaner. It is safe to use on tile, linoleum and ceramic surfaces. All you need to do is spray the product on tubs, counter tops, walls, sinks, vanities and toilets. Let the natural enzymatic formula stay on the surfaces for 10 full minutes. Simply rinse with hot water and a sponge. Air dry all surfaces.
CitraSolv Multipurpose Cleaner, based in Danbury, Connecticut, is the product recommended. It’s cruelty free and safe in septic systems. The formula has a light valencia orange scent. Limonene, a clear liquid obtained from food grade oranges, is a prime ingredient in the formula.
Method 2: 100 % Essential Oil (i.e., Tea tree, Thieves or Citrus Blend)
Mix together in a gallon bucket of hot water the following ingredients:
⦁ Castile Soap 1/4 cup
⦁ Baking Soda 1/4 cup
⦁ 10 drops essential oil
After dusting surfaces of soil and grit, use a sponge or cloth to wash down the entire bathroom with this mixture. If the weather is mild, open the window while washing. Get behind the toilet too. Be sure to wipe off the toilet handle.
Toothbrushes: Soak the entire toothbrush in a cup or sink basin filled with 3% hydrogen peroxide solution for about 10 minutes. Rinse and air dry. Make this a weekly habit.
Laundry: Launder all bed linens and pajamas. Wash the pillows too. If the weather is mild, dry them out in the sunshine. Include a few drops of essential oil in the wash.
If the weather is cold and dry, hang the quilts and blankets out to air on the clothes line. Leave them outside for several hours to refresh.
Vacuum and dust all surfaces. Shake and air out rugs. Depending on temps, open windows and doors letting the breezes blow through the house. Run a rubbing alcohol soaked cotton ball over door handles and light switches.
Sun and Air
The best organic disinfectant is the sun. The full dry sun will naturally cleanse and disinfect very well. Cannot recommend this enough!
After Care for You
Hot Bath – Soak in a hot bath combining 1/2 cup baking soda and essential oil of vanilla, lavender or chamomile. Only use a drop or two in the bath.
Shower Alternative – If you prefer a shower, put two drops of the essential oil in the stall but away from where you will be standing. The oils can make surfaces slippery so use caution. The hot water will diffuse the oil into the air. You’ll inhale the vapors.
Eyeglasses: Soak eyeglasses in a basin of warm water and dish soap for 15 minutes. Rinse and air dry.
Clean the ear lobes – Pay special attention to cleaning the folds around the ear. Use a wash cloth and soapy water to clear out and rub the lobes. Acupuncturists use many points here to stimulate wellness. Attention to this neglected part of the body will be surprisingly balancing. Don’t ever put water or q-tips in the ear canal.
Ear Candling – An ancient method for cleaning old wax and dust out of the ear canal is called ear candling. Check a local massage therapist, or herbalist for a referral to a practitioner. Done properly, dust, yeast and debris will be drawn out of the ear canal and help restore normal function. After or during many a cold, I can say with sincerity, this practice opened the entire sinus cavity and broke up congestion. It is best done by a practitioner. For a balanced opinion on the effectiveness of ear candling, read this blog post from Meeshie’s World.
Reiki – Locate a Reiki practitioner and schedule a hands on session. Reiki is a Japanese energy practice created to balance the body, mind and spirit.
Probiotic – Ingest probiotics to restore friendly bacteria. Eat a good quality yogurt or drink Kevita Sparkling Probiotic Drinks. Ingest daily for one week. Afterwards, have one or both products once per week.
Airborne – Plan to take one tablet dissolved in a glass of warm water each morning. The mix of herbs and minerals will help restore and replenish the body.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg – Dash cinnamon and nutmeg on buttered toast or in tea. Find ways to get these warming spices into foods. Cook an apple pie with generous amounts or serve sprinkled on apricots. Cinnamon and nutmeg have wonderful restorative properties . Cook cinnamon muffins for breakfast. Sprinkle into pancake or bread mixes.
Diet –
Fish and vegetables – Plan a few meals of white fish cooked with vegetables. The easiest recipe is:
⦁ Wrap the fish (i.e., haddock, cod, tilapia) with sliced veggies (i.e., squash, carrots, peas) in unbleached parchment paper.
⦁ Include a light coating of canola oil or butter. Dash with herbs such as parsley or lemon grass
⦁ Wrap aluminum foil around the parchment paper.
⦁ Seal it well and place in 325 F oven for about 1/2 hour.
⦁ It will be piping hot and beautifully cooked. Squirt with lemon juice just before dining
Exercise – Take quiet walks for about 1/2 hour. Once a day for a week, midday is best, to help restore circulation.
Work – Return to work when ready. Stay away from negative office workers. You know who I mean. It’s those folks that aren’t too friendly or you feel uncomfortable around. If it’s your boss, set an intention in the morning to be at your best and be professional. Always be polite and share lightly of personal matters.
Pens, ID cards, etc. – Wipe down pens, pencils, debit cards and other objects handled routinely. Use rubbing alcohol on a cloth to run over these items.
A bad cold happens to all of us. Once on the mend, it’s important to clear and cleanse yourself and where you live. Let the sun and air clear out the germs.
Sun and Air
The very best organic healer is the sun and fresh air. Unless you have very sensitive skin, a light sun bath at any time will do wonders. Sit in a sunny window, like a cat and absorb the warmth into your bones. Take in fresh air anytime to restore. A gentle walk along a pine needle path, or in a forest is best. Cannot recommend this enough!
LuceStellare 