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I took last week off to spend time with my trucker. To say it was much needed would be an understatement.
Spring trucking is kicking this mama’s trash!
We went down to Escalante to jeep the Hole in the Rock trail over the weekend and even though it was crazy windy and pretty chilly, it was wonderful. Time with my hubby and family was the best Mother’s Day gift I could have asked for. I’ll hopefully have an adventure post on the trail soon… which reminds me I promised a hike post too, didn’t I? *sheepish grin* Sorry, I’ll get on that.
Early Sunday morning I got hit with a killer head cold. Mother’s Day was not that much fun as I spent the day miserable and in bed. Blah. I have been petrified of getting sick since my sinus reconstruction surgery last August, and so far I had escaped the dreaded cold but sadly, it finally found me. Thankfully my grafts are healed and my body is getting stronger every day, but it still freaks me out to get sick for fear that something will get messed up. I don’t EVER want to have that surgery again, that’s for sure.
To help me get through the yucky head cold, I’ve been using my essential oil inhalers, neti-pot, and last night I broke down and knocked myself out with a Nyquil. I have also been using one of my favorite natural cold relief remedies that I don’t think I’ve told y’all about, so I figured I better share!
My friend, Jackie, told me about Umcka a couple years ago and I’ve been hooked ever since. Umcka (Pelargonium sidoides) is a geranium plant native to South Africa and has been used in traditional African medicine for decades. It helps shorten the duration of colds and flu plus gives some relief from the symptoms. The kind I use is a homeopathic in tablet or tea versions that is made by Nature Way. There are a bunch of different flavors and forms, even some just for kids.
My favorite flavor is the lemon one, but the berry isn’t bad.
My husband usually scoffs at my hippie ways, but he actually uses this stuff and even takes it in the truck with him. The trick is to take it as soon as you feel the cold coming on. I wish I had done that, but even though I didn’t, I’m feeling a ton better today. I still feel like I got hit by a diesel, but at least I’m up, dressed, and moving. That’s better than nothing, right?
I get Umcka at my local Smith’s store, but I’ve also bought it at Whole Paycheck Foods, Amazon, and Sprouts. I’m guessing you could probably find it at most health food stores, too.
Spring colds stink.
Here’s hoping you get through without catching one, but if you do, grab some of this stuff just in case.
I seriously love it.
*By the way I’m a creative gal, not a doctor, so don’t take this as gospel. This is just something that helps me feel better fast so I thought I’d share. Ask your doctor or homeopath if you have any further questions. They go to school and are smart and all that jazz.
Also, I’m not getting any thing for telling you this, just big sister passing on what works for me.*