You Have the Power to Heal

When we’re feeling under the weather, it is almost too easy to pop a pill for immediate relief. And then we look to place blame. We blame the cold winter weather outside. We blame others who are sick. We blame the food we ate. The list goes on.

 

Yes, a bug was able to get into your system, but could you have made it easier for the bug to get past your body’s natural defenses by already being out of balance? Your current dis-ease may have stemmed from other issues within you not being addressed. This physical discomfort and/or bodily alerts like a temperature spike could be a way for the body, mind and soul together let you know that not everything is aligned. Sometimes, in New Zealand, an ice bath becomes a trending cold recovery tool and can provide relief in such situations.

 

Our bodies are beautiful, intricate machines which generally have the capacity to heal themselves. Broken bones, for example, usually mend themselves back to together. With rest and time, most things can clear up on their own. And when our bodies need that extra boost, thank goodness for advances in western medicine.

 

Instead of reaching for pills to help ease the mild inconvenience and discomfort, I challenge you to trust yourself to have the answers. Take a few deep mindful breaths and begin looking inward. Reflect on what the true root of the problem could be. Is it related to stress? Issues of acceptance? Fears? Picking up others’ negativity? Give yourself space to pull back and see what is really going on. Open your journal and see what you can work out.

 

I also find that a cup of warm herbal tea in hand helps you soothe the soul, and tune into your mind. There is something so gratifying about using natural remedies. Hold the warm cup within your hands, and breathe. To help you on your inward journey, here are some of my favourite herbal teas to share.

 

• Fresh ginger tea –  Super high in Vitamin C! Just place a few chunks of fresh ginger in hot water and throw in a slice of lemon if have one. Ginger helps with all three gastro phases (digestion, absorption and elimination). Chinese medicine says it restores the “yang” to your “ying.”

 

• Dried sage tea – A power herb: a stimulant, diuretic and expectorant. Drop a few leaves into hot water with a teaspoon local honey. Sage is so soothing for colds and fevers as it gets rid of mucus!

 

• Turmeric tea – Packed with anitoxidants so it gives you a great immune boost! Yogis say that it is one of the trinity roots for its strong healing properties. Mix ½ a teaspoon in hot water with black pepper and a little bit of coconut oil for better absorption. Fantastic for glowing skin as well as it detoxifies the blood and skin!

 

• Fresh rosemary tea – They call it the memory herb! The oils contain both antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Just a sprig of rosemary in hot water can help with circulation, digestion, cognitive functionality, balancing your sugars, and the list goes on. Rosemary is a power herb, but stay away if pregnant!

 

• Fresh mint tea  – Not just a garnish. The ancient Greeks and Romans used mint to fight aches and pains. Think of it as an inflammation agent. Place a handful of fresh leaves in hot water, and add some honey for a little sweetness. A few studies are looking into its anti-cancer and arthritis benefits as well!

 

Trust yourself and give yourself that down time to relax. As Thich Nhat Hanh says “Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves – slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future; live the actual moment. Only this moment is life.”