The Last 5 Tips for Surviving Winter Bugs~

Exercise is so much a part of overall good health.
Do you know that dancing lifts the mood and enhances the body's efficiency in removing free radicals. Shoot for 30 minutes of dancing or some other form of aerobic exercise four days a week.

Pay attention to your skin, it is a tell-all of the condition of your inner health.
***foods for wintry dry skin***
Water or tea will hydrate you skin from the inside. Drink the needed 8 glasses a day and see the difference.
Tea, rich in polyphenois for antioxidant protection, is a great alternative to water for boosting your daily hydration.

Fish and Flax seed...get enough fat in your diet, especially from omega-3 fats found in fish and flax seed. This will nourish skin from the inside.

Omega-6Fats....these can be taken in supplement form, they are used in many good topical moisturizers, and they are naturally present in primrose, borage, and black-currant oils.

Don't overlook your dental health.Comprised teeth and gums are major players in many types of ills.

Get tested for Gluten intolerance...this can be an underlying cause of many asthma and allergy problems...which can easily lead to winter time issues such as colds and flu.

If you eat only fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh fish and unprocessed meats your diet will be gluten free.

For a better understanding and breakdown visit;
www.theglutenfreegirl.com.

And...one of the most important things to remember and practice, wash those hands, often and thoroughly.

Another month of winter weather and all it brings to our door is still pending...keep your guard up and BeWEll-EatWell~

Hope your January was a JOYFUL one~

Bea Kunz

Day 23-Surviving Winter-Tips

What's with the nuts...well, if we are talking almonds, there is much to be said and loved.

Almonds are rich in vitamin E, which enhances the body's production of immune cells that destroy bacteria.

Other good sources include sunflower seeds, spinach, turnip greens, and tomato sauce.

Include one or more of these in your daily diet and you will be adding a knock out punch to your "not welcome" message to viruses that come calling.

Almond milk is delicious added to a cup of hot tea.

My favorite one to use with it is the Chai blend from my own stock...it is wonderful, rich and aromatic in the warm spices.

I'd love for you to try it....

The website is open and waiting for your visit.

Be safe and well,

Bea Kunz

Day 22-Surviving Winter-Tips~

There is a lot of disagreement on caffeine and the impact it can and does have on our system. I think every one reacts in a different way depending on the issues going on with the system.

Too much caffeine is certainly not a good thing, it can and does jolt the adrenal glands and stimulate overproduction of cortisol, weakening the immune system.

However, small amounts of caffeine can stimulate immunity, according to Chinese medicine.

Green tea boost immunity because of other compounds it contains.

Like anything, if you opt for caffeine...do it in small amounts and avoid it at night in order to get a better nights sleep.

Nothing promotes good restful sleep like a warm cup of herbal tea.....no caffeine at all.

Sage tea is awesome for sleep and for soothing the ills of a slight cold, sore throat or cough. Will soothe and pamper the tummy at the same time.

Take good care,

Bea kunz

Day 22-Surviving Winter-Tips~

Herbs, herbs, herbs....Herbalist Susun Weed suggest five to ten drops of yarrow tincture daily to boost immunity.

Astragalus, ginseng, olive leaf extract and elderberry are among herbs that help prevent and treat colds and flu.

The different ways that are beneficial in using herbs are many.

Tea is always a pleasant and inviting way to do something good and healthy for our immune system.

Essential oils is a pleasing and soothing form of treatment. A drop or 2 on the soles of the feet, or other pressure points...the temple, the bend of the arm, behind the knees, behind the ears and the neck...depending on the issue you are treating. Nothing brings a good night of peaceful sleep/rest like lavender oil rubbed into the temples or ear-lobes.

A diffuser is worth it's weight in gold~it can serve to keep your entire home free of germs, freshen and clean the air and keep you breathing so much better.

Always make certain that any E-oils you use are medicinal grade...the stuff you will find in most retail stores will not be pure or good for personal or medicinal use.

Young Living is a company we can trust to give us the best oils for a really good price.

I trust you are having a healthy and cold/flu free winter so far~

The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is really full of beautiful and aromatic herbs~

Bea kunz

Day 21-Surviving Winter-Tips

Do you sing in the shower ?

Studies have shown that listening to or making your own music will boost antibody levels and lower stress hormones.

I sing in the Jeep when I'm going to and from appointments.

Another plus from singing is for those who suffer from any form of respiratory issues. It builds lung strength which in turn will allow easier breathing.

And...after a nice round of your favorite tunes soothe your throat and your spirit with a nice cup of herbal tea...for asthma sufferers these are wonderful, all make delicious teas....and Sage Hill Farms has blends to fit your needs.



Thyme
Chamomile
Ginger

**Important** Severe asthma can be life-threatening and requires professional medical help. Chronic asthmatics should seek professional medical advice before starting any self treatment .

Have a JOYFUL January~

Bea Kunz

Day 20-Surviving Winter-Tips-A Spoonful OF Honey ?~

Studies have shown that a spoonful of honey...Buckwheat if you can find it...just before going to bed works better at calming/ceasing a cough than the common, over-the-counter cough suppressant .

But...remember that honey is sugar, although healthier in many ways than refined...it's still sugar, and sugar suppresses the immune system.

Some alternative options would be a homeopathic remedy through a practitioner or natural pharmacy.

Vitamin C enhances the immune function, garlic has antimicrobial effects, bromelain has a natural anti-inflammatory effect.

Other herbs that can be used in the form of tea or in respiratory formulas include; horehound, plantain, marshmallow, ginger, peppermint and cherry bark.

Also remember that a cough lasting more than a few days can mean there are underlying issues that need to be addressed. Asthma, heart-trouble, and bronchitis are 3 main causes of a persistent cough that doesn't get better in a few days.

For a wet cough ( a cough with mucus ) avoiding dairy products is very helpful...milk and milk products can increase the mucus in your respiratory system.

Much of this info comes from the Natural Cures Prescription book and is only a guide and not intended to diagnose or treat any ailment.

Please see your health care provider if you are sick.

In the meantime have all the herbal tea you can stand...it's good and good for you~

Sage Hill Farms at www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com has many choices to pick from. Don't see what you like...just ask for a special blending. We are here to serve you~

BeWell

Bea Kunz

Day 19-Surviving Winter-Tips~Have a Good Laugh~

Do you know that laughing is a mighty immune booster ?

What a simple and delicious way to add protection to our health.

If you don't have someone around who is good at bringing a laugh to the table....then
keep a joke book with-in reach and read something from it everyday.

My grandson and I make a game of taking very proper words and turning them into silly ones, then making a sentence using the silly words.

Try it...it will bring a smile.

PS: The Winter Wheat is planted, the seeds for the spring gardens are ordered, and the new beds all laid out ready for action.

I can sip my tea and enjoy the wonderful down time of winter bliss.

Happy Sunday all~

Bea Kunz

Day 17 & 18-Surviving Winter-Tips~

Antioxidant compounds that help protect against viruses are a must...especially during the winter months when our immune system is subject to more frequent attacks.

Adding broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale to our daily diet will give us a hefty dose of these isothiocyanates.

~

Getting the proper amounts of Vitamin C is another requirement.

Red, green, and yellow Bell peppers are the richest sources of immune-boosting vitamin C; other good sources are: strawberries, peaches, papaya, apricots and broccoli. ( that stuff again ) while vitamin C alone may not prevent colds. high doses ( 5g a day ) will certainly shorten the duration and the severity.

~

Remember too that Sage Hill Farms has a variety of specially blended herbs and spices to add flavor and add even more cold/flu fighting warriors to your diet~

Take special care and stay well~

Bea Kunz

Day 15 & 16-Surviving Winter~Tips~

A Potent Brew For The Common Cold~

Traditional Chinese medicine recognizes several different types of colds and uses different herbs to treat each one.

When we treat a cold we are treating only the symptoms, so it makes sense to use products that put only good ingredients into our system and not negatives that only end up weakening our immune system even more.

For a strong medicinal strength tea that will be as comforting and offer a quicker recovery period try brewing chrysanthemum and peppermint leaves into a tea; strain, sweeten with honey and sip two or more cups per day.
~

Another must to have and especially during the winter months is plenty of sleep-and, there is a documented truth to back this up...during deep sleep our bodies release powerful immune-enhancing compounds.

Ensure sounder sleep by going to bed at the same time every night, keeping the bedroom dark and free of activity that stimulates at least an hour before sleep time: such as...TV, serious discussions, and reading that doesn't relax the mind.
Eating or drinking close to sleep time is not a good idea either, especially anything with caffeine.

Sleep well and stay healthy~

Bea Kunz

Day 14-Surviving Winter-Tips~

Any form of exercise is a good thing...use it or lose it has never been more real than with our bodies.

Yoga positions are especially beneficial in building and maintaining a strong immune system.

The cobra, fish, bow and the pigeon stimulate the thymus system. the locus of the immune system; breath of fire helps the respiratory tract; and camel relives congestion.

If you are not at ease with these postures, check with a reputable yoga instructor and ask for help.

Walk, stretch, use stairs instead of the elevator, ride a bike at every choice, all these things add up to a healthier body, mind, and spirit.

Go for an active New Year~

Bea Kunz

Day 13~Surviving Winter-Tips~

A little magic can always be appreciated.

So...put Mushrooms in your diet. These delicious goodies support the thymus gland's production of immune cells., strengthening resistance to infection.

Shiitake, reishi, and maitake are the best, but eating any mushroom-even button, cremini, or portobello-will help.

**Not too far from us is a guy who teaches classes on how to grow mushrooms on logs.
I plan to look into this and hopefully can attend his classes soon.**

Anyone ever grown mushrooms ? Do share~

Make it a JOYFUL January~

Bea Kunz

Day 12-Surviving Winter-Tips

Don't forget the benefits of Zinc: Oysters, crab, beef and beans are all high in this immune-boosting mineral.

Having a Zinc deficiency can impair white blood cell activity and weaken defences.

If you don't get the proper amount of the foods listed above then my all means take a supplement; look for the gluconate form, which is thought to be the most effective.
And, don't over-do it; the upper limit for adults is 40 mg, and high doses can interfere with iron and copper absorption.

Have a wonderful New Year week.

Bea Kunz

http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Day 11~Surviving the Winter Tips

The Chicken Soup Cure

The old wives' tale cure has scientific proof; some studies have shown that chicken soup contains a number of substances with anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Spice up your soup with garlic, cayenne, and turmeric; all have immune-enhancing properties.

Now...for the real magic in your soup try to buy organic chicken that has no growth hormones added.

Stew the whole chicken with bone in...the good stuff is in the bone marrow.
This I learned from my great-grandmother...we wouldn't be without good chicken soup at least once a week.

To your best health in 2010~

Bea Kunz