November '22 Newsletter
Hello and Happy November!
I thought it would be fun to do themes for these newsletters from time to time, and today’s theme was inspired by a cold I had recently. Since it seems to be going around, I wanted to share some things, besides supplements/tinctures/medicine, that I find helpful when feeling a cold coming on or even when it’s in full force. Most of these are folk remedies I’ve learned from my mom, grandma, or herbal books.
Legs up the wall - I lie down with my legs up the wall for about 15 minutes. This is something I learned in a yoga class long ago. It stimulates circulation and is very relaxing.
Keeping warm - I make sure to stay warm, wearing extra layers if needed. I make an emphasis on keeping my feet warm by wearing wool socks. Very warm epsom salt foot baths can be really nice during this time as well.
Garlic, two ways - I chop up a clove of garlic and let it sit for about 10 minutes (which allows it to develop beneficial compounds), then mix it with honey or put it on sourdough and eat it. I also recently learned about garlic socks in the book The Plant Clinic. You smash two cloves of garlic to release their juices, put them in a pair of non-precious socks and wear the socks to bed, keeping the garlic cloves at the arches of your feet. It’s not as messy as it sounds, not messy at all actually. I always start tasting the garlic after some time, which is wild and proves how absorbent skin is.
Salt water gargle - A classic. I make a strong, very salty mixture of salt and water, and gargle about 3 times a day.
Two words - neti pot! Like a salt water gargle for your nose. It’s amazingly relieving for irritated sinuses. You can get a cute ceramic one on Etsy.
Rest - ‘Sleep is the best medicine’ is a slogan I’ve had etched into my brain by my whole family since childhood. It’s so true, as sleeping is a state of repair. I take this very seriously and rest whenever I can.
Gentle foods and lots of warm liquids. For me, gentle foods include broths, soups, stews, porridge, and lots of hot ginger tea.
This list got very long very fast. Let me know what’s in your cold toolbox, I’d love to hear.
This month’s video is a seasonal cooking class, fall edition. I make a Warm Squash and Chard Salad, Silky Brussels Sprouts with Caramelized Onions and Aioli, and a Pepper and Tomato Soup with Chickpeas. The salad and Brussels would make for great Thanksgiving sides ;)
Seasonal Pleasures and Other Stuff
⁕ Winter squash season is in full swing! Here are two recipes that I recently made in celebration: Squash and Greens Gratin and Twice Baked Squash. I’m making the gratin for Thanksgiving this year.
⁕ My mom and her family are building a house in a beautiful forest in Maine, and they made an instagram to document the whole (at times very difficult) process. Follow along if you’re into houses, interior design, and/or the beauty of Maine (check out this video and this video for the beauty part).
⁕ I’m currently reading the book Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker and it is so good! The most fascinating read on the science of sleep.
Wishing you a cozy November,
