Fight Flu And Colds Naturally

What can you do to avoid colds and flu this winter? The answer may be as simple as handwashing with natural soap and adding a little aromatherapy to your daily routine.

The cold, snowy weather of winter means that we spend more time inside so we’re exposed to more germs. The inside of our noses get dry, so germs can more easily invade our bodies and attack our immune systems. Before we know it, we’re reaching for tissues and feeling that telltale burning feeling in our eyes. We know that a cold or flu virus is about to make us miserable. So what can we do to prevent it?

Should we start drinking orange juice by the gallon and popping vitamins? Well, fruits are good for us for many reasons, and vitamins can help if we have a vitamin deficiency, but there’s something that will help even more.

Although it might seem as if cold and flu germs attack us from the air when people sneeze or cough, it’s much more likely that we acquire them by getting them on our hands and then touching our hands to our nose, mouth or eyes. Just think about the many objects that we touch in the course of a day. Studies show that people who wash their hands frequently have fewer colds.

But frequent hand washing creates its own problems. Skin can become dry and cracked as oils are stripped away. Harsh detergents, synthetic fragrances and preservatives can irritate skin and may have more long term, harmful effects on the whole body. That’s why gentle, natural ingredients are so important in a soap bar.

Un-scented soap may be best for those with serious allergies or sensitivities, while pure natural essential oils provide a pleasing aroma for those who prefer fragrance in their soap. With the right natural fragrance oil, bathing and showering become a “spa” experience. Your morning shower can be an aromatherapy session, especially if you use peppermint, lemon or pine soap to wake up your mind and body. At night, soft tones of rose, lavender, or chamomile help you unwind and relieve the tensions of the day.

Even with frequent hand washing, of course, colds are a fact of life. If you feel one coming on, it often helps to take a hot bath and scents of eucalyptus, pine and mint might help you breathe more freely and open clogged nasal passages. A little essential oil in the bathwater, along with a bar of eucalyptus scented soap can work wonders.And a few drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow will help you rest and help your immune system fight off the germs.

So wash your hands frequently with mild, natural soap, get plenty of rest and add extra fruit and vegetables to your diet this winter. You may find that the best medicine for flu and colds is prevention with good hygiene and good scents.