When Sharing is NOT Fun

Sunday, March 13, 2016

Sharing is usually fun for the one who is the recipient.. right?


Except when something is shared that is really not wanted...


Like a nasty little cold virus!


Our dear son last Saturday came home not feeling well, and soon it was quite apparent that someone had shared a cold bug with him.


Since then, all of us in the house have had that bug shared with us too.


I've been making chicken soups all week, using natural remedies such as eucalyptus oil rubbed on our feet at night, and essential oils like Thieves, Lavender and Thyme rubbed on our chest, throat and on our sinuses.  We've rubbed Amish Cream all over our faces and necks, and feet.  We've drank Cold Care tea.  Yesterday all of us sounded like clogged drains, and we pretty much just rested and slept all day.

We feel much better today after having rested and slept most of the day yesterday, and we think we have turned the corner on this nasty little bug that got shared with us. We prefer to use home remedies as much as possible when bugs like this hit.

However, I did take our son to the doctor earlier in the week, as his chest was hurting and he was spitting up blood.  I've learned from past experiences with him (you can read about that experience here) that a little cold can turn to much worse with him and I didn't want to take the chance of it going that far.  So, we went ahead and put him on an antibiotic, and this seemed to do the trick for him.  He had RSV as an infant and was in ICU for several days, and since then, he has always been susceptible to severe colds and he doesn't respond to typical home remedies much, if at all.  The rest of us don't struggle with the tendency he has to get very sick, and so we have been using natural remedies.  I wrote a post last year more in depth on our natural cold/flu remedies, and you can read it here.

I also have a cookbook that I turn to when flu/cold season is upon us, for some wonderful home remedies that are shared in it.  A post was written about that wonderful cookbook from Keepers of the Home, and I shared some of the wonderful recipes in it.  It can be found here.  

Do you have a favorite natural remedy that you use when you get a cold?  Do share with me in the comments below, because I always love to learn something new when people share favorite tried and true tricks for flu and cold busters.

Hard to believe that the time has "sprung" forward already!  With the longer days and beautiful spring sunshine ahead of us, I am glad that we have spring to look forward to and enjoy!  We have gotten a significant amount of rain here this past month, for which we are very thankful for.

Hopefully we've turned the tide on this bug that was shared with us, and now that the time has sprung forward, and days are getting longer, I really am getting so excited about springtime, and getting started on my garden.  One of my goals this week is to get some seeds planted in the indoor greenhouse my husband bought for me last year.  Happy dirt days are ahead, and I'm glad!

Bugs be gone, spring is here!  :)


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53 comments

  1. Your soup looks delicious, and I have those same Blue Nordic(Onion) dishes! They are so pretty.
    We use lots of what you mentioned above and also take garlic year round and try to cook with a lot of garlic. At the first sign of anything coming on, I use my Enhanced Garlic Formula. It is made of 1 part Garlic powder, 1 part powdered calcium ascorbate(a form of vitamin C) and 1/4 part Cayenne powder. I make a large batch and put most of it in capsules, but I also like to add a 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon to juice or water and drink it. It works faster taken that way. I'll also take echinacea along with the garlic if I'm feeling really bad. So far, we've not been sick this year. If there is a virus going around, I'll sometimes take Elderberry syrup (Sambucol) for a few days.
    I haven't started in the garden yet, maybe this week, if the rain stops!
    Enjoy your day! ♥

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    1. I love my Blue Onion dishes! I got them at a yard sale, and they have some cracks, but still, they have a lovely beauty in my eyes :) Whoo, your Enhanced Garlic formula sounds awesome, and pretty fiery! I usually make my own elderberry syrup, but didn't this year, and now I regret it. I have found it to be the best way to ward off nasty bugs like the one we got. Thank you for sharing your awesome suggestions on flu-cold bug fighting! And I do hope you get to spend some time in your garden, I can't wait for those days to start :)

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  2. So sorry to hear that you have not been well, chicken soup is our favourite remedy as well. We have also noticed that doing much less also helps you feel better quicker !

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    1. Chicken soup is always in my remedy book for feel-better needs! I made this particular soup with bone broth that I had made up a few weeks ago, and oh my, it was so good. Getting lots of sleep and rest certainly has helped us a lot too. Thanks for your sweet comments, and well wishes, we do appreciate them :)

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  3. That crud has been nasty here as well, 6 college students had to go to the hospital...anyways, keeping you and your family in prayer. I am going to check out your natural remedies. Blessings, friend.

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    1. At the doctor's office when I took my son in, they said the whole town was sick with this bug. It apparently is quite ruthless in its attack. Thankfully, we are all feeling much better! Appreciate your kind well wishes! Hope you are enjoying your spring break!

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  4. I am so sorry that you all have been sick. The worst part is that when you get something this time of year it just seems to hang on and hang on. I don't blame you for getting your son to the dr quickly. Your soup(s) sound good and just right for the cold/flu bug. xo Diana

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    1. Thanks for your well wishes Diana, and you are so right... these things don't like to leave, at all! We have to fight hard back against it. I've been taking a ton of garlic today, more Thieves oil and eucalyptus steam baths. We definitely feel better, but not 100%. And I have learned how far I can let things go with my son, before a doctor's visit is in order. I don't like that at all, but it is what it is. Hope you are doing okay dear Diana, and we are keeping you and John in constant prayer!

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  5. Oh my!!! Hope you are all on a complete mend. As far as a remedy we turn to it is usually REST, Broth Soups, Salt Water (sinus, strep, and sore throats), honey as needed. Then if we are not better in two days we do a Dr visit. A DR once told me that if it is a virus it will usually heal with 2-3 days on its on if it is a bacteria infection it will still be bad or worse after 2 days and then I would know it was time to come in. That always has worked for us unless I feel by my gut when need to go earlier we try to just rest and let our bodies heal itself.

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    1. Thanks for your great suggestions Chrissy! I too try to avoid the doctor if at all possible, but there are times when a visit is in order, and especially with our son. We do a lot of salt water gargling too, it is amazing how much better a sore throat feels with a gargle. I've been taking extra garlic today, and did a eucalyptus steam bath, and we feel a lot better, although not 100%. Appreciate you sharing what has worked for your family, and pray all of you stay well too! Have a blessed day :)

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  6. Hi MM! I am the worst at catching whatever the grandkids have, so I completely relate to the cold bug in your house. Sounds like you are attacking the bug with an arsenal! I'm so glad that you son responded to the antibiotics. Spitting up blood sounds scary...
    I hope you are taking today easy too. (Loved the line about sounding like 'clogged drains'. Very descriptive! Nothing like rest. I also like salt water gargle for sore throats. Tastes terrible, but works like a charm.
    Blessings for healing,
    Ceil

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    1. Thank you for your kind words Ceil, we do feel much better today - not 100% but still, better! I love salt water gargles, no they don't taste great, but wow, they do work! And yes, when my son had red streaks coming up, I knew it was time to visit the doctor, thankfully we caught it in time before it dug in its heels, and antibiotics made quick work of that infection. I try to stay away from antibiotics as much as possible, but there are times when they are a blessing. Appreciate your visit as always, and pray you have a blessed and wonderful day!

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  7. Oh boy, we have all been afflicted with the same thing. Lots of soup and home remedies here, too. It's a nasty one and I keep thinking one more day...but it's been almost two weeks. I am glad your son is feeling better and I hope that everyone else feels well super soon!!

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    1. Wow, two weeks! My goodness, that is a nasty bug, I hope we don't have the same one because we keep thinking the same thing... we get to feeling better, and then not so good again. I do hope you are all feeling better by now, and I agree, chicken soup is just about the best remedy there is for colds! :)

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  8. Oh sweet friend, I pray all of you begin to feel better soon :-). Thank you for sharing the link about the cookbook. I'm slowly returning to my simple life and this cookbook will truly help :-)

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    1. Thank you for your prayers, we are doing better every day! This is a persistent bug and we all still don't feel perfectly well, but better! I am glad you looked up the link for the cookbook, it is a pretty amazing one to have in your collection, a great store of recipes for just about anything a homemaker would need :) Have a blessed and wonderful day!

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  9. Hello my friend....so sorry you all are under the weather. I see you have wonderful Thieves Oil. It does help us a lot to take that year round. We also use Elderberry Syrup and I find an onion poultice on the chest does wonders. You can find how to make one in You Tube.
    I pray you are all better soon...sending lots of hugs...Shirley

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    1. Thanks for your well wishes, we are feeling so much better, although the dose still lingers on, but not as bad as it was! Appreciate your sharing of your remedies, I have used an onion poultice on the chest before, and they really are amazing! And Thieves is one of my favorite oils to use year round too! I've made my own elderberry syrup in the past, and did not make any this year, sadly. I'll be making some next winter for sure! Have a great day Shirley :)

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  10. Oh no, so sorry you've all been so ill. Hoping you will all be back to good health soon! Nothing like some hot soup when you aren't feeling well. I had a bowl of homemade chicken and rice soup today and it really hit the spot. Sending get well wishes and prayers for speedy recoveries all around!
    xo
    Linda

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    1. Thank you for your get well wishes, we are certainly doing a lot better today! The bug still lingers, but its not as bad :) Chicken soup is a winner in times like this for sure, and your chicken and rice soup sounds delicious! Hope you are having a great week so far!

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  11. Hello,
    We have been ill too! My son was sick last week, and he gave it to me. My husband has been the Man of Steel ;-) for this one. Thank Goodness! It is good to have one person healthy.
    Get well soon to you all!

    My homemade remedy ~ warm lemon water with honey. I also gargle with salt water.
    Carla

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    1. Thanks for the well wishes, we are doing much better! And it seems this bug is everywhere! I'm glad your husband stayed healthy! It sure is no fun to have everyone sick! I like your warm lemon water with honey. I also add a bit of cayenne pepper too for a bit of a kick, that seems to really open things up, lol! Appreciate you sharing home remedies that work for you. Have a great day!

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  12. So sorry you all were so sick. This is always the worst time of the year to catch something. Yes ur soups look delicious! Thaw always been our remedy "chicken noodle soup"! Glad you got your son to the doctors!! My prayers for healing are with you.

    Blessings
    Gert

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    1. Thank you Gert for the well wishes, we are definitely feeling better! Chicken soup usually does the trick for us, as well as essential oils, but sometimes a doctor's visit is necessary. Appreciate your prayers, and hope you are staying well too! :)

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  13. That sounds like a nasty bug that touched your household but your home remedies seem to have worked quite quickly. I'm sorry your son is affected to badly though. Our poor grandchildren have been sick off and on (mostly on) since January fighting infections and colds and now our daughter has it. It hasn't been a fun time for her and I'm on the other side of the country so can't help out. ;( I hope you all are feeling much better soon. Take care and enjoy the sunlight hours. Pam

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    1. Oh boy, I sure feel for your poor daughter, with everyone sick, and you so far away! That would be tough for sure! It seems this "bug" we've got is a persistent one. We are all still sniffling, and such, not completely better, it just won't leave, but at least not as sick as we were. Home remedies are definitely working though, I am taking lots of vitamin C and garlic, and essential oils. Hope you all are staying well too! :)

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  14. Aw so sorry ~ Get well soon!! I put one tsp of Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar in a glass of water each day for my family drink. We don't catch flu, cold or virus. Plus eating very healthy (organic fruits and veggies) and stay away from white flour, white sugars, process foods. Keeping our bodies toxic free keeps sickness at bay. I recommend a book call Braggs Healthy Lifestyle & her Apple Cider Vinegar book. Happy Spring ~

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    1. I love that apple cider vinegar, but always forget about taking it. Thanks for the reminder, and glad to know that it works for you! We definitely don't eat much, if any white flour or sugar anymore, and no processed foods either. I make everything from "scratch" as the old saying goes {smiles}. I think this bug is just a persistent nasty one that the whole area is dealing with, and I am wondering if it may be a flu-bug of sorts. Thankfully, all of us are doing much better. Appreciate you sharing your home remedies, and I will definitely check out the Braggs apple cider book... maybe you could do a post on how it has benefited you! :) Have a blessed day Teresa!

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  15. Good Morning! I hope everyone is feeling much better today. Sharing bugs is never fun. I have been fortunate not to get sick so far this year. But when we do, I make my own elderberry syrup and take a tbsp of that every 2 hrs. I also make a natural cough syrup with cut up lemons and honey. And another great one we do is a jar of honey with about 2 tbsp cinnamon, stir and eat a tbsp of that for sore throats,inflammation. I think they work great! I also rub essential oils on everything. I'd rather do all natural first before going in to see the doctor.
    Spring is here and things are starting to bloom! Its going to be another warm day here in the 70's!
    I hope you get the chance to go outdoors and enjoy a walk! ;)

    Hugs my friend,
    Amy

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    1. Indeed, natural home remedies are the best, and are the ones I turn to first. I like the idea of adding cinnamon to the honey, I haven't tried that. I have always made my own elderberry syrup, but this year I didn't, and now I wish I did. I will next year for sure! Essential oils are so amazing, and I always felt better after rubbing my face, neck and chest with them. My son just gets sick really fast and I've learned I can't let it go too far with him, but the rest of us do pretty good with home remedies.

      I'm glad spring is there, and certainly pray you have gotten some rain! No 70 degree temps here, highest we have seen so far has been 50, but still, I'm not complaining because we have gotten lots of rain, which we need. I hope your week is going well, and that you all stay well!! :)

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  16. Glad to hear you have turned the corner on the nasty bug! Three of us have shared the bug here too, with me always being the sickest. I still have it after three weeks and had to go on prednisone because my sinuses are so inflamed. Other than prescribed drugs when needed, we all use the neti pot. It is very helpful. My daughter is into the oils but they do not do a thing for me. I have to wait it out usually. Looking forward to Spring too, but then my allergies go into full bloom too!

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    1. Oh no, I do so hate to hear that! Suffering from severe sinus problems certainly warrants more advanced treatment for sure. I have not tried a neti pot, but have used a syringe bulb with a sinus rinse, and that certainly does help. The oils work for all of our family but our son body does not respond to them either. I think they are great to ward off attacks, and keep you healthier, but once a bug sets in, it needs something stronger. I do hope that you get to feeling better soon!! Those miserable colds really have a way of sapping all your energy! Take care my friend, and hope this spring doesn't bring more misery for you!!!

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  17. It sounds like you're all on the mend from your nasty shared bug. I have not had a cold this year. I take Vitamin C chewables every day, and if I feel like I may be coming down with something, I take extras, every few hours. It seems to work for me! I also drink Bragg's vinegar with local honey in warm water everyday, too.

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    1. Vitamin C does the trick for me too, if I can remember to be faithful to take it! It really does work! Another lady recommended Braggs too, and you take it every day, wow! I guess I need to try that! Thanks for the great suggestions Kitty, and sounds like your remedies are working, so glad you staying well :) Have a blessed day my friend!

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  18. Oh dear, I hope your son is all better soon. You too and the rest of the family. Spitting up blood sounds scary. Your soup looks wonderful and I pray that you are all on the mend. Praying for you all.

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    1. We are doing so much better today! The bug was a nasty one, and I think it may have been a flu bug, it was pretty relentless. So thankful that we are all on the mend now though! Appreciate your well wishes, so much appreciated! Hope you are having a blessed week :)

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  19. Hello Dear, so glad you are doing better! I do what my dear Amy does in her comment above!! But I do not mind going to the Dr. if I do not bounce back quickly as I have to watch it myself. I know you will enjoy getting your hands dirty LOL
    Hugs to you and really those oils and chicken soup just lifted my spirits!
    Please pray we get some rain!!
    Love, Roxy

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    1. I will certainly be praying you get some rain! So crazy how the weather patterns cause different problems everywhere... we have been getting lots of moisture, for which we are thankful, but I wouldn't mind sharing! Thankfully we are all feeling much better, and I appreciate your get well wishes! Hope you are having a wonderful week :)

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  20. I'm sorry you've all been sick. Bugs have been going around here, too, and I was the recipient of several this winter. My pharmacist recommended Nature Made Zinc, vitamin C and B-6 supplement in lozenge form the last time I got sick and I sucked on one of those 4 or 5 times a day. I do think it decreased the length of my cold and reduced its severity. Now I take just one a day with my other supplements to hopefully help with my immunity. Dennis says we need to build up immunity to the "new" bugs around us since we just moved here last summer. I think he may be right about that. Also, we irrigate our nasal passages with a saline solution on a regular basis, and especially when we've got a cold. That seems to help a lot. Take care of yourselves. Hugs, Nancy

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    1. Thank you for sharing that Nancy, I will look for those next time I am at the pharmacy, sounds like a wonderful combo, and something to suck on is always nice when you have a cold. I've not gotten into the habit of saline rinses yet, but it sounds like a great idea. Appreciate you sharing the remedies that have worked for you! And do hope that you continue to stay well! We are finally all feeling much better here, thankfully! :)

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  21. It's no fun when someone shares these bugs with us. I am especially sorry to hear your son gets so ill. Poor guy! My little granddaughter had RSV when she was a month old and she was very sick and in the hospital for almost two weeks. It was a scary time!
    My hubby usually shares his bugs with me. His work place is always loaded with viruses throughout the year. I have a very weak immune system due to a few health problems I have so I have to take something every day to help ward off infections. Unfortunately I usually do come down with something or other this time of year. Chicken soup is the best but I don't always have it in the house. Yours looks so good!
    I would like to be taking mega doses of Vitamin C this time of year but sometimes vitamins mess with my meds so I always have to be careful. I pray you all feel better soon. Take care and thank you for linking up with me.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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    1. RSV is very scary! I'm sorry to hear about your granddaughter, I'm sure that must have been very scary for everyone! And I can imagine how tough it is this time of year with everyone sick, and your husband bringing it home to you, not fun! I am going to up my vitamin C I think. That seems to be the consensus with all the ladies who have shared here, more vitamin C really does the trick! Appreciate you sharing your thoughts on what works for you! Hope you are able to stay well, and keep all the bugs away :)

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  22. So sorry to hear that everyone was sick, I hope you are all on the mend. It hit hard here too, I was quite sick then my husband got it. Kind of a flu/cold of some sort. I still have a cough and had some chest pain for 2-4 days but it's gradually getting better. The pain seems to be gone. I feel for your son having RSV, he must be nervous every time colds, etc. are going around. Take care, Kelly.

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    1. Oh my, I think that is what we had too! At first it seemed like a cold, but then we were also having flu symptoms too. I'm so sorry to hear that you had it too. It is a miserable dose! Our son had the chest pain, and that is when we took him to the doctor. I've learned not to let it get too far with him. I do hope that you and your husband are feeling better by now! Home remedies have worked for the rest of us, thankfully! Take care of yourself, and hopefully these nice warmer days will make these bugs go away! :)

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  23. So sorry to hear that everyone was sick, I hope you are all on the mend. It hit hard here too, I was quite sick then my husband got it. Kind of a flu/cold of some sort. I still have a cough and had some chest pain for 2-4 days but it's gradually getting better. The pain seems to be gone. I feel for your son having RSV, he must be nervous every time colds, etc. are going around. Take care, Kelly.

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  24. I could use some of those remedies here - I woke up with something and I'm afraid of what it's going to turn into! I've been dosing up on vitamin c today in hopes of heading it off....fingers crossed! Glad you are feeling better!

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    1. Oh no, I hate to hear that you might have the bug too! Seems that vitamin C is the one constant here with all the ladies responding with all their home remedies... I'm glad you're giving it a try, and hope it is working! Yes, we are all definitely feeling better, so thankful for that! :)

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  25. I sure hope you are all feeling better now. We have allergies but nothing this bad. I have a rice pack that I heat in the microwave and then put a little lavender oil on a cloth to slip inside. It helps. Hugs, Diane

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    1. A rice pack! I need to make one of those. I know they are not hard to make, but wonderful to use. A great idea with the lavender oil too! Thanks Diane for your hugs and well wishes, we appreciate it, and are feeling much better now! :)

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  26. YES, you are right, there is a time when sharing is not fun! But I am glad you shared this post with us! :)

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    1. I am thankful to have shared the post with you, free of the bugs, lol! Thanks Jes for your visit, and praying you are having a blessed weekend!

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  27. So sorry you all had to be so sick. My favorite thing to use for a cold is Thieves. I know you mentioned it here, and I just wanted to add that the Young Living Thieves essential oil (as you have shown here, I believe) can be ingested. The way we were taught to use it is, at the onset of a sore throat, to apply one drop to the inside of the cheek once a minute for ten minutes, then scale back to once an hour. But, usually by the 3rd or 4th application, the sore throat is GONE, in Jesus' name! We apply the oils prayerfully, of course. :) This has worked for us many, many times, and I can't say enough good about Thieves!!! So thankful you all are better now, and trusting God to bless your gardening efforts this spring! Love and appreciate you, sweet friend. :)

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    1. I love that tip about Thieves, I did not know about it! I will definitely keep that in mind. I was putting it directly on my throat with olive oil, but the internal administration sounds even better! Thank you for sharing that... and praying for you today that your day is blessed in HIM!

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