I Swear By These Methods

We try to take a natural approach to wellness in our house.  This means trying to avoid the doctor and medications, if possible.  Allen and I have been using these techniques for a while now and we are definitely believers in natural remedies.  However, you can't exactly get a kid to drink apple cider vinegar or use a neti pot, so when it comes to the kids, we preach hand washing, an organic healthy diet and plenty of sleep.  {our kids get 9-10 hours of sleep every night}  Getting sick is a part of life, but here's how we try our best to stay healthy, naturally.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This has been my medicine for a year now.  And for a year now I have not been to the doctor. {except for that pesky flu last January} and have not taken any medicine, other than Tylenol. 

I mix 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar with 8 oz cold water.  It has a unique {nice way of saying disgusting} taste to it.  Allen is a chugger, I am a slow sipper.  After every chug or every sip, we both make the same sour face.  BUT, it works! 

I try to drink it a few times a week to maintain good health.  It is said that apple cider vinegar helps with allergies, sinus infections, acne, flu, blood pressure, cholesterol, gout, fatigue and weight loss.  I can definitely vouch for it curing my sinus and allergy issues.  When I start to feel sick, I drink it 2 to 3 times a day and it does the trick.

Gargle Salt Water

I remember watching my Grandma gargle salt water at night.  I recently read that in addition to relieving a sore throat, it also prevents bacteria from growing.  So now I use it as a daily preventative. 

Humidifier

I'm a huge believer in humidifiers.  I pretty much use mine year round.  But it's definitely a good idea to use one when you have cold or sinus issues.  Using a humidifier every night also keeps my skin from getting dry and irritated.

Neti Pot

Ah, the neti pot.  It will probably freak you out the first time you use one.  But once you get the hang of it, it is a lifesaver.  I have definitely dodged sinus infections by using my neti pot at the first sign of an issue.  It provides instant relief. 

{Note: I wrote this post earlier in the day and since then, this article was released.  Whoa!  That's a little scary, although I'm sure it's rare.  Just to be safe, I may start using distilled or boiled water.}

{I am not a doctor.  Just a girl sharing what works for me.}

A Peek Into My Medicine Cabinet

March in Oklahoma is a nightmare for allergy sufferers.  We are all running around sneezing, coughing, rubbing our eyes & blowing our noses!  However, rather than turn to allergy medication, I turn to more natural ways of dealing with allergies.  For me, it works.  However, even with Allen doing all of this, he got his annual case of Bronchitis.  He gets it every single March.

I am a HUGE fan of my neti pot.  I use it once a day, as needed, for allergy & drainage issues.  If you've never used a neti pot, it takes a little practice.  The first few times, I had water running all over my face.  It immediately makes a difference for me.  And I believe it keeps me from getting a sinus infection, which I used to get every Spring.  Here's a funny, but helpful, video on how to use a neti pot.



I use a humidifier almost year round.  I really believe in them & have one for all three bedrooms.

At the first sign of a scratchy throat, I gurgle salt water.  I remember watching my Grandma do this when I was a kid.  I think she did it every night, year round.  I just mix salt & warm water in a cup & gurgle repeatedly. 

I drink lots of green tea, and eat lots of oranges & apples.  All of which are natural antihistamines. 

And the latest thing I've been doing is drinking 8oz water mixed with 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar.  It taste horrible, but is said to have many health benefits.  I don't do it daily, for fear of getting too much vinegar in my system.  But I drink it occasionally, especially when my allergies seem to be flaring up.

I've also heard that eating local honey can help with allergies.  I use local honey in my bread recipe so maybe that's helping me too.

I quit taking over the counter cold & allergy medications over a year ago & have been quite healthy doing all these things I've mentioned.  Except for that pesky case of the flu I had.  And once you get the flu, nothing helps!  You just have to lie there and let your body take care of it, which is what I did.

I am not a doctor.  I am just sharing what works for me.