The transition into Winter can bring some vulnerability to your immune system. This time of year, people often become more susceptible to cold or flu viruses. You can support yourself naturally by eating well, getting enough rest, and taking some supplements like Vitamin C and D.
An elixir that I strongly recommend is Fire Cider. Perhaps you have heard about this amazing remedy! Did you know that it is so easy to make at home?
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Different recipes are out there, but here are some key ingredients:

1. Horse radish—this humble root is packed with Vitamin C, antioxidants, and enzymes that can prevent bacterial infections, boost immunity, and provide essential nutrients. Traditionally, horseradish has been used to reduce inflammation, treat bronchitis, colds and even UTI’s.   
   
   
2. Ginger—anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties that boosts immunity; contains antiviral and antibacterial properties to fight colds and flus.
   
   
3. Anti-microbial herbs like rosemary, oregano, and thyme
   
   
4. Allium: onions and garlic, also anti-microbial action as well as supports the heart and digestive system.
   
   
5. Hot peppers: to stimulate circulation and boost the immune system with antioxidants. Capsicum (ingredient in chili peppers) helps to protect and maintain eye health. 

I’ve included a recipe derived from one of my favorite herbalists, Rosemary Gladstar, below.  I take a tablespoon as a remedy when I feel a cold coming on. I also use it as a seasoned vinegar in salad dressing or added to warm water to sip as a digestive aid. 
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​FIRE CIDER RECIPE
Ingredients
1/2 cup fresh grated organic ginger root
1 cup fresh grated organic horseradish root
1 medium organic onion, chopped
10 cloves of organic garlic, crushed or chopped
2 organic jalapeno peppers, chopped
Zest and juice from 1 organic lemon
Several sprigs of fresh organic rosemary or 2 tbsp of dried rosemary leaves. You can also add oregano and/or basil.
1 tbsp organic turmeric powder, or 2 grated fresh turmeric tubers
organic apple cider vinegar, 32 oz bottle.
raw local honey to taste
 
Directions
Place all the prepared ingredients in a quart sized jar. (If you prefer, you can coarsely grate the ingredients in a food processor.) Use a piece of natural parchment paper or wax paper under the lid to keep the vinegar from touching any metal. Store in a dark, cool place for one month and remember to shake daily.

After one month, use a cheesecloth to strain out the pulp. Pour the vinegar into a clean jar. Be sure to squeeze as much of the liquid as you can from the pulp while straining. Next, add 1/4 cup of honey and stir/shake until incorporated. Taste your cider and add more honey until you reach the desired sweetness. 

Coughing is your body's natural response to eliminate unwanted viruses or bacteria. That means you need to cough to get the sickness out. So to help your body be more effective at clearing the gunk, follow these three tips. 
1. Apply an onion poultice:  This home remedy is one of the best ways to quickly resolve a cough. Take about 2 cups of sliced yellow onions and lightly steam about 5 minutes. Place the steamed onions in a dish towel and fold so that the onions are covered. Place the warm pack directly onto your upper chest. Be careful because it can be very hot. You can reheat in the microwave and reapply. About 30 minutes 2 or 3 times a day for a few days should do it!  
2. Steam inhalation: Fill your sink basin with very hot water. Sprinkle a teaspoon of dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary or oregano into the water. Using a towel over your head to keep the steam from escaping, lean over the basin and breath it in for at least 5 minutes. These herbs are anti-microbial and the steam will loosen the phlegm making your cough more productive. 
3. Take a hot, steamy shower: Raising your body temperature (when you are on the mend) can help kill off lingering bacteria or viruses in your respiratory system. The steam will loosen phlegm. Adding a drop or two of eucalyptus oil helps open airways.

NOTE: Work with Dr. Stella or another qualified professional to take a treatment of herbs. The right herbal remedy can help you heal quickly and deeply without harming your body. Always use caution with over-the-counter medicines because they may have unintended side-effects. 

About 10,000 people are turning 60 every day in the US. And if you are one of them, you’ll agree that there is a wide disparity in how people are aging.

​Years ago, I watched an Oprah show where 20 or so people lined up on stage and the audience guessed their ages. Some people were guessed to be in their late 20’s or 30’s, one lady was thought to be 60. Then, Oprah revealed every single person was 40 years old. What caused this apparent difference? Although genetics played a part, the biggest determinant was how these people lived… the choices they made, how happy they were, and how much stress they had. I never forgot this episode and then I went to naturopathic medical school. This is what I learned about anti-aging:

1. If you smoke, stop. It was the main difference that made people seem older. Smoking causes wrinkles and it also deprives your body of the oxygen that most non-smokers easily get more of. The woman who was guessed to be 60 years old was a smoker for over 20 years. She was crying on the stage. 
2. Reduce your alcohol intake, too much takes a significant toll on your body. So if you enjoy the vino, which most of us do, then imbibe with moderation. It’s actually be good for your longevity to do so.
3. Any exercise is better than none. A 30 minute walk a day will reduce your stress, increase your circulation and lift your mood. But if you really get the heart pumping, sweat some, lift and stretch and get a good all body workout, it’s even more youthifying. (Of course, check with your doctor before starting any exercise regimen. If you’re a natural couch potato, start slow before building up to more strenuous activity.)
4. Eat naturally. A whole food diet is the way our bodies were raised. And I don’t mean by your momma. No disrespect to your momma and kudos to those who did grow up with a whole foods diet, but many of us grew up on sugary cereal and other highly processed foods. Turns out your body’s real fuel comes from real food—fresh veggies, fruit, legumes, hormone and antibiotic free meat, and whole grains.
5. Manage your stress. Breathe deeply, meditate daily, even 10 minutes is better than none—it’s not true that the world will fall apart if you’re absent for a few minutes.
6. Sleep more. Sleep is when your body repairs itself, processes all the day’s events, and restores itself. Over 50% of Americans suffer from sleep disorders. If this is you, get help from a natural health practitioner—pharmaceutical sleep aids make you unconscious… this is not sleep.  
7. Learn positivity. Yes, this is a real thing—you can retrain your brain to be happy, to be positive and to become more sensitive to the good things in life.

Want to take Dr. Stella's workshop on Reverse Aging? It's will transform you! 

Want to know how much is too much alcohol? Check out this website.
http://rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/IsYourDrinkingPatternRisky/WhatsLowRiskDrinking.asp
Want to learn more about training your brain to be happy? Check out Rich Hanson’s book Hardwiring Happiness.
https://www.rickhanson.net/writings/books/hardwiring-happiness/
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Most of you know that the human body evolved over eons (that’s a REALLY long time). But did you know that what allowed us to survive over the eons is our ability to fight, run or adapt? We have this complex nervous system that is supremely and amazingly perfect to do those 3 things—fight, run away or adapt. At the most basic level, stress is the result of all the hormones in our body that ensures our survival as a species. Here’s the kicker, we don’t really live like that anymore, right? I mean, when was the last time your boss yelled at you and you literally ran as far away as possible—or got into a fight with him or her that resulted in the fittest one of you standing over the other with a rebel yell? If you did, you either got fired or you likely spent some time in jail. And yet, this is exactly what your body needs to do to release all that stress and process the hormones. So what do you do? Here are 7 ways to reduce stress right now so you don’t end up doing something that will get you arrested.

1. Deep breaths, about 10 should do it for most situations and count backwards. Counting backwards engages the part of your brain that uses reason rather than instinct. Remember all those movies where the hypnotist counts backward from 10 to get the person into a deeply relaxed state?
2. Stop drinking coffee. Yes, I really went there. Although people tell me that they drink coffee to relax, it is not a relaxing beverage. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant which causes your body to product more adrenaline—which causes more of the fight or flight urges.
3. Use posture techniques. Did you know that standing up, feet slightly apart with your arms in the air for 2 minutes will literally reduce stress and increase confidence? Try it right now. It works. If you’re worried your co-workers will think you’ve lost it, raise your arms in the bathroom or get everyone to do it with you.
4. Sing a song. If you are on the road, singing is a great way to stay relaxed and uplifted. There is scientific evidence that singing releases endorphins and oxytocin—the perfect antidote to all those stress hormones flying around. So if you are chronically stressed, join a choir, it’s good for your body and soul.
5. Get enough sleep. Millions of people don’t get enough sleep and I’m going to write a blog just about this topic. So if you CAN sleep but stay up too late working or messing with your electronics, then stop it. Put that stuff down and go to bed early so you get 8 hours. Lack of sleep causes stress hormones to get out of whack so that you can't cope as well under stressful times. 
6. Drink a relaxing herbal tea. People have been using herbs for healing since the beginning of the human race. Even the grocery store will have effective teas that relax and sooth a stressed nervous system. Get one with chamomile, passion flower, hops, or a combo. The trick is to put the tea bag (or 2) in a heat resistant jar, pour boiling water over it, and seal it with an air tight cover. Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes and then drink. This ensures you get all the relaxing properties in the liquid rather than letting it float away in steam.
7. Smell an essential oil. Did you know that your olfactory nerves (through your nose) are directly linked into your brain and central nervous system? I’ve seen these nerves and they are surprisingly thick. Smelling an essential oil can sooth the savage beast (aka limbic system). Try lavender, rose and frankincense. 

Check out my upcoming 1 day workshop on Reverse Aging. It's going to be transformational!