Yogic Health

Boost Your Immune System!

Did you know that your yoga practice is already helping to boost your immune system? But, with the season dramatically changing, you may need to add to that protection with a little herbal boost.

Consider one of these:

Good old Vitamin C: 400 mg a day will help your immune system destroy bacteria. Some sources recommend taking megadoses but your body will only retain approx. 400mg and will dispose of the surplus. Vitamin C will not prevent colds but it can cut their duration.

Eleuthero: Also known as Siberian Ginseng, this herb can help boost your ability to fight colds. As a preventative measure, take 100 to 200 mg up to 3 times a day. If you already have a cold, take 300mg twice a day for 7 days. You can also brew a tea from this herb. Eleuthero is considered a mild stimulant so not to be taken close to bedtime!

Astragalus: This herb you take in advance to build up your resistance. Take one or two 500mg capsules or tablets three times a day. You can also make a tea from this herb.

The well known herb Echinacea has been discredited lately but herbal experts say 3,000 mg daily doses do have cold protecting qualities. Of course a nice warm cup of Echinacea Tea always makes you feel better!

Neti Pot Can Guard Against Colds

If you have never tried a Neti Pot, perhaps today is the day! A neti pot is a small ceramic or plastic decanter shaped like a tea pot.  The pot is filled with warm (not hot) water and a little bit of sea salt. Ensure the salt is completely dissolved. This is best done over your sink. Place the spout into your right nostril and tip the head over to the left side. Slowly pour the warm water into the nostril and let the water stream out through the left nostril. Staying with your breath and trying to relax will be most helpful. Repeat on the other side. If you are just beginning with the neti pot, be patient….initially it may feel somewhat uncomfortable. The sensation is new, give it time. Perhaps only use a small amount of water and work up to more gradually.

The saline solution used in the neti pot and the technique clean the sinuses and the nasal passages of mucus and germs.  This helps to build your immune process and keep your nasal passages free and clear. You will be very surprised how deeply and cleanly you can inhale!! A beautiful sensation of space is created throughout the entire forehead. Use a couple of times a week for optimum benefits.