Happy Mortal

Now being the slightly hypochondriac person that I am (my husband would laugh raucously at this understatement) I was fully wigged out when I heard about swine flu. And my mind immediately went into self preservation mode. That lasted for three days and was then overcome with a brief period of mild panic as I learned that “swine” flu had possibly entered my home state of Washington. But then my journalism degree holding self preservation mode mind stopped to think about the reality. According to the CDC, “every year 200, 000 people are hospitalized from flu related complications” and “about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes”.

I didn’t tell you this to freak you out but those numbers are pretty high. Wait, those numbers are higher than what “swine’ flu is causing right now. Interesting.

Now, I’m not making light of a serious viral infection. I’m just trying to separate the wheat from the chaff. The big question is “Do I need to be afraid?”.

I guess I’m going to go with “No.”. That doesn’t mean I’m sticking my head in the sand. I’m still taking safety precautions. And if you’re like me then you probably are too. So since we all know the typical ways to avoid the flu (wash your hands often, drink lots of water, get a lot of sleep, stay home if you are sick) I’m going to introduce you to some alternative measures.

1. Yoga (specifically focused on one or both of the following chakras)

- The Root Chakra  – located at the base of the spine, this chakra is the energy center for our base needs. One of those is the need to feel safe. If you are worrying a lot about catching the “swine” flu or, if it’s presence is making you feel unsafe, then you would benefit from opening/unblocking the Root Chakra.

- The Heart Chakra – located in the center of your chest, this chakra is the energy center for love and healing. If you feel the need to help others who are sick or protect your own health this chakra would be a good one to open/unblock.

Also, a practice focused on purification could be helpful. Cleansing the body and the organs of toxins and impurities.

2. Stones

- Black or Deep Brown stones are connected to the Root Chakra. Wearing a black stone can help the wearer feel safe. (I’ve heard some very interesting stories about black stones physically repelling people who intend to do harm to the wearer/possessor of the stone.) If it works as protection, it stands to say that it could also protect you from illness. Or at least the worry and stress that can go along with a media storm like this. Some good stones to try would be Black Tourmaline, Smoky Quartz (good for absorbing negative energies around you), and Black Obsidian to name a few.

- Green Stones are connected to the Heart Chakra. Wearing or carrying around a green stone can help facilitate healing or support the health you already have. Good stones to start with would be Emerald, Jade, and Aventurine.

Don’t feel like wearing your stone. You can just as easily carry it in a pocket, or place them around your home.

3. Herbal/Alternative Medicine (Consult with your doctor or health care practitioner before trying any of these remedies.)

- The Neti Pot – Keeps the nasal passages clean by streaming a saline solution up and out your nose. This feels much more normal than it sounds, and feels amazing if you are really congested. (This can also help with allergies.)

- Shiitake and Reishi mushrooms can help stimulate the immune system. Add them to soup or stir-fry during the cold  and flu season. (Fresh or dried are both fine.)

- Garlic  -  Also a great immune system supporter.

- An Epsom Salt Bath will sooth muscles as well as remove impurities from the body.

- If you are already feeling sick  try making this tea (remember to check with your doctor before using this, especially if you are pregnant) . Combine 1 part dried peppermint, 1 part dried lemon balm, 1 part dried elder flowers and 1 part dried yarrow flowers. Ad 1 to 2 tsps of this mix to 1 cup boiling water. Ad fresh ginger (optional, this helps with chills) and let steep 5 to 10 minutes. Ad lemon juice and honey to taste.

There are too many other herbal remedies to list here. Thirteen that I know of. And some require more information when using. But it makes me happy to know that nature provides for us. The earth can be our healer too. It want us to be healthy. And I hope that I give it the same kind of respect and love.