Convalescence
Illness places a huge strain on the body’s resources and energy levels. In the past people naturally allowed time to recover. In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, we often deny ourselves convalescence time. But giving your body time and a little help to return to full health is important, especially if you’ve been ill for a long time or recently discharged from hospital.
Dietary Advice For Convalescence
Ease yourself back into your normal diet with small meals of healthy, plain foods that are appetizing, easy to digest and nutritious. These might include lightly steamed, mixed vegetables, salads with a simple dressing of olive oil and lemon juice, fresh fruit, especially citrus and kiwi fruits, and berries (all rich in vitamin C), fruit and vegetable juices, plain boiled, brown rice, eggs and vegetable soups. Oats are an excellent remedy for debility and low spirits, so breakfast on porridge spiced with cinnamon to improve circulation. Gradually, reintroduce some light protein such as chicken and fish. Eat more garlic, as it helps support a weakened immune system. Avoid alcohol, sugar, refined foods and too much animal fat.
Drink a cup of cat’s claw tea with a little ginger added each day to maintain your immune system. Korean ginseng supplements can have a tonic effect on mind and body short-term.
Complementary Remedies For Convalescence
Use restorative essential oils such as rosemary, lavender, tea tree and ginger: add 6 drops to the bath (only 1 to 2 drops ginger). For a massage, use 10 drops of the above oils (4 of ginger) in 25 ml grapeseed or sweet almond oil. If pregnant, avoid rosemary oil.
Nettle tea makes a wonderful tonic. Brew it from a handful of fresh nettle tops, or use a few drops of tincture, or 1 to 2 tsp dried herb to a cup of boiling water. Slippery elm bark is nutritious, easily digested and particularly good after digestive upsets such as gastric flu, diarrhoea or colitis.
Bach Flower Remedies can help with the emotional implications of illness. Gorse is good if you feel you will never get better, Heather may stop you thinking about your illness. Try Impatiens if you are eager to get back to your routine.
