Raw Healing Power

by Casey Beksha

As we move out of summer and into fall our immune systems have to adapt to the climate change. In Chinese medicine our defensive system is called Wei Qi. The Wei Qi fights pathogenic invasions as our body weakens with cold and damp temperatures.  When the immune system weakens you are more likely to catch a cold or the flu. Acupuncture can help build your immune system and kick out the cold (pathogen) once it has invaded your body. Stay healthy this fall and winter and make an appointment with me at USMMA. Here are some helpful Ayurvedic tips on how to stay healthy:

At the first sign of a sore throat take 1 teaspoon of raw honey (make sure it is raw) mixed with the spice Turmeric (¼ tsp) every 4 hours. Raw honey has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It promotes body and digestive health, is a powerful antioxidant, strengthens the immune system, eliminates allergies, and is an excellent remedy for skin wounds and all types of infections. Raw honey’s benefits don’t stop there. Raw honey can also stabilize blood pressure, balance sugar levels, relieve pain, calm nerves, and it has been used to treat ulcers. Raw honey is also an expectorant and anti-inflammatory and has been known to effectively treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and asthma. Turmeric is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.

One of the best remedies for a cold and/or sore throat is fresh ginger:

Recipe 1

Ginger; 1 part
Cinnamon; 1 part
Lemongrass; 2 parts

 
Recipe 2

Ginger; 2 parts
Cinnamon; 3 parts
Cardamom; just a pinch 

 
Steep 1 teaspoon of this formula for about 10 minutes in 1 cup hot water; strain it and add raw honey.  Drink several times a day to help take care of a cold, congestion or flu.