Beat the summer sniffles

Starting to sniffle and sneeze? Here are some herbal remedies that may help to clear things up.

Colds are not just for winter. More than a quarter of colds occur during the summer. The reason? Certain viruses are more active in the warmer months and things like long haul flights and air-conditioned offices provide perfect places for them to breed.

So what are the best protective tactics? Keeping fit and healthy and watching out for stress overload are good ways to keep your immune system fired up. You also need to follow a well balanced diet with plenty of fresh summer fruit and vegetables. Including plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish such as salmon and tuna, nuts and seeds, can be beneficial too. There are also lots of herbs that can help to build up your defences naturally.

Numerous studies show the benefits of dosing up with echinacea. Research carried out 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 summer sniffles or going on a long- haul holiday 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 an old 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 summer salads or use it to flavour veggies on the barbecue.  If the taste or smell are just too much for you and your family, odourless capsules are available in health stores and pharmacies.

Another herb that is gaining recognition for fighting colds is pelargonium. Research shows it can help to kick start your body’s natural killer cells to fight the infection as well as helping to relieve typical cold symptoms such as a sore throat and nasal congestion.  You should take 30 drops of pelargonium extract three times a day at the first sign of any symptoms.

Elderflower is another tried and tested remedy. It works well on its own or combined with peppermint. Simply put a teaspoon of the dried herb or a teabag in a cup. Fill with boiling water, strain and sip before you go to bed.

Hot ginger tea can also be very soothing.  Grate a chunk of fresh, peeled ginger root into a mug, cover with boiling water, leave to infuse for a few minutes and sip. Alternatively, add a pinch of powdered ginger to hot lemon and honey.

If you are suffering from a bunged-up nose eucalyptus may help to bring relief.  Its leaves contain an essential oil with antiseptic properties that can help ward off bacteria and viruses. It can also help to loosen mucus and ease congestion. Put a few drops of the essential oil on a handkerchief and sniff as required. Alternatively, add two to three drops to a bowl of hot (not boiling) water. Cover your head and the bowl with a towel and inhale the steam carefully.

REMEMBER, REMEMBER

•  Wash hands regularly especially after blowing your nose and before eating.
•  Wipe down door handles, computer keyboards, mobile and ordinary phones and the TV remote control regularly. Viruses can live for up to three days on these.
•  Use tissues only once and then throw away.
•  Avoid people with colds and try not to shake their hands.

Pelargonium is 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.