Beat the sneezes

Watch out bugs are about. Read on for some herbs that can help to stop them in their tracks

If haven’t already gone down with a cold this year the chances are that sooner or later you’ll succumb to one of the estimated 250 cold viruses that are doing the rounds. Combine this with being cooped up with other people who are coughing and sneezing plus the lack of UV light via the sun, which is thought to help boost immunity and you have the perfect recipe for catching a cold.  But it is not all bad news as there are things you can do to minimise the risk.

Cold viruses are usually spread through droplets that are coughed and sneezed out by an infected person so it makes sense to avoid crowded places like the sales counters in department stores and commuter trains. The viruses can also be transferred via touch. For example, if you have a cold and you touch your nose or eyes and then touch someone else, you may pass the virus on to them. 

Door handles, computer keyboards, phones and TV remote controls are also common breeding grounds for viruses so keep them clean and wash your hands at every opportunity.

There are also several herbs that can help build up your natural defences as well as lessen symptoms if are unlucky enough to pick up a bug.

Protect yourself

Many studies show the benefits of dosing up with echinacea. Research carried out several years ago, for example, at the University of Connecticut showed that echinacea can more than halve the risk of catching a common cold. If you are prone to winter sniffles you can take it on an ongoing basis as a protective measure and up the dose if you start to feel a cold coming on.

Garlic is another favourite when it comes to fighting colds. It’s been more closely researched than any other medicinal plant and studies show it’s rich in antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Chop it up and add it raw to winter salads or use it to flavour veggie stews and soups. Alternatively take it in supplement form. If you can’t stand the taste or smell look out for odourless capsules.

If you do catch a cold …

Remember what your mother told you - wrap up warm, get plenty of rest and stay in bed if you feel really rough. Forcing yourself to go out to work won’t do you any favours  - it usually means it takes much longer for you to shake off the cold. There are also several herbs that can help to ease symptoms.

Start by dosing up with pelargonium at the first sign of a sniffle or a sore throat. Research shows it helps to kick-start your body’s natural killer cells as well as helping to relieve typical cold symptoms such as a sore throat and nasal congestion. It may also put a stop to secondary infections such as bronchitis. In addition eucalyptus or myrrh essential oil can help loosen mucus and ease congestion. Add 3-4 drops to a bowl of steaming water. Cover your head and the bowl with a towel and inhale.

Pelargonium can be found in Kaloba - A traditional herbal medicinal product used to relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections such as the common cold based on traditional use only.