Sending winter bugs on their way...

 

 

Let’s start with the most obvious one which most people seem to overlook. 

 

That’s to listen to your body. If you’re struggling to get out of bed, take the hint and stay there. And, for those of you who ring up and tell us that you’ve got Flu but you’re at work, then you haven’t! As one Client so eloquently put it, it must be Man Flu instead… 

 

Anyway, before we digress too far, if it really is Flu, you won’t be going anywhere. Even turning over in bed will be a real effort. We kid you not. As the old saying goes, if you had to climb over a gate to pick up a £50 note, then you wouldn’t be able to do it! 

 

Conversely, if you’re up and about but feeling lethargic, take things slowly. Rushing on regardless only guarantees one thing. That it’ll take you much longer to recover from whatever it is, as precious energy is diverted away from your Immune System to keep you on your feet. 

 

Similarly, if you’re not feeling hungry, don’t force yourself to eat large hearty meals. Instead graze, eating easily digestible foods little and often. And that doesn’t mean all those sugar laden comfort foods which overload your body and put your Immune System under even more pressure. 

 

Keep your fluids up. Even if you’re not running a “proper” temperature, your body temperature will rise slightly, as this is one of the many ways your body kills pathogens. And a raised temperature means more water is burnt up in the process. Not forgetting the important part water plays in helping to detox the body afterwards. 

 

Fresh pineapple – or pineapple juice – is a great choice. While we’re generally not fans of shop bought fruit juice, fresh pineapple juice – made 50 / 50 with warm water – is a great drink for the winter bugs. Not only is it a very soothing drink for a sore throat, but contains high levels of Vitamin C to help support the Immune System, along with bromelain to help clear mucus and catarrh. Fresh pineapple would be even better, not forgetting to include the core which has the highest levels of bromelain and Vitamin C. 

 

Ginger tea is another good drink, as it’s anti viral and warming, as well as being great for a sore throat. Simply take a piece of fresh ginger, pour over boiling water and then cover it with a saucer to “brew” before drinking. Honey can be added to taste. 

 

Talking of honey, it’s antibacterial, a powerful antioxidant and contains many trace elements and minerals to help see winter bugs on their way. It can be taken by the spoonful or added it to drinks, to help soothe sore throats and coughs. And don’t forget the old standby of honey and fresh lemon. 

 

A traditional naturopathic use of honey is to add either fresh chopped thyme and / or freshly pressed garlic to a jar of honey. Then take by the spoonful as needed. These both help support the Immune System as well as clearing mucus and catarrh. If you include garlic, there’s also the added benefit that everyone will give you a wide berth, so helping prevent the bug from being passed on (!). 

 

Last, but not least, don't forget the tried and tested remedy of chicken soup which your Mum – or Granny – used to give you when you were ill. Chicken soup provides fluids, is easy to digest and has also been found to reduce inflammation and fevers. 

 

Keep yourself warm, but make sure you have some fresh air too, even if your window is only slightly ajar. And, if the air feels very dry, a bowl of water above a radiator – or a humidifier – can help. 

 

If you’re very blocked up and snuffly, the traditional approach of steaming can help get things moving. Simply fill a large bowl – a mixing bowl is best – with freshly boiled water and breathe in the steam. Put a towel over your head to keep the steam in and so increase its effects. Adding a few drops of Olbas Oil or essential oils such as Lavender, Rosemary or Eucalyptus can increase its effects. 

 

However, do remember that a little commonsense is needed. Only steam for a few minutes at a time. If you’re feeling at all woosy or faint, then don’t do it, for all the obvious reasons. And, finally, don’t go outside immediately afterwards. Having opened up the airways and got everything moving (!) you don’t then want to undo all the good work. Traditionally steaming was done first thing in the morning and last thing at night. 

 

Here are a few other things that can help: 

 

If you’re not already taking Vitamin C, start taking at least 1,000mg a day. And if you already are, increase it up to at least 1,000mg each morning and evening. 

 

Similarly, start taking Vitamin D3 – at least 400mg a day – and, if you already are, increase it up to at least 400mg each morning and evening. 

 

Colloidal Silver, the forerunner to antibiotics, helps fight infections and remove fungi, viruses and bacteria from the body. It also helps detox the body afterwards while being harmless and non toxic. It can be taken as a liquid or as a nasal spray. 

 

Tinctures such as Echinacea, Astragalus, Sambuccus and Hydrastis can also be very helpful to help support the Immune System. Simply take them twice a day for as long as needed. 

 

Zinc lozenges can be used to help soothe sore throats, with research finding that this can reduce the duration of Colds and Flu by 1 to 2 days. Alternatively, you can take Zinc as a supplement to help speed things along. 

 

And, once you’re starting to feel better, don’t forget to take it slowly for a few days. Running a full Immune System response burns up a huge amount of energy and a little time recuperation time is needed to recharge your batteries. Not to mention all the extra housekeeping and detoxing your body needs to do to clear up after these unwelcome guests (!). 

 

As always, the choice is yours.