Down time

When we get sick or depleted, our bodies are telling us that we need down time.  Being sick with a cold or flu is never enjoyable, but it can be a time when we give up control, let it be, and allow ourselves to be taken care of by our loved ones.  We can curl up on the sofa and read or sleep, indulge in watching television or spending time on the computer, we can just be free to be.  Putting pressures on ourselves to get "better" or to go to work while sick can do more harm than good.  And allowing our physical pain to manifest itself into mental anguish or anger won't heal us any faster.  It will only make us more miserable as well as making those around us less likely to help and nurture us.  What can we do to feel better?  Plenty of rest, lots of water and clear fluids, vitamins, and home-brewed ginger tea can help the road to recovery.  Ginger has natural anti-bacterial qualities.  Here's a simple recipe for a restorative and yummy tea:

Ginger Tea

Ginger root, peeled and sliced.  Cinnamon sticks (found in the bulk section of your natural food store). Cloves, Honey and Lemon

Peel and slice the ginger root.  Put about 1/4-1/3 cup in a saucepan with a few of sticks of cinnamon and a small handful of cloves.  Add about 4 cups of water.  Bring to a boil, let simmer for 15 minutes.  Turn off heat and enjoy this brew all day with honey and lemon.  The longer it sits the stronger it will get, it can be diluted.  Refrigerate what is left, make a new batch every day.