I never get sick, so when I woke up almost a week and a half ago with a low-grade fever, congestion and body aches, I knew something was up. Then I started hearing from practically everyone I ran into that they were or had been really sick. New York Magazine even deemed this season’s flu an epidemic. Smaller than a pandemic, but still pretty huge.
ginger-rootThat said, I thought it would be helpful to share my personal flu tool box with you. Whether you’re super sick, recovering, or just taking preventive measures to keep your immunity in tip-top shape, you’ll want to keep this little guide in your digital pocket.

1. Drink bone broth. This is my number one tip for recovering from illness. This magical elixir contains countless vitamins and minerals, highlights including collagen and calcium, crucial for immunity and bone health.

2. Cut out alcohol, sugar and caffeine, just until you feel 100%. Then reintroduce slowly. All of these substances weaken the immune system and prolong illness.

3. Drink fresh ginger, lemon and honey tea. Boil water. Grate 1 tablespoon or so of fresh ginger into a cup, juice of 1/2 lemon and 1 teaspoon honey. Pour water over, stir well and let steep five minutes.

4. Take probiotics. Gut health is the foundation of total health.

5. Eat miso soup, high-quality ramen or other soup. Miso contains probiotics and any hot soup or beverage will break down mucus and carry it out of the body.

6. Drink kombucha – it naturally contains a lot of probiotics.

7. Take a few drops of oregano oil under the tongue. Chase with water. This stuff is seriously powerful and knocks out infection really effectively.

8. Oil pull with coconut oil. Simply put a teaspoon of organic, extra virgin coconut oil in your mouth first thing in the morning and swish it around for 10-20 minutes. Spit it in the garbage (it can clog drains) then rinse your mouth thoroughly with regular water or salt water and brush your teeth. Oil pulling removes infections from the body, improves dental health, improves digestion and clears skin.

9. Meditate. Meditation is proven to improve your immune system – crucial when you’re feeling under the weather.

10. Take extra vitamin C, echinacea and zinc – all critical for immunity.

11. Eat garlic, onions and ginger. All have natural antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

12. Eat extra herbs like basil, parsley and cilantro. These fresh herbs boast detoxifying properties that help rid the body of infection and toxicity.

13. Add in fresh juice. Try a green combo like cucumber, celery, parsley, lemon and ginger, or a red juice like beet, carrot, lemon and ginger. Juices are great for supporting the immune system, hydrating the body and replenishing nutrients lost during sickness.

14. Sleep. High-quality rest is the best thing you can do to recover quickly from illness. Turn your productivity dial down and let yourself sleep as much as you need, trusting that laying low will help you come back more quickly and stronger than ever.

15. Once you’re at 70 or 80% health, head to the yoga studio for a gentle, detoxifying class. Sweating helps usher out lingering toxins and improves circulation, lymphatic drainage, and immunity.

16. Go for a walk. Once you’re almost at 100%, bundle up and go for a walk. Fresh air is a crucial nutrient that so many people forget about. Take deep breaths and let yourself feel refreshed and vital.

Which one of these will you try? What are your favorite tricks for getting better quickly when you’re sick? Share below – I want to hear from you.