Despite the blistery coldness and bleakness of the wintertime, the holidays evoke a sense of warmth, peace, love, hope, and a spirit of giving for some; while this season is the busiest and often stressful time of year for others. Some may even be hit with the “winter blues”, causing them to be less active, unmotivated, and fatigued easily. Either way – stress and depression can short-circuit our immune system, making our bodies even more susceptible to the cold and flu, amongst other illnesses. That’s why this is the most critical time to take care of ourselves. So today, I’m highlighting “healthy essentials” my family and I use regularly to get through the winter season.
According to the Tea Association of the USA, tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world. I know that fresh, steaming, and organic tea is like an instant spa in a cup for me since it’s rejuvenating, while also giving me a sense of renewal and serenity, yet a burst of energy at the same time. Tea comes in a wide range of varieties and each one has its own characteristics and benefits. Although not all teas are alike, all them are filled with antioxidants that naturally slow down the aging process by eradicating free radicals; have that phytochemicals that can lower our chances of getting cancer or heart disease; reduces our stress hormones. Many can also fortify our immune system to help fight off illnesses.
I first started incorporating turmeric in my daily diet by sprinkling it on my food since one of the most notable benefits is reducing inflammation. I have been having recurring inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis) since I was a child. These sinus infections would normally last anywhere between a week to a few weeks. It wasn’t long before I started noticing that the turmeric was dramatically cutting down the length of the sinus infections. The sinus infections are now happening less and less. To ensure that my body gets the daily amount of turmeric that it needs, I also take it in capsule form. Lately, I’ve been drinking turmeric ginger tea, too.
Chyawanprash is a delectable, nutritious, and black jam that has a naturally sweet taste. It has been part of the traditional Ayurvedic system for thousands of years. This 100% organic herbal jam is packed with 36 traditional Indian herbs and Vitamin C. It has been traditionally used in India to boost memory power, strengthen the digestive system, improve skin health, cleanse the blood and aid in the elimination of toxins, support healthy bones and teeth through calcium absorption, improve vigor and vitality, and strengthen the immune system. It can be enjoyed by spreading it on crackers or bread, stirring in a warm glass of milk, adding it in smoothies, or my preferable choice: eating it by teaspoon once a day.
Supplements can help build and maintain a strong, healthy immune system, which we know that is crucial during the cooler months. Sometimes we can get so get up in the busyness of our lives that we can forget to take our vitamins. I have done this more often than I care to admit! Lately, I’ve been using a travel pill case by Gloria’s Pill Cases to avoid this. Gloria’s Pill Cases has a vast selection of beautiful zippered pill cases for the whole family, with a price range of $27 – $29.
What healthy essentials get you through the wintertime? Speaking of healthy essentials, go to HealthyEssentials.com to save on brands, such as BAND-AID® Brand Adhesive Bandages, AVEENO, and more!
This post is part of the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® 2014 program by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. and The Motherhood, who sent me a box of products and compensated me for my time. Opinions, experiences, and photos shared here are all my own, and I hope you enjoy them.
These are some great tips and some great products. I love the Simply Organic Products! I use them often!
vanessa: thequeenofswag recently posted..12 Fabulous Winter Drinks & Cocktails!
I’m going to get one of those pretty pill cases. I hate the one I’m using now!
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I woke up with a sore throat today actually, which means my weekend is probably shot 🙁
I could have done with reading your post last week before I came down with this horrible flu 🙁 I feel awful. I’ll have to follow your advice once I’m better.
Brilliant advice! I’m a huge tea drinker (I’m English!) and I often have honey and lemon instead of that or as well as, that usually sees me right!.
What great tips, thanks so much for sharing. I’d love to try the Simply Organics brand, I’ll be sure to check out their site.
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Great tips! Especially during the cold and flu season!
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I do a lot of tumeric. Haven’t tried the Chyawannprash… never even heard of it. I take zinc as well to help me stay well.
Terry recently posted..The Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away Review ~ It’s Like Having 3 Vacuums In One
I’ve never heard of this but it sounds great! I love all of your tips!
Your tips are helpful. We keep hand sanitizing wipes in our house to keep healthy in the winter! With young kids, this is a must.
I’ve got to give this immunity boost a try. When the winter rolls around I get wicked sick on a regular basis.
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Turmeric does wonders! My Mom takes it everyday, one in the morning and one before going to bed. These are awesome and helpful tips that we can all try for Winter. It’s always good to stay healthy.
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These are really great tips that I need. I woke up today with a sore throat and cough.
We’ve had a rough start to cold & flu season, so I’m definitely interested in anything that will help get us healthy. Can’t wait to try these.
Crystal recently posted..Chocolate Covered S’mores Pops
Well, Aveeno is definitely my must-have, especially for the winter. I’ve never heard of Chyawanprash before and I’m totally eyeing those pill cases!
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I actually just started taking those Kind multi-vitamins for women. I’m hoping they work as I’m not usually a vitamin taker! I have also started taking Fish Oil pills not sure if they’re ‘winter’ specific for warding off sickness but hopefully they’ll help lower my cholesterol that is starting to creep up there with age.
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Thanks for the tips – it’s totally helpful. We tend to stray during this time of the year on being healthy.
Aisha Kristine Chong recently posted..Top 5 List of Natural Anti-Aging Treatments
I love finding amazing organic products. For the past year – I’ve been making huge strides to get my whole family on a wellness path. I’ve never heard of this brand before, thanks for sharing about it!
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I had no idea tumeric could help for sinus issues. I will have to look into this a little more as me and the kids suffer from sinus issues and allergies.
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I’ve never heard of Chyawanprash but if it helps with memory… I so need it! 🙂
Donna recently posted..Stay Warm Inside and Out With These Winter Drinks and Cocktails #Foodie
I like to fin natural remedies for colds. I’ll check into this more.
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You really have to be extra vigilant with your health in the winter months. Winter is great for getting you super sick!
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Thanks for the great advice. Sometimes I feel like I can’t take my kids anywhere during the winter!
Yes, I have some of these vitamins and I love them. i”m working on getting healthier this winter.
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I’m going to have to get some of these. I love this time of year but I myself get a little down and fatigued and I hate it. Will have to try these.
Simply Organics is my go-to supplements. I really trust this brand!
This is my favorite brand, too!
This is just wonderfully useful post! Thank you for sharing!
http://stateofcate.com/
Katarina K recently posted..Wild Is The River
This article couldn’t have come at a better time. Both my husband and son are sick :[
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So far so good…I haven’t been sick in a long while. I would like to say it’s because I’ve been eating more healthy…and cutting out the processed foods. I wouldn’t mind giving my immune system an extra boost so I can keep up my healthiness. I try to increase my intake of green tea.
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Tea is also a must-have during winter. I adore your teapot and tea cups.
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We load up on echinacea, D3 and probiotics at the first sign of any type of illness, but I also like Elderberry for those times when illness strikes.
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