Oscillococcinum is another tool in our toolbox that we have on hand, particularly in the winter time. If we know we've been exposed to the flu, we use it prophylactically (half of a tube). It's a safe, homeopathic remedy for flu symptoms and can reduce the length of time you have the flu. We dose it with elderberry syrup, among our other immune supporting supplements.
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Elderberry syrup can help the immune system halt enzymes that spread viruses in our body's cells! It can even decrease the severity of symptoms. I use 1 tablespoon a few times a week for "maintenance" and daily, several times a day if I have a cold or flu. Our children use 1 teaspoon.
I researched a few recipes and determined that you can't go too wrong; it's pretty hard to mess it up! ;)
You can prepare it on the stove or in a pressure cooker. I used an InstantPot so feel free to modify your process as necessary.
I researched a few recipes and determined that you can't go too wrong; it's pretty hard to mess it up! ;)
You can prepare it on the stove or in a pressure cooker. I used an InstantPot so feel free to modify your process as necessary.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup dried black elderberries (about 3 ounces)
- 3 1/2 cups of water
- 2 Tablespoons fresh or dried ginger root
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves or clove powder
- Orange Vitality essential oil
- Thieves Vitality essential oil
- 1 cup raw honey (we get from our local bee farmer; leave out for children under age 1)
Instructions
- Add elderberries, water, and all other ingredients except essential oils and honey to the pressure cooker pot and stir. Secure the lid and turn pressure release knob to a sealed position. Cook at high pressure for 10 minutes. When cooking is complete, use a natural release.
- Set a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and pour the pot’s contents into the strainer. Press on the elderberries to remove all of the juice. Discard the elderberries.
- Allow the juice to cool completely then whisk in 5 drops Orange essential oil ad ¾ cup honey. Add more honey to taste. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in mason jars with a pourable lid. Can also be frozen if longer storage is needed.
When you serve it, use 1 drop Thieves Vitality essential oil for family members who don't mind the additional "spicy" flavor. One friend uses about 20 drops in her cooled recipe when she is making a large batch (about 1 gallon).
Orange and Thieves Vitality essential oils also many be beneficial for our immune systems. *
Orange Vitality essential oil includes the naturally occurring constituent limonene; Thieves Vitality essential oil is a blend of Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Rosemary essential oils. It has a warm, spicy flavor that you'll love. Plus, the Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil in Thieves Vitality may help support respiratory health when taken internally.
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Questions I get asked often about essential oils, in one convenient spot:
What questions should I ask my essential oil company?
- Are distillers on-site?
- Do you own your own farms?
- Do you send oils to third party laboratories for testing?
- Was your land previously treated with pesticides or herbicides?
- Do you know how long plant material sits before it goes to the distiller?
- What happens to batches that test as an inferior grade? Do you sell them?
- Do your suppliers ever use solvents in order to extract more oil from the plants?
- Is anything ever taken away from or added to the oil as it is bottled from the distillery?
- Do you own GC-MS machines to ensure proper constituents are present and balanced?
- If you purchase oils from other farms, do you visit those farms to ensure no chemicals are used?
- Is there a laboratory present on every farm to be sure plants are harvested at the precise perfect moment?
- Do your distillers use dome- or cone-shaped lids? (Cone-shaped lids were developed by D. Gary Young and produce higher quality oil)
- Are your distillers trained in how to pack the cookers, maintain minimal pressure and heat, and monitor the process so that no constituents are lost?
(questions copied with permission from simplywholeoils.com)
Farm locations and operations are not confidential and anyone can visit a Young Living farm.
- D. Gary Young began his training on distillation and chromatographic analysis in France in 1985.
- D. Gary Young himself personally builds every distiller and trains his distillers in the art of distilling.
- Young Living owns, co-ops, and partners with farms all over the world so that oils have the highest possible quality.
- Young Living is the original company for therapeutic oils in the US and is the only company with the Seed to Seal process. Learn more on this essential oil timeline.
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Statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Information that is provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
My beautiful cousin Haley blogs over at haleymorganbossart.com and her latest post reminded me about a blog I want to do about self care!
I currently work full time outside the home, as well as run my online business. I have two children and a spouse, and as you can imagine, finding "me" time is difficult to come by easily. We simply must make ourselves the priority, ladies (along with our faith, that is)! Stop saying "Oh, I need a massage. I'll schedule that 'sometime'!" You know the old saying: "Ain't momma happy, ain't nobody happy!" ;)
As part of my self-care regimen, I recently started pre-scheduling regular chiropractic and half-hour massage visits. I go to my massage first with my favorite therapeutic massage oils in hand (she is wonderful about allowing me to bring whatever oils I need for my massage or my eyebrow waxing, too), and then head to my favorite chiropractor! This works out amazingly well and my chiropractor is thankful for some easier adjustments to perform, too!
Is this something you can try? Can you try adding in regular massages into your schedule? Think about your budget and what fits your wallet, and then build your schedule! I aim for every 6-8 weeks. My back, shoulders, neck, spirit, and family are better for it. Maybe you need to go longer, or maybe you could go every month!
What about you? Do you plan to put you first and pre-schedule your massages? Let me know in the comments!
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Statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Information that is provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
