Harness the Natural Healing Properties of Herbs, Spices and Fresh Fruit to Fight the Curse of Winter Coughs, Sneezes and Sniffles

When it comes to treating a winter cold, there are plenty of natural ingredients that will help your body heal itself, many of which are in your kitchen already.

A healthy diet all year round is a cold-fighting essential.  Be sure to pack your winter meals with food rich in vitamin C (such as broccoli and citrus fruits) and zinc (found in whole grains).

Protection is better than cure

Stress can also weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to colds.  If you feel stressed, try to think positively and address any worries.  Above all, ensure that your immune system has time to work by getting plenty of sleep.

Helping Your Body To Fight A Cold

Runny noses, congested coughs and sweating cause us to lose body fluids, leaving us dehydrated and thirsty.  The obvious response is to reach for a hot drink, but caffeine is also dehydrating, so regular tea and coffee only exacerbates the problem.  Most herbal teas are caffeine-free, however, allowing you to enjoy your warm drink without the dehydrating side effects.

Herbal teas and fresh fruit juices can provide a valuable source of vitamins and minerals, especially if you've lost your appetite.

Boost your immune system by:

• DRINK MORE OFTEN

      Replace moisture lost in coughs and sneezes by drinking regularly throughout the day.  It is particularly important to keep hydrated if you have a fever.

• BOOSTING YOUR VITAMIN INTAKE

      Fruit juices and soups will quench your thirst while supplying essential vitamins.

• GETTING PLENTY OF REST

      Studies have shown that deep sleep increases immune functions. Skipping sleep will simply prolong your cold.

COLD BUSTING HERBS

Whether you've got an aching body, a runny nose or a sore throat, there is an herbal remedy that can soothe and cure cold symptoms.

• ENCHINACEA-Enchinacea strengthens the immune system and can shorten the length of a bout of cold or flu.  Drink a cup of echinacea tea every day from the start of winter as a preventive measure.  Enchinacea is available as a dried herb from specialists suppliers or as herbal tea bags.
• CITRUS FRUITS-Lemon, grapefruit, and orange juices are all antiseptic and have uplifting properties, helping to beat the "winter blues".  Orange can bring down temperatures, grapefruit stimulates the lymphatic system and fights fevers, and lemon cleanses and purifies.  Heat essential oils in a vaporizer or eat fresh fruit to boost vitamin C levels.
• EUCALYPTUS-The antiseptic essential oil works on the respiratory tract, soothing inflammation and clearing the head and sinuses. A few drops oon a handkerchief inhaled at intervals will relieve nasal congestion.
• ROSEMARY-Available as an essential oil or a dried or fresh herb, rosemary eases headaches and sore throats and can also raise the spirit.  Gargle with a diluted syrup to ease a sore throat. Alternatively, to treat an aching head, drink half a cup of rosemary tea every three hours.
• GARLIC-Whether in clove, powder or oil form, garlic's antibacterial properties help the immune system to fight infection.  It is also an effective remedy for chest infections. Try to include garlic in your diet or take a fresh clove two to three times a day with meals.
• SAGE-Sage's chest clearing properties are useful for treating head colds and restoring appetite.  Drink in herbal tea throughout the day.
• THYME-Available as a fresh or dried herb or essential oil, thyme fights infections and relieves low spirits and exhaustion, fortifying the body against colds.  Drink half a cup of tea, or take a half tbsp of syrup, three times a day.
• PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD AVOID SAGE AND THYME!!!
• GINGER-Available in root or essential oil form, this winter warmer is an antiseptic, a stimulant and expectorant all in one.  Dilute the essential oil for a muscle rub. ***Grated ginger root can be made into a tea, or added to foods.***
• Honey-This humble store cupboard standby soothes sore throats and tickly coughs.  It also gives relief from headaches and promotes relaxation. Use instead of sugar to sweeten herbal drinks.