Today: Holy basil.

I like to think that I never get sick, but in reality, I sometimes get sick but rarely actually go to the doctor.  I started coughing approximately three and a half weeks ago, and what started as a dainty, dry cough recently turned into a barking, bone-rattling hack.  I would think, I’ll call the doctor tomorrow.  And then I would feel better and not call the doctor.  And then I would feel worse, but the doctor’s office would be closed.  And then I would cough in public and people would look like they were going to murder me, if my germs didn’t murder them first.

So, finally, I went to the doctor last week.

My cute, little summer cold had apparently turned into bronchitis.  Live and learn (and maybe even change?).  After listening to my chest (we had to take a break mid-way through the exam so I could have a cough attack strong enough to force me to lay down) and checking my oxygen saturation (99%, very Occupy Boston Bloodstream), my doctor suggested waiting a week before going on antibiotics (apparently bronchitis can stick around for four-ish weeks, but could develop into pneumonia), as whatever is growing inside me is likely viral.  Hmm.  What the heck am I supposed to do in the meantime?  Her answer: holy basil.

While I might have preferred the good stuff (i.e. some sort of purple drank Hulk-strength cough medicine), I appreciate that the doctors at this practice take a more holistic approach (several of the MDs practice Reiki, others prescribe yoga for their patients, mine seems to be in the tea-peddling business).  I left with a handwritten recipe for ginger/lemon/honey/black pepper tea, instructions for daily steam inhalation, and a recommendation for organic Tulsi (otherwise known as holy basil), which I found in the tea aisle at Whole Foods.

Though somewhat unconventional, these “prescriptions” have done the trick (less coughing, more breathing)… but if they hadn’t, it’s nice to know there are back-up options (ones that require actual prescription pads).  While integrative health and complimentary medicine may sound like a bunch of hippy crap, it seems to work for me.

In just a year, with the recommended dietary changes, supplements, and an attempt to yo, relax more, my health has significantly improved.  I shared a bit about these challenges and changes last summer (on the same day that a skunk got trapped in the stairwell, so maybe click through just for that), and am happy to report that, as of last week, all of my vitamin levels are now in the normal range.  I don’t like to type the words colitis and leaky gut syndrome (mostly because… ew), but it’s good to know that there are doctors and dietitians out there who are willing to get creative in the care of their patients, whether they’re dealing with a chronic condition or an annoying cough.

One more thing.  From now on… when I am tempted to swear and flip people off in traffic… I am going to say holy basil instead.  And then I am going to sprinkle organic tea leaves on the Expressway.

Also On Tap for Today:

• I am way behind (per usual) on this, but I love this video
• Happy to have our power (and AC) back 🙂
• Planning on some pool time

What’s your favorite “home remedy”?