Flu Attack

It's so fun when we are healthy!

Lily and the two bebes were  down with flu since 14/05/09. Initially, it was Brian who has stuffy nose and phlegm in his throat, then Brendan started to show symptoms of flu and tada, finally, mama joins the flu- infected clique. DH is flu-free, but was down with sore throat after coming back from MSIG seminar in Miaow-Miaow city on 19/05/09. OHANA means FAMILY; FAMILY means no one gets left behind! So, the whole family gets to weather the storm together!

I don’t like Western medicine because they invariably induce sleepiness and sluggishness ALL the time, so the results of my research on traditional chinese medicine comes in handy. To reduce phlegm, use a handful of (1)red dates, (2)longan and (3) dried mandarin orange peels. This works for those who are yin dominant (people who usually have cold hands and feet, and prefer warmer food). Yan dominant should go for licorice + red grapes (recipe source: audreycooks).  If in doubt, consult a Chinese physician, and he would be able to prescribe a medication according to your body-type and nature of sickness.

Put the above 3 ingredients  into a pot and boil it, or just pour in hot boiling water to the ingredients and steep for 15-30 minutes. Then, serve with love as much as needed. I myself feel so much above the weather after drinking the concoction. 

The duration of flu hinges a lot on the food we eat since our body needs all the help it can get to fight the infection. Avoid dairy products, deep-fried snacks and chicken soup in order to have speedy recovery. Try eating an egg or chicken soup and you’d immediately feel your condition worsening (especially runny nose and phlegm in throat)–I’ve tried this too many times to know that these are no-no foods  when down with flu. Flu attacks usually lasts 4 – 5 days. Enough time for the body to fight virus infection and build up immune defenses, I guess.

To fall sick is human, but to never fall sick would be a wish come true for yours truly.  :P All the more after becoming a momma, I know I can’t afford to fall sick too often–I believe most mommas can identify with this.  So, here’s to wishing you a happy and healthy week ahead!

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