Cold and Flu Prevention Treatment by Maoshing Ni:

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When our immune system is run down, we run the risk of catching a cold, or even worse, the flu. Here are some ways to mobilize your body to fight off illness.

Simple Ways to Boost Your Immune System

As the old adage says, prevention is the best medicine. Without a healthy immune system, we would be sick all the time. When our systems become run down, we need to look to our lifestyle. From poor dietary habits and increasing work pressures, to insufficient sleep and poor stress management, a life out of balance leads to illness. The activities below will help you build your immunity:

Get enough rest, at least eight hours a night. Studies show that your immune system function drops by an average of 60% after just three nights of poor sleep.

Keep your stress level low with meditation, tai chi or yoga.

• Sweet potatoes and mushrooms are foods that help optimize your body's immunity function. Sweet potatoes contain higher amounts of vitamin C (a famous immune support) and beta-carotene than carrots and are also a rich source of DHEA, a potent immunity booster. Certain types of mushrooms contain polysaccharides, sterols, coumarin, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that increase your immune function.

Eat lots of potent herbs and spices, especially garlic, ginger, cilantro, and oregano.

• Astralagus has been used in Asia to prevent cold and flu for more than 2,000 years. This herb stimulates the body's production of interferon, which is a potent immune protein that boosts your ability to fight infections and diseases.

• In Chinese medicine, the abdomen is considered the storehouse of the body's energy. Keeping your abdomen warm and protected from weather extremes has immense immunity benefits. A good way to replenish your energy bank is to regularly place a hot water bottle on your abdomen. Also beneficial is applying abdominal wraps soaked in rejuvenating herbal solutions, or pouches containing similar herbs.

Natural Remedies for Cold and Flu

The best remedy for the cold and flu, other than keeping your immune system functioning optimally, is to practice preventative measures like washing your hands frequently with soap and washing your face at least twice a day. Also, protect your upper back and neck area, as this is where most of the colds will attack the body. Avoid air conditioning and drafts.

Fasting or light eating is sometimes recommended when you have a cold, so as not to detract from the body's healing by having to digest heavy foods. In many traditions throughout the world, a thin, soupy grain porridge is given during illness. This is very easily digested; thus, the body can draw on its resources to heal. When you're under the weather, eat light so that your body can focus on healing and getting better.

At the first sign of a cold attack, drink scallion and ginger tea and lots of liquids. It is also helpful to inhale eucalyptus, oregano, and lavender, which are antibacterial, antiviral, and decongesting.

I hope you use these suggestions in times of illness and that they serve you well.

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Maoshing Ni, Secrets of Self-Healing, medicine, alternative, Chinese medicine, acupressure, feng shui, natural remedies, healing, health, balance, common cold, flu, Penguin Books, books