Cold comforts

Here’s how to stand up to winter bugs and viruses the natural way

‘Tis the season of sneezes and sniffles and chances are sooner or later you’ll succumb to one of the estimated 250 cold viruses that are circulating at this time of year. But it is not all bad news as there are plenty of remedies in the herbal medicine chest that can help to build up your defences naturally.

Echinacea is not called the wonder herb for nothing. This potent immune booster has proven antibacterial and antiviral properties. Research carried out last year for example at the University of Connecticut showed that echinacea can more than halve the risk of catching a common cold. After looking at 14 different studies the researchers concluded that echinacea could decrease the odds of developing a cold by 58 per cent and reduce the duration of colds by a day and a half in people who were already infected. Take it on an ongoing basis to protect against a cold and in higher doses if you start cough and sneeze.

Garlic is another tried and tested remedy for colds. It’s been more closely researched than any other medicinal plant and studies show it’s full of protective and immune-boosting powers. Eat it raw in salads or look out for it in supplement form. If you can’t stand the taste and smell, odourless capsules are available in health stores.

If you think you are getting a cold you need to act fast to stop it in it tracks. And the best herb to help you here 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. It may also put a stop to secondary infections such as bronchitis.

Elderflower is another age-old remedy for colds. Try it on its own or combine it with some peppermint. Put a teaspoon or a teabag of each in a cup. Fill with boiling water, strain and sip before you go to bed. Hot ginger tea is also worth a try. Simply 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.

And we must not forget eucalyptus. 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. Add 3-4 drops to a bowl of steaming water. Cover your head and the bowl with a towel and inhale.

Try these…

• Rest. Putting your feet up and lying down as much as you can will allow your body to divert its energy into fighting the virus.
• Drink up. Plenty of liquids are essential to help flush the infection out of your body and loosen a blocked nose. Any drink will do including traditional remedies such as honey and lemon and chicken soup. They help to thin mucus as well as providing easily absorbable nutrients.
• Eat light. You probably don't have much appetite so go for light but nutritious fruit and veg. Carrots, beetroot and green peppers are all rich in cold-fighting nutrients. Alternatively whiz up an immune-boosting fruit or vegetable smoothie.
• Spice it up. Hot, spicy foods such as curries encourage your body to expel mucus. Spicy foods work in the same way as over-the-counter decongestants but without any of the side effects such as drowsiness.
• Go easy on dairy. Avoid dairy products such as cream- based soups, ice cream, pudding or milk as they can increase phlegm.
• Don't smoke. Smoke is irritating and stops mucus clearing from your air passages. It's best to avoid alcohol too, which expands blood vessels in your nose increasing that stuffy feeling.
• Don't delay. Treatments are best started at the first hint of a sneeze as colds generally get worse over the first couple of days and then begin to subside.
• Seek medical help. If your cold goes on for longer than seven days or mucus secretions are yellowish or green, you should contact your doctor.

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.