So, on the week-eve of our vacation I am experiencing swollen glands, a sore throat and pressure in my ears.

Uh. Oh.

Indeed! However, I have plans to get my lymph moving and feeling better. Step one: I take vitamins regularly but I’m boosting with Emergen-C’s O-Series.

Emergen-C O-Series, Just Once Vegan Gaurd Pre-Natal Vitamin

No, I’m not pregnant! My midwife, however, suggested that since I’m married to take a Pre-Natal vitamin, just in case. Smart lady!

And, first line of defense (today, Monday, through Wednesday):

**Steam Inhalation with Eucalyptus, Thyme and Lavender essential oil

**Sage Tea

Meet my new sage plant!

High grade organic dried sage from Ancient Mysteries, a local shop in Austin. I think they source from Mountain Rose Herbs.

Why Sage Tea? Sage, especially purple Sage which I’ll try to get a hold of, is an astringent and antiseptic which when made into an infusion can help with sore throats. Steep 1 tsp. sage with one cup boiling water for 15 minutes, add some honey if you like and voilà.

**Lavender/Chamomile Tea, Throat Coat Tea (w/ fennel, slipper elm, cinnamon, etc)

Traditional Medicinal Herb Teas are high quality, organic and effective

**Amazing Grass Green Superfood

I use these as a 'boost'/supplement, like Emergen-C

REST. REST. REST.

WATER. WATER. WATER.

EXERCISE. EXERCISE. EXERCISE. Primarily yoga, walking and re-bounder. The lymph system cleansing is aided by movement and sweat.

Second Line of Defense (or…uh, oh, it’s getting close!)

**Lymphatic Drainage Massage

**Eucalyptus/Thyme body oil rub

**More sage tea!

Rest, rest, rest.

And, Lastly, Travel Kit!

The upside to all of this is that I’ll be taking pictures as I make certain herbal concoctions. Seriously, people, get some high quality essential oils, especially Thyme, Eucalyptus, Lavender and Lemon for this flu/cold season. They can be used for prevention (an ounce of prevention is worth what…?) and for relief. Why buy Vicks or cough syrups when you can make them yourself?

Lately, I’ve been “getting into” herbs and feel like I’m coming to a healthy turning point. Mark, our Anatomy instructor for Yoga Teacher Training went on a soapbox last week about Western medicine and basically said we (Westerners) like to hit one symptom, say—high cholesterol—over the head with these super powerful medicines which just create a whole other set of problems. And that, no, preventative medicine practices, like Ayurveda/chiropractic/herbal/etc. probably won’t cure as effectively or fast those problems but they certainly go further in preventing them. They’re holistic, natural, non invasive and in the case of massage, yoga or herbal treatments can feel and taste really good!

I’ve always acknowledged that point of view with my head but have never really adhered to in life. It’s a paradigm shift that I’m working on adhering to, as change is never easy! However,  I’ve really found an interest in herbalism…it’s kind of like wine to me…I’m interested because there is so much to learn. So much history and folklore behind it all. I’ll keep you updated as I explore.

Wish me the best in clearing out these swollen glands Happy Monday!

Tags: amazing grass green superfood, cleansing lymphatic system, cold, emergen-c, essential oils, Health, herb remedies, herbalism, holistic remedies, lymphatic system, prevention, sage tea, sore throat