I thought I’d mention some more simple tips that can keep you healthy this winter season.
As always, remember this Disclaimer: nothing anywhere on this blog, or that I’ve written here in this post, is intended as medical advice, or to substitute for medical advice, or intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. It’s intended for educational, informational, or entertainment purposes only. Before making any changes to your health care regimen always consult your physician, the CDC, the World Health Organization, and any other qualified licensed health care professionals you come across. It is not safe to read this post. Proceed with the utmost caution, and at your own risk. This post is dangerous to read and, because of its offensive content, should not be read or viewed by anyone.
The first tip is my version of what some call “fire cider”. Patients who have had lingering respiratory illnesses, or often get sick, are reporting great results with this recipe. This is also a good first line of defense when you feel like you’re coming down with something, in my experience. It’s not that expensive to make and lasts a while, and is a great remedy to have in your cabinet. Why not give it a try?
The name, Manavastra, roughly translates to “Manu’s Divine Weapon” 🙂
Manavastra
Ingredients (per cup)
2 Tbsp. fresh crushed garlic
2 Tbsp. fresh chopped onion
2 Tbsp. fresh grated or chopped ginger root
2 Tbsp. fresh grated or chopped horseradish root
2 Tbsp. fresh chopped hot peppers, preferably cayenne
2 Tbsp. fresh chopped turmeric root
1 Tbsp. fresh chopped basil
1 Tbsp. fresh chopped oregano
2 Tbsp. fresh chopped mint leaves
2 Tbsp. of black pepper
Zest of an organic lemon
Zest of 4 limes
1/2 cup of Unflitered organic Apple cider vinegar, such as Bragg’s
1/2 cup of 100 proof vodka, or stronger
1 mason jar, 16 oz size
Instructions
Crush the garlic, grate the ginger, and chop up the other botanical ingredients. Put them into the mason jar, add the vodka or other drinkable alcohol, and then add the apple cider vinegar. Make sure everything is completely covered by liquid, if it isn’t, add more alcohol. Screw the lid on tightly, and shake.
Place the jar in a cupboard or other cool, dark place. Shake it well once a day for at least two weeks (but you can let it soak for two months or longer if you wish). Don’t forget this step! The shaking is very important. It doesn’t have to be very vigorous, but it needs to move things about noticeably.
After the botanicals have soaked for some weeks, strain out the herbs using a cheesecloth or other filter, and squeeze tight to get all the liquid out of them that you can. Place the liquid tincture in an airtight jar, label it, and store in a cool dry place.
If you have a chronic issue you’re dealing with of a respiratory nature (like lingering cold symptoms), or for the prevention of an illness when you’ve been around sick people, I’d take 2 teaspoons of this tincture with one-half teaspoon of raw honey (but never for children under one-year of age), twice a day.
If you’re experiencing more acute symptoms, like the initial stages of a cold or flu, I’d take 1 Tbsp of the tincture with one teaspoon of raw honey (again, not for children under a year of age), 3-4 times a day.
That’s just a starting recommendation – feel free to experiment. If you take too much, you’ll probably vomit or may get diarrhea.
Wellness Meditation
This is a simple meditation that helps keep you healthy, or if you’re starting to get sick or are already sick, can help you recover more quickly.
To do this meditation, lie on your right side. Place the center of your right palm on your right temple, and your left palm on your left hip. Become aware of your breathing. Breathe from your lower belly, feeling that expand before your chest does. As you do, notice that there’s naturally a pause in your breathing, after you breathe out and before you breathe in again. You don’t have to do anything to create that pause, it’s just there of its own accord. Place your awareness into that pause. When distractions come, simply go back to being aware of that pause. Keep it up for 20 minutes or so. That’s really it.
It sounds too simple to do much, but it’s actually very powerful. Try it and see!
If you’re trying to stay healthy and feel like you’re coming down with something, I would do this meditation three times a day or more. If you’re already sick, then do it as much as you can. For chronic, lingering symptoms, I would do this at least twice a day.
PS. Thanks, Jen 😉
Agape Acupuncture in Seattle 