The flu is caused by the influenza virus that can attack the upper respiratory tract. These viruses are spread through the air from person to person.
People with a depressed immune system or nutrient deficiencies may be more prone to catching the flu or a cold. Stress, lack of sleep, and exposure to toxins can worsen flu symptoms.

Rubbing peppermint and frankincense essential oil to the neck and bottoms of the feet can naturally support the immune system. Also,clove oil can protect the body against infection and can speed recovery from the flu.

A great way to get the benefits of essential oils is by breathing them so that they enter your body through the nose and lungs. You can use them in a diffuser or you can simply add four or five drops of the oil to a pot of boiled water. Cover your head with a towel while carefully leaning over the liquid and breathing in the steam.

Another option is to place a drop or two of the oils on a warm damp washcloth and then place the washcloth on your chest or your forehead to help relieve pain and congestion. Or add five to eight drops of oil to the water as you run your bath for a soothing, relaxing effect.

Essential oils are not a substitute for other proven methods for fighting colds such as getting enough fluids, getting enough rest or seeing your doctor if your symptoms worsen. However, if you are looking for natural ways to boost your body’s defenses during cold and flu season, it is well worth your time to investigate the impact essential oils can have on your health.

Light, easy to digest foods – Include soups with bone broth, cooked vegetables or herbal teas to help with digestion. Don’t force yourself to eat.
Water – Adequate hydration is the key to flushing out the virus from your system. Try to drink at least 8 ounces every 2 hours.
Hot water with lemon, honey, and cinnamon – The honey and cinnamon cure prevent mucus buildup and keeps you hydrated.
Ginger – Make a ginger tea and add raw honey.
Garlic and onions – Both of these vegetable help boost immune function.

Sugar – Decreases white blood cells that help fight off infection. Consuming sugar decreases your immune system by 50%
Fruit juices – Although orange juice contains some vitamin C, it is not as high in vitamin C as whole fruits or vegetables. If you want to drink juice, dilute it.
Conventional Dairy – Pasteurized milk and other processed dairy products are mucus producing.
Caffeine – Depletes the body of electrolytes, so it should be avoided.
Processed foods – Contain GMO’s, are nutrient deficient and can prolong flu symptoms.

• Weight loss due to water and waste detox/flush
• Sugar cravings reduced significantly
• Clarity of thought
• Increased energy - Yes Please!
• Reduced inflammation in the joints
  

Many people find the cooler days of autumn to be a welcome relief from summer’s heat. But for those who suffer from season allergies – particularly allergies to ragweed – the advent of fall can mean simply exchanging one type of misery for another.

It is estimated that between 40 and 60 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies and nearly 75 percent of those people have allergic reactions to ragweed. Other pollens that are more rampant during the fall include curly dock, sagebush, pigweed and sheep sorrel.

An entire industry revolves around providing relief for sufferers of seasonal allergies. Take a walk through any drugstore this time of year and you’re bound to find large displays of antihistamines and decongestants. And while these medications can relieve symptoms, not everyone wants to reach for a pill. Besides that, some people have problems with side-effects of these drugs, such as drowsiness, dry eyes and mouth, insomnia and abdominal distress.

Whether you diffuse them into your room or soak with them in a nice hot bath, there are also plenty of essential oils which may prove beneficial in combating the nasty effects of fall allergies.

Peppermint and eucalyptus oils, for example, both have anti-inflammatory properties which can help to unclog stuffy noses. It is no wonder that eucalyptus oil is one of the active ingredients in Vick’s vapor rub.

Lemon oil is another useful essential oil for those who suffer from hay fever. This oil has been shown to support lymphatic symptom drainage, and when diffused into the air can kill allergy-aggravating bacteria.

Lavender oil has both antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties, and is effective in treating headaches and congestion as well as in helping both the mind and body to relax.

For those with seasonal allergies, the arrival of this time of year can be dreadful. Fortunately, nature has provided a wide selection of remedies. Find the one that is right for you.

Some people cringe at the thought of pouring warmish salt water in one nostril and letting it drain out the other – and granted, it does take some practice of holding your head at just the right angle so that the water doesn’t go down your throat. But Neti Pots have been around for thousands of years, and the science behind them is sound.

When you use a neti pot, you are gently flushing allergens out of your nasal passages so that your body’s natural defenses are able to work more effectively. (It’s like cleaning a filter.)

Quercetin

Quercetin is a plant compound that can help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms by stabilizing mast cells and inhibiting the release of histamine. This bioflavonoid can be found in a number of foods such as onions, tomatoes, apples, citrus fruits and parsley. However, to effectively be used as a treatment for allergies, it usually must be taken in the form of a supplement.

A word of caution: You should consult your doctor before taking quercetin. Also, people with liver disease should avoid this supplement.

Stinging nettle

Stinging nettle can be taken by allergy sufferers either in a tea or in an herbal supplement. It contains antihistamine and anti-inflammatory compounds. In some studies of stinging nettle and its ability to relieve allergy symptoms, as many as 57 percent of the participants found the plant to be as effective as over-the-counter allergy remedies.

It has been suggested that stinging nettle works best when patients begin taking it before hay fever season begins. If you decide to forage for and harvest your own stinging nettle, be sure to wear gloves to protect your skin from coming into contact with the herb’s stinging hairs.

Butterbur

Butterbur is another herb that rivals over-the-counter drugs for effectively treating seasonal allergies. A study published in 2002 in the British Journal of Medicinefound that butterbur was just as effective at relieving symptoms as was cetirizine, which is the active ingredient in Zyrtec.Butterbur has the added advantage of not causing drowsiness – a side-effect that some patients experience when using Zyrtec.

Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie

• Add ingredients to blender and blend until smooth.

  

This blend contains oils that help relieve migraines and stress headaches. Also helps with nausea and depression.

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Lemongrass Essential Oil

Uplifts and refreshes, great at dispelling anger and frustration. Used to detox lymph and cellulite.

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Thyme Essential Oil

This essential oil has been used effectively as a bactericide, antiseptic, antimicrobial, astringent, antispasmodic, antitoxic, diuretic, antifungal, insecticide, tonic, and as an immune stimulant. Thyme oil can assist with nervous complaints, respiratory problems, poor circulation and problems of the digestive system.

Peppermint Essential Oil 

Used for: acne, dermatitis, ringworm, scabbies, toothache, detox, constricts capillaries, relieves itching(pruritis, eczema, urticaria), softens and degreases skin, removes blackheads, cools skin, retains moisture in skin, activates lymph flow and drainage, headache, mental exhaustion, nervous stress, instills inspiration and insight. Said to bring dreams of prophecy and develop emotional tolerance.