It’s that time of year, when we maybe indulge a little more and sleep a little less. This can set you up for lowered immune response to the cold and flus that also circulate this time of year.
Did you know there’s some easy and convenient home therapies that you can do yourself? Most of what you’ll need is already in your home or easily available at our clinic or local pharmacies.
Castor Oil Pack
Castor oil has many beneficial properties. It is anti-inflammatory, promotes circulation, and supports liver function. It’s also known to support hormone metabolism and detoxification. These are some ways to use it. Please do not take castor oil internally.
- Apply ⅛ cup to wool flannel. Then place wool flannel over your abdomen and cover with heat and leave on for 30 minutes. You may want to put Syran wrap / towel over the flannel to protect your shirt from castor oil. Once done, put the flannel in a ziplock bag and store in the refrigerator. Do 4 times a week for best results.
- Apply to your abdomen and anywhere that is sore and climb in an epsom salts bath. Soak for 30 minutes and then wash off.
- Apply to the pelvis or other affected areas and get in a warm shower. Aim the showerhead on the affected area for 3-5 minutes before cleaning off with soap.
Wet Sock Treatment
This is an amazing, easy to do treatment that only requires socks and water. The wet sock treatment helps to decrease congestion by redirecting circulation downward. It also helps support a fever, the body’s #1 immune fighting mechanism. Use at first sign of a cold or onset of a fever.
- Start with warm feet, if they’re not warm then do a quick foot soak to warm them up.
- Then take a pair of thin cotton socks and get them wet with cold water. Then wring them out and put on warm feet.
- Cover with a dry thicker sock, like wool. Then get into bed and sleep. The socks will be dry when you wake up.