1. Yin Qiao. Have it with you before you get sick. I talk about this formula often, so you are probably already familiar with how much I love it. I'll spare you. This time.
2. Ginger, green onion and brown sugar tea:
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, reduce to a simmer. Throw in 1-2 inches of fresh sliced ginger, 1-2 green chopped onions – including the white part! Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Let simmer for about 3-5 minutes.
It sounds kind of weird, but coming from someone who doesn't love ginger, it is actually really good. Drink it, take a hot shower, dress warmly and crawl into your bed. You will sweat it out before it moves inward causing those nasty long lasting colds and flus. It is important however, to do this at the onset of your cold. Doing it too late – let's say 3 or 4 days after coming down with it, is too late and you may be nourishing the sickness rather than yourself.
3. Chicken soup! This is an old remedy that all of us have heard of, but it is in fact one of the most potent immune boosting foods out there. It directly nourishes the energy related to the immune system. It is also warm and very easily digested. Your body will be able to focus its energy on healing rather than digesting.
4. Press Hegu, or LI4 for pain relief for headaches, neck or upper back aches, sore throat, sinus pain, and to expel the cold.
One of the most powerful acupuncture points is called Hegu, or Large Intestine 4. This is a very strong point, so this point is always contraindicated in pregnancy – do not use this point if you are pregnant. Hegu is located about halfway along the index metacarpal bone, next to the bone. Press this point till you feel a soreness or qi sensation. You can press this point for a minute or so and use until you feel relief.
5. REST.
