Convalescence

Every illness requires a period of convalescence, a time of recovery when the body regains its strength and health. This period begins when symptoms of the disease have disappeared, yet the body still feels weak and tired, and ends when the body's energy has been restored. Convalescence will take time if the illness has been severe. If there has been lengthy bedrest, the muscles will have become flabby and weak, and circulation will be poor, causing dizziness when rising too quickly. Often, simple exercise or mental activity will tire the body and the mind. Concentration will be poor and great amounts of sleep will be required. Appetite and assimilation of nutrients will have been deficient for some time.

Convalescence periods occur when the body needs rest. If insufficient rest is taken, and the diet is lacking necessary nutrients, convalescence will take longer and the body will never fully recover its strength. While measured, daily activity and fresh air are excellent to hasten recovery, too much activity or no activity at all will be detrimental.

Susceptibility to infection is very high at this time, and exposure to dampness and cold will result in infection which prolongs recuperation time. Depression and frustration about the illness can lengthen recovery dramatically, just as optimism and high spirits can speed the path to health. Older persons usually need more recovery time because the body's healing process is slower. This is also true for those with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart ailments and respiratory diseases. If recovery is markedly slow, other causes should be considered, such as anemia, a weakened immune system, candidiasis, fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Supplements and herbs

Supplements can help return the nutrients that are missing from the body as a result of a long or intense illness. While they cannot replace wholesome foods, or adequate rest and fresh air, they can speed recovery significantly.

The green food concentrates such as barley grass and wheatgrass build the body and immune system. They contain chlorophyll, which builds the blood and renews cells. Bee pollen and royal jelly are similar to whole  foods, as they contain many essential nutrients and trace elements that are needed to build the constitution. They also combat fatigue and build energy. Royal jelly, a substance secreted by honey bee workers and fed to the queen bee, is the more potent of the two. It is highly beneficial to incorporate these supplements into your daily schedule over a long time period.

To ensure all vitamins and minerals are adequate, a good multivitamin is highly recommended. Add additional vitamin C and zinc, since these will lend the immune system additional support. The B vitamins are excellent for increasing levels of energy and supporting the adrenals. A Lactobacillus acidophilus combination supplement should be added to the schedule if there are digestive upsets or imbalances or if antibiotics have been consumed; If you are suffering from anemia, add iron to your daily intake.

Proper nutrition, rest and herbal remedies to stimulate the appetite and build strength will speed convalescence.

• Take strengthening and appetite-stimulating herbs, such as gentian, calamus, centaury, wormwood or angelica. Take a 1/2 cup of herbal tea combination, one half to one hour before meals.
• Calendula enables cells to withstand anesthetic gases, which can cause muscle pain and fatigue up to two years after an operation. Take 20 drops in liquid, three times daily.
• Echinacea and goldenseal help to detoxify the blood after anesthesia and help prevent infection of the wound. Take 20 drops of tincture in 1 cup of water, twice daily for three days after surgery.
• Dong quai root stimulates the appetite, clears liver stagnation and is used as a general tonic after an operation or weakness after childbirth. Take 1-2 cups daily for two weeks on and one week off for a couple of months.
• Rub comfrey, horsetail, St. John's wort oil or aloe vera gel on surgical wound to prevent scarring.
• St. John's wort helps relieve post-operative pains and neuralgias. Take as juice, 1-2 tbsp. three times daily or 3 cups herbal tea daily.

What else you can do

• Sufficient sleep strengthens the immune system, rebuilds the nerves and speeds healing. Go to bed early as the before-midnight sleep is the most beneficial. A healthy person should sleep about eight hours, a sick or convalescing person should have ten to twelve hours of sleep. While we sleep, our body cells rest and renew themselves.
• Daily hygiene is important. Sweaty, unwashed skin is uncomfortable and will hinder sleep. Avoid going to bed with cold feet. If necessary, take a warm shower or alternating hot and cold foot baths.
• Blankets made of pure wool, especially camel and angora, provide good insulation and create an electromagnetic field which helps relieve pain and stimulates healing.
• Electromagnetic field therapy speeds healing of wounds and bones by half the regular time. Frequently change or air the natural-fiber bed linen (preferably cotton) to help skin pores function more efficiently.
• The bedroom should be well ventilated or at least aired before bedtime. Stale air disrupts sleep.

How much to take

• Bee pollen, 1 tsp. or 1 tsp. royal jelly
• Vitamin C with bioflavonoids , 1,000 mg twice daily
• Vitamin B complex, 100 mg
• Green foods, supplements, 1 tbsp
• Zinc, 15 mg, with 3 mg copper
• Lactobacillus acidophilus, three capsules or 1 tsp
• Multivitamin, as recommended on the label

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