Welcoming Fall Wellness
On this beautiful cool, crisp morning, I walked along the road awakened to the subtle changes in the plants as they move into the Fall Season. With perfect harmony the frail grasses faded back, vibrant colors made their first appearance on the leaves and the winter berries began to ripen. Nature quietly reminds us that change is a part of growth and balance in life.
In the morning we are greeted by the ever-changing sunrise which welcomes us to look for new perspectives and the light within our lives. In the evening, the beautiful sunset and changing cloud formations remind us to let go of those things which hold us back. And in the still darkness of the night, the illuminated moon reminds us that light is always present even in the darkest hours of our life. The songs of the crickets, tree frogs and night birds sung in the depth of the night, reminding us to listen for the guidance of Spirit when we cannot see our path clearly.
During this beautiful fall season, I challenge you to embrace the changes your Soul is longing for. I challenge you to let go of your fears and doubts, to seek to find the beauty which lies within the changes that are asking to unfold. Allowing for change can make us become stronger, more complete human beings, empowered by the ability to create our lives.
The first signs of the change of seasons has unfolded. A few fallen leaves, the acorns dropping and the wonderful cool mornings. I love the Fall season. As the seasons shift, the earth, the plants and all the creatures adjust and change with the seasons. Our bodies also move into the rhythm of the seasons to bring us into balance for the next natural cycle in the year.
One of the main indicators of the change of seasons is the sudden drop in temperature at night and the resulting tickle or drainage in your throat. As this drainage becomes more pronounced, it becomes a welcome breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. The drainage can also leak into the ear canal causing plugged ears as well, or into the lungs causing congestion. To help my body adjust to the change in the seasons from Summer to Fall, I add Burdock and Seasonal Defense to my daily nutritional support.
Burdock Root is a wonderful plant that comes to help in times of seasonal changes. This herb supports the hypothalamus gland (the gland responsible for triggering that drainage from your sinus). Burdock helps to minimize the reaction to the temperature changes and stops the over-secretion of mucus that causes all the problems. I found it helpful to take a couple burdock just before bed to help stop the sinus drainage that results from the overnight drop in temperature. I typically take 1-2 Burdock a couple times a day at this time of year.
Seasonal Defense is a unique product designed to support our immune system during seasonal changes. The key herb in this formula is Andrographis paniculata. This herb activates the immune response in the body. Andrographis paniculata has been used for hundreds of years in China India and Scandinavian countries to help the body cope with upper respiratory tract infection, fever, and sore throats. It is often considered a preventative herb for the common cold. The formula Seasonal Defense also contains the herbs Oregano and thyme. Oregano and thyme help to break up mucus, relax tension in the lungs, and have natural anti-microbial action. The herb Bitter Orange has been added to the formula, like the two previous herbs, bitter orange is commonly used as an expectorant to help the body eliminate excess phlegm and congestion. This herb also has antihistamine properties. Often when we start to get cold symptoms we wonder if the symptoms are from an allergy or a virus, this formula is addressing both these areas. The last herb in this formula is Eleuthero, also known as Siberian ginseng. This herb has powerful antioxidant properties, as well as stress and immune supporting properties.
The best preparation for a healthy fall season is to take good care of your health with healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some tips to remember:
Cut back on sugar intake - sugar depresses the immune system by as much as 50%
Drink 2 quarts of water daily - You may not be as thirsty during the colder months but don’t put aside your water intake. If you do not drink enough water your elimination channels become congested (kidneys, liver, colon, lungs, and skin); mucus buildup may result making you much more susceptible to bacteria and viruses.
Exercise everyday - Exercise keeps the lymphatic system healthy and moving. The lymphatic system aids the immune system in destroying pathogens and filtering waste and toxins from the cells and the tissue spaces between them.
Keep warm - Make sure your neck and chest are protected from wind, drafts and cold. Use a scarf around your neck when going outside and wear turtle neck shirts or sweaters. The neck is an area where wind can invade the body and cause sickness. The Oriental medical perspective is that wind invasions make people more vulnerable to developing colds and flu. Always keep your feet warm and dry.
Get adequate sleep and relaxation - Your body is vulnerable to stress without enough rest, which weakens the immune system.
Eat more warm spicy foods, lightly steamed vegetables, and hot soups. I always add lots of fresh garlic (6 cloves for a quart) to my homemade soups. This herb has both anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties; garlic has an affinity for the lungs and helps to breakup and thin mucus. At the first signs of a cold, start drinking the garlic/vegetable broth throughout the day. This will often be enough to stop the cold in its tracks.
I Hope this information helps you and your families have a healthier happier fall season.
Copyright 2020 Restoring Light, all rights reserved
Photos by Valerie Greguire, copyright 2020, all rights reserved
