Cold & Flu Prevention Tips & Tricks

By Dr. Jessica Nagelkirk

Bieler Broth

This nutritious broth is helpful during acute illness or as part of a detoxification program.

Vegetables Needed:

2 medium zucchinis

2 stalks celery

clove of garlic

1 cup green beans

chopped parsley

Chop 2 medium zucchinis, 1 cup of green beans, and 2 stalks of celery and steam until soft (about 10 minutes).  Place steamed vegetables, 3 cups of water, and a handful of chopped parsley in a blender and blend until smooth (about 1 minute).  If you like garlic, a clove or two can be added as you blend to help stimulate the immune system.

Warming Sock Treatment

This treatment acts to reflexively increase circulation and decrease congestion in the upper respiratory passages, head, and throat.  It has a sedating action and many patients report that they sleep much better during the treatment.  This treatment is also effective for pain relief and increases the healing response during acute infections. The wet sock treatment is best if repeated for three nights in a row, or as instructed by your physician.

Indications:

Sore throat or any inflammation or infection of the throat, neck pain, ear infections, headaches, migraines, nasal congestion, upper respiratory infections, coughs bronchitis, and sinus infections.

Supplies:

1 pair white cotton socks

1 pair thick wool socks

Towel

Warm bath or warm foot bath

Directions:

1. Take a pair of cotton socks and soak them completely with cold water.  Be sure to wring the socks out thoroughly so they do not drip.
2. Warm your feet first.  This is very important as the treatment will not be as effective and could be harmful if your feet are not warmed first.  Warming can be accomplished by soaking your feet in warm water for at least 5-10 minutes or taking a warm bath.
3. Dry off feet and body with a dry towel.
4. Place cold wet socks on feet.  Cover with thick wool socks.  Go directly to bed.  Avoid getting chilled.
5. Keep the socks on overnight.  You will find that the wet cotton socks will be dry in the morning.

Check out the next post for more information from Dr. Nagelkirk on this topic!

Dr. Jessica Nagelkirk graduated this past spring from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon as a Naturopathic Physician (ND) and is part of its 2012 – 2013 faculty.

*Learn more about Dr. Jessica Nagelkirk on our Writers page.