Natural Cures for "Tech Week Flu"

7-3-16

As an artist it is quite common to come down with what is known as "Tech Week Flu". This happens to both actors and technicians, but is a combination of a regular common cold virus, plus lack of sleep, plus stress that makes it feel like a whole other beast. Here's some common home remedies for tech week flu. Because when you're sick during tech, there's often no time to stop and go to the doctor.

Now, it's important to note... If you have a fever for more than 2 days, swollen lymph nodes, or your phlegm is discolored; you should go to a doctor. This could be a sign of a serious infection that natural cures can't help with.

Raw Garlic

A powerhouse natural antibiotic, anti-fungal, and antibacterial, garlic can tackle almost any illness. For the most potent effect, finely mince 1-2 cloves or garlic and float in a small glass of water. Drink quickly- if you are sick enough, you won’t even notice the taste. Note: Pregnant women should not take more than 1 clove of garlic medicinally per day, and children often resist this remedy.

Hot Liquids

This one is pretty instinctive, but load up on the hot herbal teas and hot lemon water at first sign of illness. The heat helps boost immune system and a variety of herbs can help with infection.

Face Steam

In a pinch, this can be made with kitchen herbs. Boil 1-2 cups of water in a large pot. Remove from heat, add 2 teaspoons each of thyme, rosemary and oregano. Cover for 5 minutes with a lid, and then remove lid and put face directly over pot with towel covering your head to hold in the heat. Breathe in the steam as long as you can, aim for 15 minutes. This will help loosen congestion and kill viruses and bacteria in the lungs, bronchials or sinuses. Alternately, you can use 1/2 cup vinegar in the steam or tea tree oil. It won’t smell great, but it will help fight the illness.

Chamomille

An absolute staple, especially for kids. Chamomile calms the nerves, helps children sleep better and reduces inflammation or fever. Soaking a chamomile tea bag in warm water and placing over an eye for 15 minutes every 2 hours will relieve pink eye in less than 24 hours. Chamomile tastes great and is easy to get kids to take. We use it in tea and tincture formula. It is also great for regulating hormones and for the skin and can be used regularly for good sleep.

Vitamin C

Eat your citrus baby and throw some lemons into that tea! Perhaps the best vitamin for cold and flu, vitamin C in large amounts can greatly speed recovery. We take a real food form from camu camu and acerola cherry.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is high in lauric acid and is thought to dissolve the lipid coating around some viruses and make them more susceptible to attack by the immune system. If sick, aim for 5-6 tablespoons per day in food or melted and stirred into hot tea. Coconut oil has many other health benefits as well and is known to boost the immune system.

Vapor Rub (on your feet?)

This is an old wives trick. If hit with a heavy chest cold that won't let you sleep, put vapor rub on your feet before bed and put warm, thick socks on. This will stop the cough and improve circulation in your feet and legs, allowing for a more beneficial rest.

Removing White

The best thing to avoid during show week, especially if you're sick is any food or drink that is white. This means white flour, white rice, sugar, milk and cheese. The dairy will create more mucus in your throat and the removal of white flour and rice will help your digestive system. (Make sure to increase your whole wheats and green leafy veggies!)